Autism

Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD),^[a] is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences or difficulties in social communication and interaction, a preference for predictability and routine, sensory processing differences, focused interests, and repetitive behaviors.^[4] For a formal diagnosis, these characteristics must cause clinically significant challenges greater than what is typical for a person's age and culture and must affect several areas of daily life.^[5][6][7][8] Motor coordination difficulties are common but not required. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, presentations vary and support needs range from minimal to 24-hour care, with some autistic people being non-speaking.^{[9][5][6][10]}

Autism diagnoses have risen since the 1990s, largely because of broader diagnostic criteria, greater awareness and wider access to assessment.^[2] Changing social demands may also play a role.^[11][12] The World Health Organization estimates that about 1 in 100 children were diagnosed between 2012 and 2021 and notes the increasing trend.^[b][2][3] Surveillance studies in community samples of adults suggest a similar share of the adult population would meet diagnostic criteria if formally assessed.^[13] This rise has fueled anti-vaccine activists' disproven claim that vaccines cause autism,^[14] based on a fraudulent 1998 study that was later retracted.^[15] Autism is highly heritable and involves many genes, while environmental factors appear to have only a small, mainly prenatal role.^[16][17][18] Boys are diagnosed several times more often than girls,^[2][19] and conditions such as anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), epilepsy, and intellectual disability are more common among autistic people.^[20][21][22]

Autism is usually lifelong and there is no known cure.^[23] Interventions such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy can help increase self-care, social, and language skills,^[24] though ABA has been criticized for emphasizing normalization.^[25] Reducing environmental and social barriers helps autistic people participate more fully in education, employment, and other aspects of life.^[26][27][28] Medications can help with some co-occurring problems.^[29][30]

Autistic people are found in every demographic group and, with appropriate supports that promote independence and self-determination, can participate fully in their communities and lead meaningful, productive lives.^[31][32] The idea of autism as a disorder has been challenged by the neurodiversity framework, which frames autistic traits as a healthy variation of the human condition.^[33] This perspective, promoted by the autism rights movement, has gained research attention,^[34] but remains a subject of debate and controversy among autistic people, advocacy groups, healthcare providers, and charities.^[35][36]

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