Autism Spectrum Disorder - Child Neurology Foundation

Authors: Alexis Dallara-Marsh, MD, Neurology Group of Bergen County, Ridgewood, NJ 
Regina M. Troxell, MD, Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, CA/ Cortica, San Diego, CA 

Reviewed: January 2022

SUMMARY

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a brain and developmental disorder. On average, 1 in 54 children living in the United States will be diagnosed with ASD. 

Children with ASD show:

Trouble with social interactions
Atypical interests and patterns of behavior

Some children with ASD may stop talking or lose developmental skills they already had. This can take place between the ages of 18 and 24 months old.

The term “autism” was changed to autism spectrum disorder in 2013 by the American Psychiatric Association. The change is an effort to ensure that patients with symptoms are able to identify with the disorder. This can help them get the treatment or support services they need. ASD is now an umbrella term that covers what was once known as:

Autistic disorder
Pervasive developmental disorder–not otherwise specified (PDD–NOS)
Asperger syndrome

Disorder Overview

DESCRIPTION

Children with ASD have different communication skills, behaviors, interests, and sensitivity levels than children without ASD. They may:

Have delayed developmental skills, such as talking later
Have differences in social communication and social interactions, and prefer to play by themselves
Have restricted and repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities
Be extra sensitive to certain sounds, textures, or environments
Have difficulty with balance and fine motor coordination

These differences are thought to be linked to differences in the brain and nervous system. However, the exact way that ASD works remains mostly unknown.

CAUSES

The cause of ASD is likely multifactorial. In other words, several factors probably contribute to ASD. These can include a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Genetic Factors Related to ASD

Genetics can contribute to ASD. However, there is no single gene that causes ASD. So far, there are over 84 known possible genes that can contribute to ASD. Researchers are still looking for more genes that might be involved.

Not everyone who has a diagnosis of ASD will have a known genetic difference. However, a family history of ASD is a known risk factor for developing ASD. More ASD characteristics are seen among close family members, like siblings or parents, than among distant family members, like cousins.

Environmental Factors Related to ASD

There are many possible environmental factors that, alone or together, can lead to an increased risk of ASD. Some of these factors include:

Advanced parental age. Children with parents who conceived over age 40 have a higher risk of ASD.
Birth complications. Premature birth or conditions associated with trauma or lack of oxygen during birth have shown strong links to ASD.

Factors Not Related to ASD

The following have not been associated with an increased risk of ASD:

Vaccines
Maternal smoking
Thimerosal exposure
Assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF

Research into what causes ASD is ongoing. Researchers hope to better understand what causes ASD in the future.

Autism Spectrum Disorder and the MMR Vaccine

Some sources wrongly state that ASD is caused by the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. However, there is no evidence supporting this. In fact, there is evidence against it.

In a 2004 report, the Institute of Medicine’s Immunization Safety Review Committee carefully looked at all of the scientific articles studying the MMR vaccine and ASD. It found that there is no link between the vaccine and ASD. More studies have been done since that time. They, too, have found no link. 

The misinformation began when a researcher published an article linking the MMR vaccine to ASD in a medical journal. However, further review showed that the data was faked. The medical journal publicly discredited the article in 2011. The researcher had his medical license taken away due to fraud.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Many children with ASD will experience:

Trouble with speech.

Speech delay is common in ASD. Some children have regressions in speech beginning at about 12 to 18 months of age.

Trouble with eye contact.

Differences in play.

This can look like:

Lack of pretend play
Play that is very rigid and repetitive, such as lining up blocks by color or only turning the wheels on a vehicle

Difficulty with social interactions.

This can mean:

Having a hard time understanding the intent of others
Using and understanding body language and expression in an unusual way
Having less interest in other children

Sensitivity.

Many with ASD will have an increased or decreased sensitivity to:

Sounds
Lights
Textures, as in fabrics or foods

Atypical behaviors.

These can include:

Head banging
Prolonged tantrums
Trouble sleeping
Resistance to change

Variation in Symptoms

ASD can sometimes include more subtle symptoms than those listed above. Children with mild symptoms (often girls) may appear social and make eye contact. Other people may not even notice the symptoms. However, these children may still miss social cues. They may:

Have trouble reading others’ body language
Be overly friendly

ASD can look different in each person. Further, symptoms can change over time. Some symptoms may improve or go away with time. New ones may develop as the child gets older.

Spectrum of Severity

ASD has a wide spectrum of severity. It can be classified into three levels. The levels are defined by how much support an individual needs. These levels can vary across settings and may change over time. For instance, levels may change as an individual develops. Or levels may change in response to improved communication.

Level 1: Requires support.

Without supports in place, this child may have problems with social communication or have difficulty forming relationships.

Level 2: Requires substantial support.

Social struggles may continue even with supports in place. These struggles may be obvious to a casual observer. For example, this child may:

Speak in simple sentences
Have limited interactions
Have narrow interests

Level 3: Requires very substantial support.

This child may have severe problems with daily activities. They might experience:

Verbal and nonverbal communication problems
Extreme inflexibility
Severely restricted or repetitive behaviors
Great distress

DIAGNOSIS

To be diagnosed with ASD, a child must have certain behaviors associated with ASD. ASD is a clinical diagnosis based on health history and observation.

ASD can be diagnosed after a physician or psychologist:

Observes the child in person
Learns about the child’s behavior from parents or caregivers

Questionnaires can help doctors learn more about a child’s behavior. Some assessment tools are used to screen for ASD. Others are used to help establish a diagnosis.

Frequently used screening questionnaires include:

The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M–CHAT).

Pediatricians often give the M–CHAT at normal well-child visits starting at 18 months. The M–CHAT was designed to find children at risk for ASD in the general population. 

The Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ).

The ASSQ is a 27-question assessment filled in by the parents or teachers of youth ages 6 to 17. It is designed as an initial screening for ASD. It is used especially in those with a high or normal IQ or those with only mild intellectual disability.

Standardized diagnostic tools include:

The Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ).

The SCQ is a 40-item parent questionnaire in a yes/no format. It is generally used for children with a developmental age over age 2. It rates “lifetime” characteristics, which help with a diagnosis, and “current” characteristics, which identify current difficulties. It focuses on a child’s:

Social relating
Communication
Range of interests

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule–Second Edition (ADOS–2).

The ADOS–2 is an assessment given by trained clinicians to look at the communication skills, social interactions, and imaginative use of materials in people who might have ASD. There are several versions of the assessment. Each one is suitable for a different age group and speaking level. This assessment can be used in children older than age one and in adults. It and takes 30 to 60 minutes.

The Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised (ADI–R).

This is an interview designed to be used with caregivers. It can help diagnose ASD. It can also help doctors tell the difference between ASD and other neurodevelopmental conditions. It can be used for diagnosing ASD in those ages 2 and up.

The Childhood Autism Rating Scale–Second Edition (CARS2).

The CARS2 is a scale based on observation and an interview. It is effective in helping doctors tell the difference between children with ASD and those with severe cognitive problems. It can also help tell the ASD severity level. There are three versions of the CARS2:

Standard
High-functioning
Parent- or caregiver-reported

Children who are thought to be at risk for ASD are referred to specialists. Specialists might include:

Developmental-behavioral pediatricians
Child psychiatrists
Child neurologists
Psychologists with expertise in ASD

Specialists can help complete an ASD evaluation, which can:

Help produce a diagnosis of ASD
Show a child’s level of functioning
List a child’s strengths and challenges

LABORATORY INVESTIGATIONS

Several kinds of lab tests can help look for the causes of a child’s symptoms. These tests can either point to ASD or rule out other causes.

Blood and urine tests.

These may be ordered to look for any metabolic causes underlying ASD.

Genetic tests.

Various genetic tests may be used for any child diagnosed with ASD:

Chromosomal microarray
Fragile X testing
Specific panels targeted for ASD
Whole exome sequencing

These tests try to learn if there is an extra or missing piece of a gene that may be responsible for the child’s symptoms. A genetic abnormality is found through these tests about 10% to 40% of the time.

Lead tests.

A child’s lead levels should be checked if there is any suspicion of exposure to lead. This can rule out lead poisoning.

Thyroid tests.

Thyroid hormone levels should be checked if there are signs of abnormal thyroid function.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Most of the time, an MRI is not needed for those with ASD. However, concerns about an abnormal head size or other issues can point to differences in how the brain is structured. An MRI can look for these differences.

Hearing tests.

All children with delays in language should have a formal hearing test. The test can be completed by an audiologist.

Electroencephalogram (EEG).

An EEG can test brain waves and brain activity. It is often ordered as a screening test for seizures. About 20% of children with ASD will have a seizure in their lifetime. If a child has a health history that might indicate seizures, such as unexplained staring spells or abnormal movements, an EEG may be recommended. EEG monitoring can be:

Routine and in-office, lasting 30 to 40 minutes
Prolonged and with video monitoring, lasting 24 hours or overnight
Multi-day, mobile, and conducted at home

Usually, the above tests do not need to be repeated if they come out normal. However, if a child has seizures or develops new symptoms, they might need additional testing.

TREATMENT AND THERAPIES

Early Intervention

There is no cure for ASD, but early intervention is important. It can greatly impact the future outcomes for a child with ASD. Each state in the US has its own early-intervention services. State-specific contact information for early intervention is available through the CDC.

Types of Therapies

There are many types of therapies that might be helpful to children with ASD. The most successful programs offer:

Individual therapy for the child
Ongoing adjustments to the services over time as the child’s needs change

Examples of the therapies used include:

Applied behavior analysis (ABA).

ABA aims to help children increase desirable behaviors and decrease undesirable behaviors. It does so by teaching children skills using a reward system.

Occupational therapy (OT).

OT helps children improve fine motor skills such as feeding, dressing, and writing. It also helps with sensory processing concerns.

Physical therapy (PT).

PT helps children improve gross motor skills such as walking, climbing stairs, and playing sports. It can help improve core strength, such as the ability to sit up or control posture.

Speech therapy (ST).

ST aims to improve speech, language, and communication. ST works toward building:

Vocabulary
The proper sound production of words
Speech fluency
Better tone and pitch
The social and pragmatic parts of speech, such as body language and conversational speech
Oral motor feeding skills
Swallowing skills

Music therapy.

Music therapy uses a variety of music techniques to help reinforce positive behavior. Techniques may include:

Singing or vocalization
Playing instruments
Movement or dancing
Musical improvisation
Songwriting or composition
Listening to music
Computer-based music activities

Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT).

PCIT is unique in that parents are coached, in real time, to reinforce their children’s positive behaviors. This is achieved with help from a coach behind a one-way mirror. The coach communicates with the parent using a “bug-in-the-ear” microphone. Parents learn to:

Use verbal praise for positive reinforcement
Reduce dysfunctional behaviors by ignoring them

Floortime.

Floortime is a relationship-based therapy for children with ASD. The therapy is called Floortime because a parent or caregiver must get down on the floor with a child to play and interact at the child’s level. Adults meet the child at their developmental level. They build on the child’s strengths by following the child’s lead in games and other activities.

Medication

The medications that can be used for ASD vary based on the specific symptoms of each child. Be sure to discuss the options with your child’s provider.

ASD symptoms that can be treated with medication include:

Hyperactivity and inattention.

Psychostimulants are often the first choice. The most common side effects include decreased appetite and difficulty sleeping. Alpha–agonist medications may also be very effective for these symptoms in some children with ASD.

Obsessive/compulsive behaviors and anxiety.

SSRI medications are the first choice. However, some children may need to try other medications instead. 

Aggressive and impulsive behaviors.

A variety of medications may be used to help with these behaviors. Many of them are used for other symptoms as well. Medications for behavioral issues include:

Atypical neuroleptics 
Alpha-agonists
Beta-blockers

Tics and stereotypies.

Alpha–agonists are the first choice. Side effects can include drowsiness and low blood pressure. Antipsychotics may also be used.

For more information, see the Motor Stereotypies page.

Seizures.

Antiseizure medications can sometimes cause drowsiness, dizziness, or changes in personality. However, for most children, there are minimal or no side effects to these medications. Some seizures can be life-threatening if left untreated, so it is important to treat them. Some antiseizure medications can also serve as mood stabilizers.

Trouble sleeping.

Alpha–agonists and the supplements melatonin and magnesium are most commonly used for this. There are many other options, as well.

Mood instability.

A number of drugs can help with problems with mood. Antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers are commonly used to treat mood instability.

Other Treatment Options

There are many treatments used for ASD aside from medications. The following symptoms can be treated without medication:

Difficulty with communication.

Visual aids and clear instructions may help. For some non-speaking individuals, something called “augmentative communication” is useful. This might involve picture boards or picture cards.

Delays in socialization.

Supervised community playgroups and social-skill groups may help.

Difficulty with routine.

Picture-based schedules can help children know what to do at what times. They can also help children know when to expect activities they enjoy, like screen time.

Challenging behaviors.

Hyperactivity, anxiety, and aggressive behaviors can be treated with evidence-based parent-training programs.

OUTLOOK

ASD can present challenges that change over time.

Young children with ASD may struggle with:

Communication
Appropriate peer relationships or making friends
Learning skills, like tying shoes or riding a bike

Older children and teens may struggle with:

Peer relationships or dating
Independent schoolwork
Disorders that can exist alongside ASD, such as anxiety or ADHD

Young adults with ASD may struggle with:

Employment
Higher education
Health care
Social connectedness
Independent living

Variation in Outcomes

Many individuals with Level 1 or Level 2 ASD can become independent over time. Each individual with ASD is different. However, with appropriate family and community supports, many children with ASD will be able to:

Have meaningful relationships
Have positive work experiences
Move away from home

Factors Associated with Outcomes

Outcomes can sometimes be influenced by the factors listed below:

The severity of ASD symptoms
An IQ of less than 70
Other medical or neurodevelopmental conditions existing alongside ASD
Early identification and intervention
Functional speech and play skills
Regular inclusion with neurotypical peers

Risks Associated with ASD

ASD in itself is not fatal. However, children with ASD are more likely to run away into unsafe areas, such as traffic-filled streets or nearby water. They are at an increased risk of drowning compared to their neurotypical peers. It is therefore important for those with ASD to learn early water safety.

Resources

ORGANIZATIONS

Autism Society of America
The Autism Society is the nation’s oldest leading grassroots autism organization and exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. Annually, the Autism Society and it’s 75 local affiliates served over half a million individuals impacted by autism through education, advocacy, information and referral services, support, and providing community inclusion and acceptance at the national, state, and local levels.

The Autism Society of America has trained Information & Referral (I&R) Specialists who provide many resources to services and supports across the country. The National Helpline can be reached at 1-800-328-8476 or [email protected]. Please see the Affiliate Network page for the Autism Society affiliate closest to your area.

Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. They provide advocacy and support; increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism; and advance research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.

The Autism Response Team of Autism Speaks provides a free resource. Parents/Individuals/families/service providers can reach out to them directly by phone, email and in Spanish. There is also a Chat feature on the website.

Phone: 888-288-4762
En Español: 888-772-9050
Email: [email protected]

Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation 
The mission of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation is to help meet the needs of children and families affected by autism. They also provide financial assistance for programs that benefit an autistic child’s specific needs.

National Autism Association
The mission of the National Autism Association is to respond to the most urgent needs of the autism community, providing real help and hope so that all affected can reach their full potential.

PUBLICATIONS

JCN: What Your Pediatric Neurologist Wants You to Know: Autism
Podcast from SAGE Neuroscience and Neurology/Journal of Child Neurology (JCN). An interview with Dr. Jennifer Bain, pediatric neurologist and assistant professor at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. May 10, 2022.

JCN: An interview with Dr. Lisa Shulman
Podcast from SAGE Neuroscience and Neurology/Journal of Child Neurology (JCN). Dr. Taryn Liu, Pediatric Neurology Resident at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital interviews Dr. Lisa Shulman of the Rose F. Kennedy Center Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore in Bronx, NY about her March 2019 article published in the Journal of Child Neurology: “When an Early Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder Resolves, What Remains?” This podcast was originally recorded in the summer of 2019.

JCN Podcast August 2018 Autism and Neurodevelopment
Podcast from SAGE Neuroscience and Neurology/Journal of Child Neurology (JCN). In this podcast, Dr. Alison Christy interviews Pradip Kamat from Emory University about his article, Outpatient Procedural Sedation of Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders for Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain Using Propofol. She also interviews Melissa Svoboda from Baylor College of Medicine in San Antonio.

Child Neurology Foundation (CNF) solicits resources from the community to be included on this webpage through an application process. CNF reserves the right to remove entities at any time if information is deemed inappropriate or inconsistent with the mission, vision, and values of CNF.

Research

ClinicalTrials.gov for Autism Spectrum Disorder (birth to 17 years).

These are clinical trials that are recruiting or will be recruiting. Updates are made daily, so you are encouraged to check back frequently.

ClinicalTrials.gov is a database of privately and publicly funded clinical studies conducted around the world. This is a resource provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), which is an institute within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Please read the NLM disclaimer for details.  

Before participating in a study, you are encouraged to talk to your health care provider and learn about the risks and potential benefits. 

Find Clinical Trials For Autism Spectrum Disorder

Family Stories

The Autism Society shares hundreds of real stories from real people living with autism spectrum disorder. Stories from the Spectrum

Read the Stories of Hope to see how much the Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation and its partner organizations have impacted autistic individuals and their families’ lives.

Autism Speaks features stories and videos of children and adults with autism spectrum disorder on their Instagram page.

The information in the CNF Child Neurology Disorder Directory is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice and should not be considered a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. Content provided is for informational purposes only. CNF is not responsible for actions taken based on the information included on this webpage. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options.

References

Autism diagnosis criteria: DSM-5 [Internet]. Autism Speaks. [cited 2021 Nov 2]. Available from: https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-diagnosis-criteria-dsm-5

Autism toolkit. [Internet]. AAP Point-of-Care Solutions. [cited 2021 Nov 2]. Available from: https://toolkits.solutions.aap.org/autism/toc

Modabbernia A, Velthorst E, Reichenberg A. Environmental risk factors for autism: an evidence-based review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Mol Autism. 2017;8:13. Published 2017 Mar 17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13229-017-0121-4

Soorya L, Kiarashi J, Hollander E. Psychopharmacologic interventions for repetitive behaviors in autism spectrum disorders. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2008 Oct;17(4):753-71, viii. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2008.06.003. PMID: 18775368.  

Seven disorders closely related to autism [Internet]. Autism Research Institute. [cited 2021 Nov 2]. Available from: https://www.autism.org/related-disorders

Autism spectrum disorder: Surveillance and screening in primary care [Internet]. UpToDate. [cited 2021 Nov 2]. Available from: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/autism-spectrum-disorder-surveillance-and-screening-in-primary-care

Autism spectrum disorder: Overview of management [Internet]. UpToDate. [cited 2021 Nov 3]. Available from: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/autism-spectrum-disorder-in-children-and-adolescents-overview-of-management

Triple P Implementation [Internet]. Triple P Parenting. [cited 2021 Nov 2]. Available from: https://www.triplep.net/glo-en/home

Hepburn S, Fidler D. What autism looks like in a child with Down syndrome: The behavioral phenotype. Chapter in: Froehlke M, Zaoborek R, When Down syndrome and autism intersect: A guide to DS-ASD for parents and professionals. Woodbine House; 2012.