What Is Autism?
BEFORE YOU START
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children in the United States today.
Autism Test For Children
Our support
How can we help?
We’re here to evaluate, diagnose, and care for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Healthcare Costs
Source: FAIR Health Inc. (2021)
The average costs of common autism services in the U.S. are:
- Adaptive behavior – $82.25
- Developmental screening – $165.95
- Emergency department – $1,397.22
- Physical therapy – $74.99
- Psychiatry – $253.40
- Speech/Language – $174.80
- Therapeutic behavioral – $175.44
Decoding the symptoms
communication
behaviors
social interaction
routine
emotions
development
What Causes Autism?
The following information is not intended for diagnostic or treatment purposes and should not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
Autism’s genetic risk factors
Studies indicate that autism often has a familial pattern. Alterations in specific genes elevate the likelihood of a child developing autism. If a parent carries one or more of these genetic variations, they can be passed down to their child, even if the parent doesn’t have autism themselves. Alternatively, these genetic changes can occur spontaneously in an early-stage embryo or in the sperm and/or egg that combine to form the embryo. However, it’s essential to note that the majority of these genetic changes, on their own, do not directly cause autism; they primarily contribute to an increased risk of the disorder.
Autism’s environmental risk factors
Research also reveals that specific environmental influences may either heighten or diminish the risk of autism in individuals with a genetic predisposition to the condition. It’s crucial to understand that the impact of any single environmental risk factor appears to be relatively modest.
Increased risk
- Advanced parental age (applies to either parent)
- Complications during pregnancy and birth (such as extreme prematurity, low birth weight, or multiple pregnancies like twins or triplets)
- Pregnancies with intervals of less than one year
Decreased risk
- Prenatal vitamins containing folic acid, before and at conception and through pregnancy