Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): Causes and interventions

Reviewed by Stephanie Steinman, PhD, CSAC

Written by

Last updated: 04/12/2024

A pair of small hands holds a plastic outline of a brain made of a wide spectrum of colors

What is autism?

“Autism” is a shortened way of referring to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a group of developmental disorders that involve social and communication challenges and repetitive behaviors. Autism is a lifelong condition. In some cases, it may qualify as a legal disability.

Doctors can diagnose a person with ASD at any age, though they diagnose most cases during childhood. They can reliably diagnose early signs of autism in a child as young as two.¹

What does it mean to be “on the spectrum”?

Because autism encompasses a range of developmental disorders, we sometimes use the term “on the spectrum” to discuss it.

The spectrum encompasses different subtypes of autism with varied symptoms, strengths, and struggles.

Asperger’s syndrome, autistic disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) were previously thought of as distinct conditions. Now, they’re all classified under the single diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).²

Terms like “high-functioning ” and “low-functioning ” were once used to refer to the different extremes of the spectrum. However, these aren’t medical terms and many people with autism find them limiting or offensive.

Why is autism so common now?

Experts have used the term “autism” since the early 1900s, but its definition has changed greatly over the past century. Historically, many people who might have had ASD went undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. As awareness increases, rates of diagnosis will also increase.³

This doesn’t necessarily mean there are more people with ASD in the world. It likely means that clinicians are simply getting better at recognizing and diagnosing ASD.

Symptoms of autism

Autism symptoms tend to occur in early childhood, often between six and 18 months of age.⁴ Most children begin to show symptoms within the first year, but some develop typically and then have a period of regression between 18 to 24 months. The average age of diagnosis, however, is four years old.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

Struggling to communicate
Difficulty with social interactions and eye contact
Repetitive behaviors
Limited, focused interests

Who can diagnose autism?

If you have questions about your child’s development, a pediatrician can answer your questions and conduct some tests to rule out other explanations for your concerns.

If your pediatrician believes an ASD diagnosis may be likely, they’ll refer you and your child to a trained, certified specialist who can offer a professional diagnosis.

If you’re wondering if you may have ASD as an adult, your primary care physician (PCP) can address your concerns and help you rule out other health conditions with similar symptoms. Your PCP can refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for a professional evaluation. You can also browse our directory to find a local therapist specializing in treating adults with ASD.

What causes autism?

There’s no known single cause for autism, but certain factors may increase its likelihood:

Genetics: According to the Centers for Disease Control, you’re more likely to develop ASD if you have an older sibling with ASD.⁵ Certain other genetic or chromosomal syndromes may also increase your likelihood.
Pregnancy: Research suggests certain drugs taken during pregnancy may result in a higher chance of ASD.⁶ Your child’s likelihood may also increase if your pregnancy happens later in life.⁷

Do vaccines cause autism?

Vaccines do not cause autism. Despite some public misinformation that has circulated over the years, multiple studies have shown that there’s no causal link between vaccines (or their isolated ingredients) and ASD.⁸ In fact, the original study that claimed to find this nonexistent connection was based on fraudulent data and was later retracted.

Treatment for autism

There is no “cure” for autism, but treatment can make a big difference in people’s lives. Treatment may include early intervention, medication, psychotherapy, or some combination of the three.

Early interventions for ASD

Early support can help people with autism thrive. Kids can even receive treatment before age three to help them learn skills like walking, talking, and social interaction.

Common therapies for autism focus on treating symptoms that affect quality of life. A few of these options include:

Applied behavioral analysis (though it is somewhat controversial)
Social skills training
DIRFloortime®⁹
Pivotal Response Treatment® (PRT)¹⁰
Occupational therapy
Speech-language therapy
Group therapy

If you suspect your child may have ASD, it’s important to ask your pediatrician about it as soon as possible. An early diagnosis can help you access early intervention treatment.

Medication for ASD

Medication for ASD symptoms is typically only prescribed for older children or adults. Medicine may be used to manage severe symptoms that interfere with daily life. This could include anxiety or hyperactivity.

Psychotherapy for ASD

Psychotherapy can help people with autism cope with mental health issues. In particular, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be especially helpful. CBT focuses on the relationship between thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. It teaches people to identify unhelpful thoughts so they can make healthy choices.

Early therapy for a child with autism can lead to more positive outcomes. But it can also be a great resource for older children and adults.

An ASD diagnosis in adulthood can affect your sense of who you are. A therapist can help you adjust to the shift in a healthy way. They can help you resolve past issues or traumas that may be easier to understand in light of your new diagnosis.

Autism and identity

When we talk about autism, it’s important to consider the lived experiences and preferences of people with ASD and follow their lead on how they wish to discuss it. Each person with ASD has had different experiences and may view their diagnosis differently.

As Dr. Stephen Shore famously said, “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” Whether someone considers their ASD to be a mental health condition, a disability, an identity, or a mix of all three, their perspective is the one that matters.

It’s important to use language that respects people with autism and honors their specific preferences. Because autism is not an illness to be overcome, some people with ASD view it as an identity to be embraced. Some people prefer to be called an “autistic person.” Others prefer “person with autism.” Some in the autistic community use the term “neurodivergent,” emphasizing that ASD and certain other developmental and mental health disorders are differences rather than deficits (people without those conditions are called “neurotypical”). When in doubt, ask the person with autism how they prefer to be identified.

If your child has ASD, try not to discuss it in a way that makes it an “enemy” or “illness,” or that implies it comes with a sense of shame. If your child is old enough, ask them about how they view their diagnosis and how they want to talk about it.

Treatment and acceptance

Acceptance and even pride in an ASD diagnosis are not at odds with seeking treatment.

Parents should be encouraged to seek early treatment interventions for their child with ASD in an effort to secure the most positive outcomes. However, it’s equally important to caution parents not to prioritize “curing” their child’s ASD or making them “normal.” ASD can’t be cured, and children with autism can lead full lives without striving to be “normal.”

At the same time, it’s okay to feel frustrated with the lived realities of autism, whether you have ASD yourself or are parenting a child with ASD. Remember that people with autism have strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges, just like people without autism.

If an ASD diagnosis is affecting your mental health, consider speaking with a licensed therapist for support.

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