What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
According to the CDC:
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention. It is important to note that some people without ASD might also have some of these symptoms. But for people with ASD, these characteristics can make life very challenging.
- About 1 in 31 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (updated from 1 in 36 as of 4/19/25)
- ASD is reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups
- ASD is more than 4 times more common among boys than among girls
The CDC has started a campaign called Learn The Signs: Act Early, which is an amazing resources. Early intervention is SO important if you suspect your child may have autism spectrum disorder, and this campaign helps to educate on the signs of autism in younger children.
Some of the trademark signs of autism are as follows:
- Avoids or does not keep eye contact
- Does not respond to name by 9 months of age
- Does not show facial expressions like happy, sad, angry, and surprised by 9 months of age
- Lines up toys or other objects and gets upset when order is changed
- Repeats words or phrases over and over (called echolalia)
- Plays with toys the same way every time
- Is focused on parts of objects (for example, wheels)
- Gets upset by minor changes
- Has obsessive interests
- Must follow certain routines
- Flaps hands, rocks body, or spins self in circles
If you notice any of the above signs in your toddler, talk your doctor about your concerns. Remember: you are your child’s biggest advocate.
New to the world of autism? Here are some helpful resources you may want to check out:
Disability Advice
DisabilityAdvice.org offers great resources and assistance to those applying for SSI, such as an SSDI payment calculator as well as which conditions may qualify- including autism, diabetes, and more!
The Autism Project
The Autism Project is a fabulous site offering tons of resources for autism families. Based in Rhode Island, they have tons of education and training on their site.
The NAA Big Red Safety Box®
The National Autism Association offers an amazing box for autism families with the Big Red Safety Box. Designed to keep wanderers safe, this box comes with a packet of helpful information as well as door alarms and an ID bracelet (and more!) Get yours by clicking the thumbnail.
Tests from Embrace Autism
Think you or someone you love may be autistic? These quick assessments can help you figure out if you may be on the autism spectrum.
The Autism Science Foundation
The Autism Science Foundation is a wonderful site for education and research. If you would like to take part in a study about autism, this site has tons of opportunities all over the country.
ASD Siblings Resource
Don’t forget that siblings sometimes need understanding and support for their feelings on being the sibling of someone with autism. This booklet is a wonderful tool to understand how you can help a sibling of an autistic person.
Autism Speaks Grants Page
Autism Speaks as an organization is hotly debated in our community, but this page offers a lot of great grant information to families looking for help getting assistive devices or services.
Psychology Today Autism Resources
Psychology Today has a ton of amazing autism articles and information on their site, but I especially love it because you can go there to find therapists or treatment centers! Simply click “Find a Therapist” to get started!
CDC Learn the Signs; Act Early Resources
The CDC offers a ton of helpful tools and materials for autism families, including a milestone tracker app, checklists, and more!