Autism

Autism (sometimes called “classical autism”) is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or severely limited activities and interests. Other ASDs include Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS). Experts estimate that three to six children out of every 1,000 will have autism. Males are four times more likely to have autism than females.

What is Autism?

Autism is not a single disease entity. It is part of a range of developmental disorders known as autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). They begin in childhood and last through adulthood.

Evidence for Autism being a Genetic Condition

Are Apraxia and Autism Related?

Detecting Autism Early

Autism Classification

Autism Prognosis

Autism Screening

Gut Bacteria and Autism Development

Autism Related Conditions

Autism Causes

What is Autistic Burnout?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Autism

See more featured articles »

What is Sensory Overload?

Moving House with Autism: Reducing Stress & Anxiety

Picky Eating and Autism: Tips & Advice

Autism and Particulate Air Matter

Travelling with a Child Who Has Autism

Autism and Sleep Problems

Autism Mechanism

Autism Spectrum Disorder & Allergies

Autism Management

Autism History

Autoantibodies and Autism

The Reward System and Autism

Autism and Junk DNA

Latest Autism News and Research

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a chemtrail? New conspiracy theory takes wing at Kennedy’s HHS

While plowing a wheat field in rural Washington state in the 1990s, William Wallace spotted a gray plane overhead that he believed was releasing chemicals to make him sick.

16 Oct 2025

Ancient lead exposure may have shaped human evolution and language

A groundbreaking international study changes the view that exposure to the toxic metal lead is largely a post-industrial phenomenon.

15 Oct 2025

Nemours neurologist wins major NIH award to study hippocampal dysfunction in brain disorders

Rodney Scott, MBChB, MRCP, DipStat, PhD, Division Chief of Neurology, Nemours Children's Health, Delaware Valley, has received a prestigious National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director's Transformative Research Award.

15 Oct 2025

New insights into MDMA therapy for PTSD and beyond

A comprehensive peer-reviewed invited review published today in Psychedelics by Dr. Kenji Hashimoto and colleagues (Dr. Mingming Zhao and Dr. Jianjun Yang) synthesizes the evolving landscape of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, examining robust clinical evidence in treatment-resistant posttraumatic stress disorder while identifying promising applications in autism spectrum disorder, eating disorders, and existential distress

14 Oct 2025

Ribosomal RNA found to share unique motifs with nervous system genes

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a type of molecule and a key building block of the ribosome, the cell's protein-making machinery. rRNA accounts for much of the RNA in a cell, and it's crucial for life.

14 Oct 2025

WHO's new Global status report highlights the growing burden of neurological disorders

The World Health Organization (WHO) today warns that less than one in three countries around the world has a national policy to address the growing burden of neurological disorders, responsible for over 11 million deaths globally each year.

14 Oct 2025

UCLA scientists uncover the role of DGRs in structuring the infant gut microbiome

Everywhere you go, you carry a population of microbes in your gastrointestinal tract that outnumber the human cells making up your body.

10 Oct 2025

PAHO and OAS launch first Inter-American Mental Health Week

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) joins the Organization of American States (OAS) to celebrate the first ever Inter-American Mental Health Week during the second week of October.

9 Oct 2025

The ISSCR releases new resource to accelerate the development of PSC-derived therapies

The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) is proud to announce the release of Best Practices for the Development of Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cellular Therapies, a comprehensive, interactive new resource designed to accelerate the translation of human pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived therapies into clinical trials and commercial use.

9 Oct 2025

University Of California researchers, patients wary of Trump cuts even as some dollars flow again

In August, an 80-year-old woman walked into the emergency room at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. She was lucid but experiencing a stroke.

9 Oct 2025

How multiple genetic variants shape clinical outcomes in complex disorders

The genetic roots of a disease or disorder do not always grow into clear cut, easily diagnosed clinical features.

7 Oct 2025

'Good' gut microbe found to support fetal growth and reduce pregnancy risks

Research led by the University of Cambridge has found the first clear evidence that the 'good' gut bacteria Bifidobacterium breve in pregnant mothers regulates the placenta's production of hormones critical for a healthy pregnancy.

6 Oct 2025

Inside the high-stakes battle over vaccine injury compensation, autism, and public trust

Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has floated a seismic idea: adding autism to the list of conditions covered by the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

6 Oct 2025

How gluten harms some people but helps others

New insights reveal gluten's health potential, highlighting beneficial peptides and innovative methods to enhance wheat safety for sensitive individuals.

3 Oct 2025

KFF Health News' 'What the Health?': Democrats make this shutdown about the ACA

As long predicted, much of the federal government shut down on Oct. 1, after Congress failed to agree on spending bills that keep most programs running.

2 Oct 2025

Can one fake news story change your behavior?

This study challenges the notion that fake news easily shifts behaviors, showing minimal effects from single exposures, particularly in non-political areas.

2 Oct 2025

Red meat in healthy diet linked to better brain nutrients and gut diversity

A study of 3,600+ participants reveals red meat in high-HEI diets enhances brain-supporting nutrients without disrupting gut health or mental well-being.

2 Oct 2025

Study links chronic illness in children to greater household food insecurity

Food insecurity is more common among children with a chronic medical condition than those without one, a new study suggests.

26 Sep 2025

Measles resurgence highlights need for better vaccination awareness among healthcare workers

In recent years, measles has made a resurgence globally. In England, 2024 saw the highest number of confirmed measles cases since 2012, resulting in the declaration of a national incident.

26 Sep 2025

Off-label drug helps one boy with autism speak, parents say. But experts want more data.

Caroline Connor's concerns about her son's development began around his 1st birthday, when she noticed he wasn't talking or using any words. Their pediatrician didn't seem worried, but the speech delay persisted. At 2½, Mason was diagnosed with autism.

26 Sep 2025