Autism

Autism
Autism
Other names	Autism spectrum disorder, autism spectrum condition; Formerly: Kanner syndrome/autistic disorder/childhood autism, Asperger syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified;
Specialty	Psychiatry (neuropsychiatry), clinical psychology, pediatrics, occupational medicine
Symptoms	Difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication; inflexible routines; focused interests; repetitive body movements; unusual sensory responses
Complications	Social isolation, educational and employment problems, anxiety, stress, bullying, depression, self-harm, suicidality
Onset	Early childhood
Duration	Lifelong
Causes	Multifactorial, with many uncertain factors
Risk factors	Family history, certain genetic conditions, having older parents, certain prescribed drugs, perinatal and neonatal health issues
Diagnostic method	Based on combination of clinical observation of behavior and development and comprehensive diagnostic testing completed by a team of qualified professionals. For adults, the use of a patient's written and oral history of autistic traits becomes more important
Differential diagnosis	Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, intellectual disability, language disorders, social (pragmatic) communication disorder, selective mutism, stereotypic movement disorder, Rett syndrome, anxiety disorders, obsessive–compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders
Management	Applied behavior analysis, cognitive behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, speech–language pathology
Frequency	One in 100 people (1%) worldwide

Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by differences or difficulties in social communication and interaction, a preference for predictability and routine, sensory processing differences, focused interests, and repetitive behaviors, which may include stimming. Formal diagnosis requires significant challenges in multiple domains of life, with characteristics that are atypical or more pronounced than expected for one's age and sociocultural context. Motor coordination difficulties are common but not required for diagnosis. Autism is a spectrum disorder, resulting in wide variations in presentation and support needs, such as that between verbal and nonverbal populations.

Increased estimates of autism prevalence since the 1990s are primarily attributed to broader criteria and increased awareness, although a true rise in prevalence is possible. The World Health Organization estimates about 1 in 100 children were diagnosed between 2012 and 2021, noting an increasing trend. This rise has fueled anti-vaccine activists' disproven claim that vaccines cause autism. While precise causes are mostly unknown, research shows that autism is highly heritable and polygenic. Environmental factors play a relatively small role, mainly prenatally. Boys are diagnosed significantly more often than girls. Autism frequently co-occurs with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), epilepsy, and intellectual disability.

There is no known cure for autism, and there are advocates who oppose pursuing one. Interventions such as applied behavior analysis, speech therapy, and occupational therapy can help increase self-care, social, and language skills. Reducing environmental and social barriers enables autistic people to participate more fully in education, employment, and other aspects of life. Medications can alleviate some co-occurring problems.

The view of autism as a disorder has been challenged by the neurodiversity paradigm, which frames autistic traits as a healthy variation of the human condition. This view is supported by the autism rights movement, whose paradigm researchers have recently increasingly adopted. The neurodiversity framework has sparked significant debate and controversy among autistic people, advocacy groups, healthcare providers, and charities.