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Autism Spectrum Disorder
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Mental Health Behavior

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurological and developmental condition that impacts how an individual communicates, learns, and interacts with others.

Overview

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that begins early in childhood and lasts throughout a person's life. It affects how a person acts and interacts with others, communicates, and learns. It includes what used to be known as Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental disorders.

Symptoms

It is called a "spectrum" disorder because people with ASD can have a range of symptoms. People with ASD might have problems talking with you, or they might not look you in the eye when you talk to them. They may also have restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. They may spend a lot of time putting things in order, or they may say the same sentence again and again. They may often seem to be in their "own world."

Diagnosis

At well-child checkups, the health care provider should check your child's development. If there are signs of ASD, your child will have a comprehensive evaluation. It may include a team of specialists, doing various tests and evaluations to make a diagnosis.

Causes

The causes of ASD are not known. Research suggests that both genes and environment play important roles.

Treatment & Management

There is currently no one standard treatment for ASD. There are many ways to increase your child's ability to grow and learn new skills. Starting them early can lead to better results. Treatments include behavior and communication therapies, skills training, and medicines to control symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

pplied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the most studied intervention for skill acquisition and behavior reduction. Speech‑language therapy targets expressive and receptive language, while occupational therapy addresses sensory processing and fine‑motor skills. Choose based on the child’s specific needs, therapist expertise, and family schedule; many families combine ABA with speech and OT for a holistic approach.
Look for limited eye contact, delayed babbling or speech, lack of response to their name, repetitive hand‑flapping or rocking, intense focus on a single object, and difficulty with turn‑taking during play. If any of these appear consistently before 24 months, request a formal screening such as the M‑CHAT and discuss a referral to a developmental specialist.
comprehensive evaluation usually includes a developmental pediatrician or neurologist, a psychologist or neuropsychologist for cognitive testing, a speech‑language pathologist to assess communication, and an occupational therapist to evaluate sensory and motor skills. Parents provide developmental history, and standardized tools like ADOS‑2 and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales are used to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment planning.
Request an evaluation for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan through the school’s special education office. Provide the diagnostic report, recent assessment results, and a summary of functional needs (e.g., visual supports, extended test time, sensory breaks). The school must develop written accommodations, and you have the right to participate in the planning meeting and appeal decisions if necessary.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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