Two twins with autism stand in front of a firetruck. Each is smiling and wearing a first responder's hat.

Advice & Facts

Living With Autism

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disability. Children and adults with autism have differences in social communication/interaction and exhibit restrictive and/or repetitive patterns of behavior. There is a wide range of abilities among people with autism. Some people with autism need significant levels of support to ensure their health and well-being while others do not. There is no known cause of autism and no singular form of assistance for autism.

People with autism have differences in the areas of social communication/interaction and restricted/repetitive behaviors. A few examples:

Social Communication/ Interaction

Difficulty establishing or maintaining back-and-forth conversations and interactions
Inability to initiate an interaction
Difficulty with shared attention or sharing of emotions and interests with others
Atypical eye contact, posture, facial expressions, tone of voice, and gestures, as well as an inability to understand these
Lack of interest in other people
Difficulties in pretend play
Engaging in age-appropriate social activities
Challenges adjusting to different social expectations.

Restrictive/Repetitive Behavior

Stereotyped or repetitive speech, motor movements or use of objects
Excessive adherence to routines
Ritualized patterns of verbal or nonverbal behavior
Excessive resistance to change
Highly restricted interests that are atypical in intensity or focus
Hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input or unique interest in sensory aspects of the environment

There is no single behavior that is always present in every individual with autism.