I think my child has autism. How can I be sure?
The core symptoms of autism are challenges with communication and social interaction, repetitive behaviors and restricted interests. If your child is showing these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your pediatrician for an Autism Evaluation.
Autism is a complex disorder with highly variable symptoms and severity among the individuals who have it, so meeting with a pediatrician is important. If your child does receive an ASD diagnosis, your pediatrician will help build your caregiver team and establish essential Early Intervention Services.
Why should people support autism research?
While we know that individuals with autism often experience the disorder uniquely, we do not know how the disorder presents in their bodies initially.
There is still no form of treatment to predictably improve the social, cognitive and behavioral impairments that limit the daily functioning of most kids and adults with autism. The only way we will figure this out is through research.
The Autism Research Foundation will continue to play a pivotal role in encouraging research agendas and world-wide collaborations that will result in a better understanding of the ASDs and will lead to effective interventions and treatments. To do this, we need your support. You can play an equally pivotal role by spreading this message & encouraging others to Donate to Autism Research.
Where can I connect with people who are experiencing autism in their family like me?
You can access like-minded people the fastest through our social media pages or plan to join us in-person at events throughout the year, such as our Current Trends in Autism Conference.
How common is autism?
In 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that 1 in 50 children had been identified with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
ASD diagnoses are almost 5 times more common in boys than girls.
What does it mean to be “on the spectrum”?
Each individual with autism is a unique person who experiences life with autism in his/her own way.
One person’s experience with autism will not be the same as anothers’.
The term “on the spectrum” is used to describe the variations in exceptional abilities and challenging disabilities for people with an ASD. Some people with autism are able to live independently, while others need intensive interventions to get through their typical day. The spectrum is a range that allows doctors, researchers, teachers, therapists, and families to explain the general experience of autism to someone who may not otherwise understand.
The Autism Research Foundation honors the distinct ways people with autism view the world and respects the need for improved quality of life for our autism community.