About Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that is estimated to affect about 1 in 36 children and approximately 2.21% of adults. Autism affects the way a person experiences the world and can result in significant challenges in social communication and interaction, as well as repetitive behaviors and unusual or intense interests.

People on the autism spectrum often have a strong preference for routines and predictability, and some are challenged in adapting to change. Many people on the autism spectrum experience sensory differences, including high or low sensitivity to sounds, light, textures, tastes, and physical touch. Some have accompanying language and/or intellectual disabilities, and some may be intellectually gifted or possess other unique abilities, talents, or strengths.

ASD can be diagnosed at any age, but differences generally appear in the first two years of life. ASD is known as a "spectrum" condition because it encompasses a wide variation in the type, combination, and severity of disabilities, as a well as a range of unique abilities and strengths, many of which can change over the course of a person’s lifespan. The type and intensity of supports and services that a child or adult on the autism spectrum may require, ranging from minimal to intensive, will vary depending on their unique needs.

With appropriate supports and an environment that promotes inclusion, acceptance, and empowerment, people on the autism spectrum can fully participate in community life and achieve their full potential.

This page includes resources that provide general information about autism.

Websites and Programs

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
  
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder NIMH supports research and clinical trials investigating the underlying basis of autism, new approaches to screening, effective interventions, and other topics related to ASD. This NIMH page describes signs of autism, underlying biology, diagnosis, and interventions.
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network
  
  • About Autism
    The Autistic Self Advocacy Network was created by autistic people and for autistic people. This page provides an overview of typical characteristics of autism.

More Websites and Programs

Toolkits and Guides

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD)
  
  • "Learn the Signs. Act Early." The materials provided teach parents about developmental milestones and what to do if they are concerned about their child’s development.
• Autism Speaks
  
  • 100 Day Kit for Young Children
    This tool kit provides families of children ages four and under with guidance on how to access services the first 100 days after an autism diagnosis.

More Toolkits and Guides

Reports

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD)
  
  • 2020 Community Report on Autism
    March 2020
    This report from provides an overview of 2016 data collected by the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network and Early ADDM. ADDM provides estimates of the prevalence of ASD among 8-year-old children. Early ADDM estimates ASD prevalence and monitors early identification of 4-year-old children. Full findings of the data on 8-year-old and 4-year-old children are available.
  • Key Findings: CDC Releases First Estimates of the Number of Adults Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the United States
    March 2020
    The CDC released their first estimate of the prevalence of autism in adults based on 2017 data. They estimated that 2.21 percent of adults in the United States have ASD.

More Reports

Videos

• National Institute of Mental Health
  
  • Podcast: Autism in Adults
    April 24, 2019
    NIMH Director Joshua Gordon, M.D., Ph.D. interviews Ann Wagner, Ph.D., National Autism Coordinator, and Lisa Gilotty, Ph.D., program chief of NIMH’s chief of NIMH’s Research Program on Autism Spectrum Disorders, to discuss advances on the study of autism in adulthood.
• Simons Foundation/SPARK
  
  • Webinar: Autism Acceptance
    August 29, 2018
    Stephen Shore, M.Ed. discusses the autism acceptance movement and how to reframe the term disability.

More Videos