Autism

Overview

Autism affects how people communicate, interact, and experience the world. Many autistic people have strong routines and focused interests, and some are very sensitive to sounds, lights, or textures.

Support needs range widely. Some people need a lot of help every day; others live and work independently. Some children learn skills and then stop or lose them around 18 to 24 months.

Symptoms

Signs vary a lot from person to person.

• Differences in social communication, strong routines, or sensitivity to sounds or textures
• Little eye contact or not responding to their name
• Repeating words or movements

Less common

• Delayed speech or losing words
• Not pointing or showing things by 12 to 14 months
• Strong, focused interests
• Upset by small changes

When to get medical care

Causes

Autism is linked to differences in brain development. Genes play a big role. Being born to older parents, being born very early, and some genetic conditions (like fragile X) raise the chance. Vaccines do not cause autism.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
• It's linked to changes in genes and can be passed from parent to child.
• A genetic counselor can explain the chance of passing it on and testing for relatives.

Who is more likely to get it

• A sibling or parent with autism
• Certain genetic conditions, like fragile X or tuberous sclerosis
• Very premature birth
• Older parents

Possible complications

• Anxiety
• ADHD
• Seizures: More common in autistic people

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on a child's development and behavior.

Questions you may be asked

• Speech, eye contact, and play
• Repeated movements or strong routines
• Any lost skills

The exam

A specialist watches the child play and communicate.

Tests

Steps:

• Developmental screening: At well-child visits; autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months.
• Full evaluation: By a developmental pediatrician, psychologist, or team. May include hearing and genetic tests.

Treatment

Support is tailored to each person's strengths and needs.

Self-care

• Start early intervention as soon as there's a concern; you don't need a diagnosis first
• Use visual schedules and routines
• Plan for sensory needs, like headphones or quiet spaces
• Connect with other families and autistic adults

Medicines

No medicine treats autism itself. Some help related symptoms.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Speech, occupational, and behavioral therapies, social skills support, and school services (IEP) help. Medicines may treat related problems like anxiety, ADHD, sleep, or irritability.

Prevention

There's no known way to prevent autism. Early support makes a big difference.

• Track milestones
• Ask for screening at 18 and 24 months

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a psychiatrist (for medicine) and a psychologist or licensed therapist (for talk therapy).
• A medical geneticist or genetic counselor can explain genetic tests and family risk.

Living with it

• Keep a regular sleep, meal, and activity routine.
• Tell one trusted person how you're doing, and plan who to call on hard days.
• Limit alcohol and drugs. They often make symptoms worse.
• In a crisis, call or text 988 any time.
• Children may qualify for free early intervention services before age 3, and special education help (an IEP) at school.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

• Autism Society: Help line and local chapters.
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Free support groups and a helpline (1-800-950-6264) for people and families.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 any time for free, private support in a crisis.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.
• The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may let you take unpaid time off for treatment without losing your job.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Girls: Often show signs differently and may be diagnosed later.
• Adults: Many are diagnosed as adults and benefit from understanding and support.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Many mental health medicines are used safely in pregnancy. Stopping suddenly can cause a relapse.
• Genetic counseling before or early in pregnancy can explain the chance of passing it on and testing options.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Mood problems can start during or after pregnancy. Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Listen without judging, and let them know you care.
• Encourage treatment, but don't force it unless they're in danger.
• If they talk about suicide, call or text 988 with them.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Autism is lifelong, and many autistic people lead full lives. Early help improves communication and independence.

Myths and facts

Getting ready for your visit

Share specific examples.

What to bring

• Videos of behaviors
• CDC milestone checklists

Questions to ask

• Should my child have an evaluation?
• How do we start early intervention?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Autism