What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), hereafter referred to as Autism (which includes Asperger’s Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified [PDD-NOS]), is a complex, lifelong developmental condition that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation.
Autism is prevalent across the world, although tracking rates can vary due to differences in reporting. In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated the Prevalence Data & Statistics for Autism.
The report concluded:
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The prevalence of Autism had risen to 1 in every 31 – more than three times as great as the 2004 rate of 1 in 125.
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Children who receive an Autism diagnosis by age 4, are fifty times more likely to receive services.
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More White and Black children were identified with Autism than Hispanic children.
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Stigma, lack of access to healthcare services due to non-citizenship or low income, and non-English primary language are potential barriers to the early identification of Hispanic children and children of color with Autism.
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Boys are approximately 4 times more likely to have an Autism diagnosis than girls of the same age. However, recent research suggests that girls may not display characteristics of Autism in the same way as boys and might go undiagnosed because of their different presentation.
For additional facts & statistics about autism, visit the "Understanding Autism" webpage on the Autism Society of America website, or the Autism Center for Education at Virginia Commonwealth University.
The Autism experience is different for everyone. It is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is often referred to as a “spectrum disorder” that affects people differently and to varying degrees.
While there is currently no single cause for Autism, early diagnosis helps a person receive resources that can support the choices and opportunities to live fully.
Screening and Diagnosis
Autism is characterized in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), which is used by clinicians to diagnose Autism.
Some examples can include:
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Persistent differences in communication, interpersonal relationships, and social interaction across different environments.
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What this can look like: Being nonverbal, nonspeaking, or having atypical speech patterns, having trouble understanding nonverbal communication, difficulty making and keeping friends, difficulty maintaining typical back-and-forth conversational style.
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Restricted and repetitive behavior, patterns, activities and interests.
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What this can look like: Repeating sounds or phrases (echolalia), repetitive movements, preference for sameness and difficulty with transition or routine, rigid or highly restricted and intense interests, extreme sensitivity to, or significantly lower sensitivity to, sensory stimuli.
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Signs and Characteristics
Autism impacts an individual throughout the lifespan. However, research shows that early diagnosis can lead to improved quality of life. The behaviors of Autism may be apparent in infancy, but they usually become clearer during early childhood. As part of a regular health visit, your child’s doctor should perform developmental screenings focused on Autism. This screening is recommended at ages 18 and 24 months for all children.
Your doctor will encourage you to ask specific questions about your child’s developmental progress. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Milestones Checklist can be used as a guide to track your child’s development from 2 months to 5 years. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed a list of Signs and Symptoms, which can be found here.
Social communication and interaction skills can be challenging for people with ASD.
Characteristics can include:
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Avoids or does not keep eye contact
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Does not respond to name by 9 months of age
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Does not show facial expressions such as happy, sad, angry, and surprised by 9 months of age
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Does not play simple interactive games like pat-a-cake by 12 months of age
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Uses few or no gestures by 12 months of age (for example, does not wave goodbye)
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Does not share interests with others by 15 months of age (for example, shows you an object that they like)
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Does not point to show you something interesting by 18 months of age
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Does not notice when others are hurt or upset by 24 months (2 years) of age
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Does not notice other children and join them in play by 36 months (3 years) of age
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Does not pretend to be something else, like a teacher or superhero, during play by 48 months (4 years) of age
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Does not sing, dance, or act for you by 60 months (5 years) of age
Contact your child’s doctor if you have any concerns about your child’s development.
The ASNV is here to support you.
Our Resource Directory connects individuals and families with local providers and resources tailored to their needs, featuring recommendations from those who have used these services.
Our Information and Referral Program can help by educating you about resources that may be available and how service systems operate. We can assist with navigating various issues, and how to effectively obtaining needed services.
Complete this online request form or give us a call at (703) 537-9487.