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 three distinctive behaviors. Autistic children have difficulties with social interaction, display problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and exhibit repetitive behaviors or narrow, obsessive interests. These behaviors can range in impact from mild to disabling. Autism varies widely in its severity and symptoms and may go unrecognized, especially in mildly affected children or when more debilitating handicaps mask it. Scientists aren’t certain what causes autism, but it’s likely that both genetics and environment play a role.
There is no cure for autism. Therapies and behavioral interventions are designed to remedy specific symptoms and can bring
about substantial improvement. The ideal treatment plan coordinates therapies and interventions that target the core symptoms
of autism: impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and obsessive or repetitive routines
and interests. Most professionals agree that the earlier the intervention, the better.
For many children, autism symptoms improve with treatment and with age. Some children with autism grow up to lead normal or
near-normal lives. Children whose language skills regress early in life, usually before the age of 3, appear to be at risk
of developing epilepsy or seizure-like brain activity. During adolescence, some children with autism may become depressed
or experience behavioral problems. Parents of these children should be ready to adjust treatment for their child as needed.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) conducts research in its laboratories at the National
Institutes of Health (NIH) and also supports additional research through grants to major medical institutions across the country. As part of the Children’s Health Act of 2000, the NINDS and three sister institutes have formed the NIH Autism Coordinating
Committee to expand, intensify, and coordinate NIH’s autism research. More information about the Autism Coordinating Committee
is available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/research-funding/scientific-meetings/recurring-meetings/iacc/nih-initiatives/nih-autism-coordinating-committee.shtml. Eight dedicated research centers across the country have been established as “Centers of Excellence in Autism Research”
to bring together researchers and the resources they need. The Centers are conducting basic and clinical research, including
investigations into causes, diagnosis, early detection, prevention, and treatment of autism.
Association for Science in Autism Treatment P.O. Box 188 Crosswicks, NJ 08515-0188 info@asatonline.org http://www.asatonline.org |
Autism National Committee (AUTCOM) P.O. Box 429 Forest Knolls, CA 94933 http://www.autcom.org |
Autism Network International (ANI) P.O. Box 35448 Syracuse, NY 13235-5448 jisincla@syr.edu www.ani.ac |
Autism Research Institute (ARI) 4182 Adams Avenue San Diego, CA 92116 director@autism.com http://www.autismresearchinstitute.com Tel: 619-281-7165 Fax: 619-563-6840 |
Autism Society of America 7910 Woodmont Ave. Suite 300 Bethesda, MD 20814-3067 http://www.autism-society.org Tel: 301-657-0881 800-3AUTISM (328-8476) Fax: 301-657-0869 |
MAAP Services for Autism, Asperger Syndrome, and PDD P.O. Box 524 Crown Point, IN 46308 info@maapservices.org http://www.maapservices.org Tel: 219-662-1311 Fax: 219-662-0638 |
Autism Speaks, Inc. 2 Park Avenue 11th Floor New York, NY 10016 contactus@autismspeaks.org http://www.autismspeaks.org Tel: 212-252-8584 California: 310-230-3568 Fax: 212-252-8676 |
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities U.S. Dept. of Education, Office of Special Education Programs P.O. Box 1492 Washington, DC 20013-1492 nichcy@aed.org http://www.nichcy.org Tel: 800-695-0285 Fax: 202-884-8441 |
National Institute of Child Health and Human
Development (NICHD) National Institutes of Health, DHHS 31 Center Drive, Rm. 2A32 MSC 2425 Bethesda, MD 20892-2425 http://www.nichd.nih.gov Tel: 301-496-5133 Fax: 301-496-7101 |
National Institute on Deafness and Other
Communication Disorders Information Clearinghouse 1 Communication Avenue Bethesda, MD 20892-3456 nidcdinfo@nidcd.nih.gov http://www.nidcd.nih.gov Tel: 800-241-1044 800-241-1055 (TTD/TTY) |
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) National Institutes of Health, DHHS 6001 Executive Blvd. Rm. 8184, MSC 9663 Bethesda, MD 20892-9663 nimhinfo@nih.gov http://www.nimh.nih.gov Tel: 301-443-4513/866-415-8051 301-443-8431 (TTY) Fax: 301-443-4279 |
Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
Last updated April 24, 2009