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.

Picky Eating and Autism: Tips & Advice

Autism Screening

Autism and Sleep Problems

Moving House with Autism: Reducing Stress & Anxiety

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Autism

Evidence for Autism being a Genetic Condition

Autism Spectrum Disorder & Allergies

Autism History

Autism Prognosis

Autism Related Conditions

Autism Causes

See more featured articles »

Autism and Particulate Air Matter

What is Sensory Overload?

The Reward System and Autism

Autism and Junk DNA

Autism Classification

Detecting Autism Early

Are Apraxia and Autism Related?

Sensory Overload vs. Sensory Seeking: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Explained

Autoantibodies and Autism

Gut Bacteria and Autism Development

Travelling with a Child Who Has Autism

Autism Mechanism

Autism Management

What is Autistic Burnout?

Latest Autism News and Research

Maternal perinatal depression linked to autistic traits in toddlers

A research team from the Department of Psychiatry at Tohoku University, led by Dr. Zhiqian Yu and Professor Hiroaki Tomita, has uncovered compelling evidence that maternal perinatal depression - psychological distress occurring during pregnancy or postpartum - elevates the risk of autistic-related traits in toddlers, with a particularly strong impact on girls.

5 Feb 2026

Study identifies genetic fingerprint of neuropathic pain neurons

Researchers from The University of Texas at Dallas and their international colleagues have determined the molecular signature of human sleeping - or silent - nociceptors: sensory neurons that are unresponsive to touch or pressure yet are key culprits in neuropathic pain.

4 Feb 2026

Autism diagnosis rates equalize between males and females

Autism has long been viewed as a condition that predominantly affects male individuals, but a study from Sweden published by The BMJ shows that autism may actually occur at comparable rates among male and female individuals.

4 Feb 2026

Advancing brain microphysiological systems for in vitro neurotoxicity and cognitive function testing

Brain microphysiological systems are reshaping in vitro neurotoxicity testing through functional validation and advanced disease modeling.

From Yokogawa Life Science 3 Feb 2026

Most commercially insured patients live with chronic conditions

The majority (57.5 percent) of commercially insured patients had at least one chronic condition in 2024. The average allowed amount for a patient with no chronic conditions was $1,590, while the average allowed amount for a patient with one chronic condition was nearly double ($3,039).

2 Feb 2026

Not all children with autism benefit from early language therapy

Understanding child profiles is crucial for improving language therapy in autism, as factors like cognitive abilities and imitation skills influence progress.

27 Jan 2026

Trump policies at odds with emerging understanding of covid’s long-term harm

27 Jan 2026

Wildfire smoke in late pregnancy may raise autism risk

Prenatal exposure to wildfire smoke in late pregnancy may modestly raise autism risk in children, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding pregnant women.

23 Jan 2026

Early interventions help nonspeaking autistic children achieve speech gains

After receiving evidence-based early interventions, roughly two-thirds of non-speaking kids with autism speak single words, and approximately half develop more complex language, according to a new study led by researchers at Drexel University's A.J. Drexel Autism Institute.

22 Jan 2026

As US is poised to lose measles-free status, RFK’s new CDC deputy downplays its significance

After a year of ongoing measles outbreaks that have sickened more than 2,400 people, the United States is poised to lose its status as a measles-free country.

21 Jan 2026

Evidence shows no autism risk from paracetamol in pregnancy

Evidence from a comprehensive review shows no link between paracetamol in pregnancy and neurodevelopmental issues, supporting its safe use for pain management.

21 Jan 2026

Prenatal wildfire smoke exposure linked to higher autism risk in children

Exposure to wildfire smoke during the final months of pregnancy may raise the risk that a child is later diagnosed with autism, according to a new study led by Tulane University researchers.

20 Jan 2026

New AI learning tool bridges communication gaps between autistic and neurotypical people

People with autism have brains that are wired differently. This can make them especially strong in some areas-such as noticing patterns, remembering details, or thinking logically-while making other things like social cues or changes in routine more challenging.

20 Jan 2026