Autistic
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or simply autism, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by repetitive, restricted, and inflexible patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as well as difficulties in social interaction and social communication. Sensory abnormalities are also included in the diagnostic manuals. Common associated traits such as motor coordination impairment are typical of the condition but not required for diagnosis. A formal diagnosis requires that symptoms cause significant impairment in multiple functional domains; in addition, the symptoms must be atypical or excessive for the person's age and sociocultural context.
Autism is a spectrum, meaning it manifests in various ways, with its severity and support needs varying widely across different autistic people. For example, some autistic people are nonverbal, while others have proficient spoken language. Public health authorities and guideline developers classify autism as a neurodevelopmental disorder, but the autism rights movement (and some researchers) disagree with that classification. The neurodiversity perspective has led to significant controversy among autistic people and advocates, practitioners, and charities.
The precise causes of autism are unknown in most individual cases. Research shows that the disorder is highly heritable and polygenic, and neurobiological risks from the environment are also relevant. Boys are also diagnosed with autism at a significantly higher rate than girls. Autism frequently co-occurs with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), epilepsy, and intellectual disability.
The combination of broader criteria, increased awareness, and the potential increase of actual prevalence has led to considerably increased estimates of autism prevalence since the 1990s. The World Health Organization estimates about 1 in 100 children had autism between 2012 and 2021, as that was the average estimate in studies during that period, with a trend of increasing prevalence over time. This increasing prevalence has contributed to the myth perpetuated by anti-vaccine activists that autism is caused by vaccines.
There is no known cure for autism. Some advocates dispute the need to find one. Interventions such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy can help these children gain self-care, social, and language skills. Guidelines from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and European Society for Child & Adolescent Psychiatry endorse the use of ABA on the grounds that it reduces symptoms impairing daily functioning and quality of life, but the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence cites a lack of high-quality evidence to support its use. Additionally, some in the autism rights movement oppose its application due to a perception that it emphasizes normalization. No medication has been shown to reduce ASD's core symptoms, but some can alleviate co-occurring problems.
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