Autism Spectrum Disorder and Your Child: What You Need to Know

Parenting means helping your children grow, develop and navigate the world. It’s no different for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Yet they face a unique set of challenges. Taking action early can make a real difference in navigating those challenges.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  estimates that about 3 percent of children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.  ASD is over three times more common among boys than girls.

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

ASD is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD may act, talk, socialize and learn in ways that are different from most other people.

The abilities of people with ASD can vary a lot. For example, someone with ASD might have strong communication skills, while someone else might be nonverbal. One person might need help with everyday activities. Another might live, work and go to school with little to no support.

Signs and Symptoms of ASD

Trouble connecting with others is one of the hallmarks of ASD. This includes social interaction and communication. Even those who do speak often struggle to understand others and make themselves understood.

Children with ASD may:

• Engage in repetitive behaviors or interests.
• Fail to make eye contact.
• Not respond to their names.
• Play with toys in unusual or repetitive ways.
• Be extra sensitive to loud noises, bright lights or strong smells.
• Have uncommon eating or sleeping habits.

Although ASD appears to be tied to very early brain development, most signs and symptoms tend to appear between the ages of 2 and 3. But others can appear earlier. The CDC provides examples of communication and interaction traits related to ASD  at different stages of a child’s early development.

Importance of Early Screening, Diagnosis and Intervention

Research shows that early diagnosis and intervention for children with ASD can make a big difference in their development. It can lead to major long-term positive effects on symptoms and skills later in life.

Early interventions can occur at 2 or 3 years old, says the CDC. A young child's brain is still forming, meaning it is more ‘plastic’ or changeable than at older ages. Because of this plasticity, treatments have a better chance of being effective in the longer term.

Parents are often the first to notice their child showing unusual behaviors. You should monitor your child’s development and see if they are meeting important milestones in playing, learning, speaking, behaving and moving. Check the CDC's Developmental Milestones to see what signs may appear at specific ages.  

If you notice your child is not meeting milestones or have other concerns, talk with your pediatrician and ask about developmental screening. 

Developmental screening  takes a closer look at how your child is developing. Your child will get a brief test, or you will fill out a questionnaire about your child. These are formal tools based on research. The screening can be done by a doctor or other health care professional, an early childhood educator, or in a school or community setting.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening every child for ASD during regular well-child visits at 18 and 24 months. If your pediatrician doesn’t screen your child, you can ask for screening.

ASD and Mental Health Disorders

When a child or adolescent shows signs of conditions such as anxiety, depression or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it may alert a health care provider to screen for ASD. That’s because these conditions occur more often in people with ASD than in people without, says the CDC.

ASD can also share similar symptoms or signs with mental and medical health conditions. It can be hard to distinguish between them. That’s why it is so important to have open communication with your child’s doctor if your child is having social, behavioral or learning challenges. That will help make sure your child gets the right screening and support.

What Causes Autism Spectrum Disorder?

There is no one cause of ASD. Several different factors have been identified that may make a person more likely to have ASD, including environmental, biological and genetic factors, says the CDC.

There is still a lot to learn about specific causes, but current evidence suggests the following things may put a person at greater risk for ASD:

• Having a sibling with ASD
• Having certain genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as fragile X syndrome  or tuberous sclerosis  
• Experiencing complications at birth
• Being born to older parents

While there have been concerns that some vaccines may contribute to autism, numerous studies  around the globe have concluded that there is no relationship between the two. 

Treatment and Intervention Options for ASD

Current treatments aim to lessen symptoms that can hinder daily functioning and quality of life. ASD affects each person differently, so each person has unique strengths, challenges and treatment needs.

Treatments fall into the following categories,  though some treatment plans involve more than one approach:

• Behavioral treatment uses tools based on the science of learning and behavior. It produces noticeable changes in skills and behavior.
• Developmental treatment includes physical, speech and occupational therapies.  
• Educational approaches include school-based services, such as a 504 Plan, through a local school system when age-appropriate.
• Social-relational treatment focuses on improving social skills and building emotional bonds.
• Medicine may be helpful, especially in cases where a child also has a mental health diagnosis such as ADHD, anxiety and/or depression.
• Psychological approaches can help people with ASD deal with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. This may include cognitive behavioral therapy.
• Complementary and alternative treatments may include special diets, supplements, arts therapy and relaxation therapies. These are sometimes used in addition to traditional approaches.

Finding Support and Resources for ASD

Early intervention can make school and life easier for most kids with autism. 

Contact your child’s doctor to discuss the screening options available. You may also ask your doctor for a referral to a specialist who can do a more in-depth evaluation of your child. These specialists may include a developmental pediatrician, child neurologist, child psychologist or psychiatrist to guide your child’s treatment.

There are also many resources available to parents.

Free evaluations
You can request a free evaluation from your state’s public early childhood system, called a Child Find evaluation.  

• If you child is under 3 years old: Contact your local early intervention system. You can find the contact information for your state through the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA). Visit the ECTA website.  
• If your child is 3 years old or older: Contact your local public school system. Even if your child is not yet enrolled in kindergarten, you can ask to have your child evaluated. If you’re not sure who to contact, call ECTA.

Additional support resources for families may include:

• Autism Speaks Resource Guide  
• Medicaid waiver programs
• State-specific resources, such as state departments for early intervention and developmental disabilities
• Other local resources such as Autism Resource Centers, Easter Seals and Special Olympics

Early diagnosis and intervention are key to helping your child reach full potential. If you think your child might be on the autism spectrum, work with your doctor, state and/or school and community to find the right resources.

Sources: Autism Spectrum Disorder,  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Autism Spectrum Disorder,  National Institutes of Health, 2024; Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder,  CDC, 2024; CDC’s Developmental Milestones,  CDC, 2024; Do vaccines cause autism?,  Autism Speaks; Treatment and Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder,  CDC, 2024; Concerned About Your Child’s Development?,  CDC, 2023; Accessing Services for Autism Spectrum Disorder,  CDC, 2025; Resource Guide,  Autism Speaks; Data and Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder,  CDC, 2025; Developmental Monitoring and Screening,  CDC, 2024; About Fragile X Syndrome,  CDC, 2024; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex,  National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2025; Early intervention for Autism,  National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 2021