Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental condition. It affects how people communicate, interact with others, learn and behave. To be diagnosed, a child must have lasting challenges with social communication and interaction in three areas. They must also show at least two of four kinds of repeated behaviors or interests. These signs start early in life, though learned strategies may hide them later on.

"Spectrum" means people with autism have a wide range of traits, needs, strengths and challenges. Support needs are rated in each area using levels of autism. They range from Level 1 (needs support) to Level 3 (needs very substantial support). Since 2013, the diagnosis also covers conditions once diagnosed on their own, such as Asperger syndrome. In 2022, a federal tracking network identified about 1 in 31 children aged 8 with ASD.

Because autism is a spectrum, two autistic children can look very different. For one child, the clearest signs may be in social communication. For another, they may be repeated words or phrases, or strong reactions to certain sounds or textures. People with autism can also have many strengths, such as learning well by seeing and hearing. There's no blood test for autism, so clinicians look at behavior and development. It can usually be diagnosed reliably by age 2.

• Ask the evaluating clinician: If your child is being evaluated, ask which tools and sources of information the clinician will use.
• After a diagnosis: Ask the clinician to explain the support level for each area, whether it can change over time and which next steps after diagnosis they suggest.
• Ask your behavior analyst: Ask your Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) how your child's strengths and support needs shape their therapy goals.