Current as of:
- ASD affects about 1 in 68 children
in the United States, with more children identified than ever before.
- ASD is about 4 times more likely in boys than girls.
- ASD affects children of all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.
- ASD is a spectrum disorder, which means that every child with ASD has different skills, challenges, and needs.
- While do not know all of the causes of ASD, we have learned that there are likely many contributing factors, including genes, early brain development, and the environment.
- ASD can be reliably diagnosed by age 2, but children may be diagnosed at earlier ages.
- Early identification of ASD helps children get the services they need.
- There is no “cure” for ASD, but there are several interventions that can help children learn important skills that improve everyday life.
- Typically, the earlier children are diagnosed and receive services, the better their outcomes are.
- Children with ASD can learn and succeed in the classroom and beyond. Like every child, with the help of their families, providers, doctors, specialists, and communities, kids with ASD can thrive.
To learn more about ASD and other developmental disabilities, visit Learn the Signs. Act Early , Autism Now , or NICHCY.