There are many myths about people with autism. One myth claims that people with autism don’t have the same ability to experience love as neurotypical people. This claim is not true. People with autism can form meaningful relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners. Despite some unique needs, they can still experience love, affection, and intimacy.

An autism meltdown is a behavioral response to a particularly stressful or overwhelming situation, often due to a challenging sensory experience. While not exclusive to people with autism, meltdowns are a common experience for children and adults with autism.

Depictions of autism in movies have become more common as autism awareness grows. Movies and TV shows with characters that have autistic traits can help individuals with autism relate to the characters and be educational for those without autism.

Many famous people with autism have started to share their experiences with autism with the public. Although they may experience some difficulties, many famous people credit their success to autism.

Autistic behaviors are those behaviors that are more common in individuals with autism. Autism is a developmental disorder that affects how people learn, communicate, and behave. Autism is also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) because individuals experience a wide range (or spectrum) of symptoms and severity.

Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), also known as atypical autism or subthreshold autism, refers to a subtype of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) characterized by developmental delays in socialization and communication skills.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is also known as autism, is a neurological and developmental disorder that alters learning, behavior, social communication, and interactions. This condition is described as neurological due to imaging studies that show structural and functional differences in the brain of children with autism in comparison to children without this disorder. It is also defined as developmental because the symptoms usually appear during early childhood.

Parents and caregivers generally seek advice regarding what not to do with a child who has autism spectrum disorder. Having a child with autism becomes an ongoing learning process for the entire family and support from professionals can make this process easier. As a parent or caregiver, discovering the best ways to help your child navigate the world around them is one of the keys to your child’s success.

Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder, is a complex condition for which there is no cure. To date, conventional methods such as applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy help provide symptom improvement. Specially designed therapeutic devices and toys as well as medication are additional options for children with autism. ABA is a beneficial approach that focuses on common aspects of behavior that motivate certain actions.

According to research, individuals who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder typically experience higher rates of health problems throughout childhood, adolescence, and adulthood that increase their risk of early mortality (death).

Face blindness, also known as prosopagnosia, is a condition that makes it difficult to recognize faces. Face blindness is not caused by problems with memory, vision, or a learning disability. The name prosopagnosia comes from the Greek words meaning “face” and “lack of knowledge.” Face blindness is estimated to affect between 2 to 3 percent of the general population. However, recent studies suggest that face blindness might be more common in individuals with autism.

Functional Communication Training (FCT) is a type of therapy that helps teach children with autism meaningful ways to communicate. It can also help reduce frustration and anxiety associated with communication. FCT is often used alongside applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy to help children replace disruptive behaviors with new ones. If your child needs help communicating in new ways, FCT can help.

A functional behavioral assessment (FBA) is a set of strategies used to help understand the purpose of certain behaviors that may be creating safety concerns or impacting a child’s development. Once the reason for the behavior is discovered, a more effective intervention plan can be made. FBA is a common strategy used in applied behavior analysis (ABA).

Our autism food list can help children with autism get all the vitamins and minerals they need to grow strong. The optimal food list for autism should include whole foods with sufficient amounts of essential micronutrients.

Social communication disorder (SCD) refers to children who have trouble using language to interact with others. Individuals with SCD understand language and can use it in some contexts, but have trouble communicating in social situations. Between 7% and 11% of children are estimated to have SCD.

The rate of autism diagnoses has increased over the recent years, but this condition does not appear to be overdiagnosed, it is being diagnosed more accurately. According to research, increased awareness about autism and broader diagnostic criteria are the main reasons why more children are receiving this diagnosis.

Children who have autism spectrum disorder experience a range of emotions, but they may need support to properly recognize, process, understand, and manage their emotions. Although anyone may occasionally struggle with emotional issues, children with autism are four times more likely to have problems regulating their emotions than those who are not diagnosed with this condition.

Narcissism is defined as having an inflated self-image and self-centered personality, while autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by social and communication deficits that may be mistaken for self-centeredness. Due to this type of misunderstanding, autism spectrum disorder may be misdiagnosed as narcissistic personality disorder.

Toe walking is walking on the ball of the foot without letting the heel touch the ground. Toe walking has been observed in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) more frequently than in children who are not diagnosed with ASD.

Masking is also referred to as camouflaging, social camouflaging, or compensating. People who mask hide behaviors associated with autism and try to only show what other people may think are more socially acceptable behaviors to fit in. Some people mask purposefully and other people may do it subconsciously. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about one in 100 children around the world has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In the United States (US), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about one in 44 children (or 2.3 in 100 children) are diagnosed with ASD.

Autism can be diagnosed in children as young as 18 months old. Diagnosing children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as early as possible is essential to ensure children receive the services and support they need to reach their full potential. Early intervention refers to services and support that infants and toddlers receive for developmental delays and disabilities.

More than 2 percent of adults in the United States are diagnosed with autism. Autism is usually considered a disorder of childhood, but the diagnosis can be missed. It is common for people to make it to adulthood without an autism diagnosis, leading to a feeling that they don’t quite fit in. If you are one of these people, you may not realize that some of your feelings and behaviors are related to autism.

Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often overlooked or misdiagnosed in girls. The symptoms may present differently in girls than boys. Girls may also be able to hide their symptoms better than boys. This means that autism may be harder to spot in girls than in boys.

Stimming is short for self-stimulatory behavior. It may also be referred to as stereotyped or repetitive behavior. Researchers have recognized repetitive behaviors as being a key characteristic of autism since it was first described. Stimming remains a key part of an autism diagnosis.

Playtime activities are all about having fun. Play helps children learn about themselves and the world around them while having fun. It can also develop physical health and social skills. Play is also an important part of healthy development for all children. Through play, children improve their cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being. There is no right or wrong way to play. Activities should be tailored to the interests and unique special needs of each child.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a diverse group of conditions related to the development of the brain, also known as a neurodevelopmental disorder. Autism affects about 1 in 44 children in the United States. ASD will look different for everyone. The term “spectrum” is used because people with ASD can experience a wide variety in the type of symptoms they experience and the severity of the symptoms.

Most people have experienced sensory overload at some point in their life. You may have noticed stress caused by music that is too loud or lights that are too bright. Everyone copes with this stress in different ways. This may look different in children who have not developed coping skills yet.

Autism looks different for each individual, so there isn’t one single treatment that will work for everyone. The best treatments will focus on individual needs and not just a diagnostic label. People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have the best chance of using all of their abilities by receiving early and appropriate interventions. The right treatment should minimize symptoms and maximize abilities.

School can be a challenging environment for any student but can be especially difficult for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Students are required to sit still for long periods, endure lengthy lectures, and navigate changing schedules. Schools are filled with loud noises and bright colors that can cause sensory overload. But with appropriate accommodations, school can provide opportunities for improved socialization and learning.

The internet is a powerful tool for educating yourself, but it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Searching for “autism resources for parents” brings up more than 55 million results. What follows is a list of free resources for parents to get you started. Your healthcare provider and therapists may provide you with additional resources.

Variations in the DSM diagnosis of autism (now recognized more precisely as autism spectrum disorder) have influenced changes in autism leveling. The degrees of autism provide additional clarity on a person's autism diagnosis in terms of where they fall on the spectrum.

The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-five) measures three functional levels of autism, designed to assist therapists with the development of proper support plans. Each of these levels of autism serves as a guide to the amount of help that a child needs to function properly throughout daily life.

Level 3 autism requires substantial support because children in this category often exhibit behaviors to an extreme and dangerous level. They may find it challenging to express themselves verbally and non-verbally, and it may be difficult for them to interact socially.

Executive functioning is a term representing a wide range of skills related to a person's cognitive function. Many children with autism suffer from executive function impairment, which creates difficulties in areas such as managing time and finishing tasks. This can make what would otherwise be simple chores such as cleaning their rooms, a challenging task.

Autism, also called autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is characterized by challenges in social skills, communication skills, repetitive behaviors, nonverbal communication, and speech. Research shows that autism affects 1 out of every 44 children in the United States alone, and there are multiple subtypes characterized by different environmental and genetic factors.

According to autism statistics by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 1% of the world’s population is on the autism spectrum. Autism has a wide range of symptoms that can vary greatly for each individual.

Non-verbal autism refers to a developmental delay where children cannot spontaneously communicate in words or sentences that others can comprehend.

Low functioning autism, or LFA, refers to children and adults who display the most severe symptoms of autism and face challenges living independently.

If parents have concerns that their child may be on the autism spectrum, the first thing parents should do is consult their pediatrician. Every child should get a pediatric assessment at 18 and 24-months to make sure they’re on track for developmental milestone markers.

Autism symptoms and behaviors differ widely from one child to another. However, some common symptoms and behaviors can help parents and caregivers understand their child's developmental delays and connect with experts to assist them in overcoming the challenges they face in their day-to-day lives.

Based on the DSM-5 autism criteria, professionals diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) based on difficulties in “social communication” and “restricted, repetitive and/or sensory behaviors or interests.”

While autism cannot entirely go away, it has been shown that some children show dramatic improvement due to early therapeutic intervention. Some studies show that between 3% and 25% of children diagnosed with autism were able to outgrow their diagnoses. Children with few autism characteristics in their adult life were typically diagnosed early and received early therapy.

Atypical autism, also known as PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified), is defined by the ICD-10 as a pervasive developmental disorder that does not meet the diagnostic criteria for autism. The term "atypical autism" was first used in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illnesses (DSM-5), a textbook reference used by medical practitioners to identify and diagnose mental disorders.

While there is no cure for autism, some children have seen dramatic improvement through early intervention with ABA therapy. Some studies even show that between 3% and 25% of children diagnosed with autism were able to outgrow their diagnosis with early intervention.

According to research, autism in some children is inherited or developed through genes. If a parent carries even a single Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) gene, having a child with autism increases. However, genetics may not be the sole cause of autism. Different environmental factors may also be responsible for developing autism.

The different levels of autism categorize the severity of social skills and behaviors of children with autism. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), autism is categorized by doctors as level 1, 2, or 3 according to the two areas of functioning — social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors.

Yes, there are many forms of financial aid and benefits available to parents of children with autism from sources such as the Social Security Administration, Medicaid, insurance, grants, and educational support. Some are open to all families who meet certain financial requirements for specific states, while others are tailored to assist people with impairments.

Severe autism refers to a developmental delay in children where they face extreme symptoms and require continuous support and supervision. As a parent or caregiver of a child with autism, it is important to understand the difference between moderate and severe autism. Identifying this difference can help you better understand your child's challenges and assist them in living an independent life. 

Activities for children with autism can help spark creativity, improve learning and communication, and develop fine and gross motor abilities. To help you foster an engaging environment, we've compiled a list of 10 activities for children with autism.

High-functioning autism is a term used to individuals who may exhibit certain deficits in communication, emotional expression, and social interactions. These individuals may not require assistance in daily living or motor skills, but may still require assistance in social and communication skills. As such, high-functioning autism is also considered a level-1 diagnosis.

Physical therapy helps children with autism master basic motor skills used in daily life such as standing, running, or sitting by improving strength, balance, and posture.

Signs of autism can start appearing anywhere between 1 to 9 months. Children with autism may find it challenging to play outdoor games, learn specific skills, and communicate with friends and family.

Many parents who have concerns about their child's developmental delays want to understand the difference between ADHD versus autism.

There is not one specific known cause of autism in children. Research shows that autism can form from a variety of genetic and environmental factors.

Occupational Therapy (OT) for autism is one of the most impactful therapies that uses day-to-day activities to help children on the autism spectrum.

Some parents have found potty training a nonverbal child with autism to be a tricky experience. Here are 7 tips that parents may find helpful.

ABA therapy has been shown to be an effective form of treatment for children with autism. ABA therapy, which stands for Applied Behavior Analysis, is a type of behavioral therapy that focuses on reinforcing and developing positive behaviors, such as social skills, communication skills, reading, and academic skills.

Several types of therapy for autism are available to assist children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism is a spectrum disorder with a range of conditions including challenges with repetitive behaviors, social skills, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as maladaptive behaviors.

ASD, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder, is a form of neurodivergence with a range of conditions including challenges with repetitive behaviors, maladaptive behaviors, social skills, speech communication, and nonverbal communication. These conditions are often distinguished by differences in interaction and communication behaviors.

Signs of autism in babies may include: limited eye contact, absence of joint attention, repetitive movements, or lack of nonverbal communication. If your child is showing these signs, discuss your concerns with your pediatrician.

Getting an autism diagnosis is an important step in starting care. If you suspect that your child might have autism, an early diagnosis can make a huge difference for your child's growth and development.

After your child receives a new autism diagnosis, you might be feeling overwhelmed and confused. You might be wondering: What happens now? What steps can I take to help my child thrive? What types of therapy will my child need? What is ABA?