Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have a hard time relating to and communicating with other people. They may try to communicate through their behaviors. For example, children with ASD may have a hard time telling their parents that they do not want to do an activity that parents want them

As your child gets older, she may read reports or hear the word autism in reference to her. Some children are aware of their diagnosis, but some are not aware, and the parents may worry that their children will become upset when they find out they have autism. This is a valid concern, and it is better

Children learn by watching, imitating, and playing with others. Young children with signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often do not have some of these skills, and they need to learn them. The goal of early intervention (EI) is to help young children gain skills and to teach families some specific

Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are able to get support from programs funded through their state or county. Some examples are financial help, education support, medical care, job skills training, and residential or living services. Some supports are available to all children because

Gastrointestinal (GI) problems include constipation, diarrhea, reflux, vomiting, belly pain, and feeding problems. Some children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have GI problems. These symptoms can add stress to the child and family and may cause behaviors such as aggression or self-injury.

Inclusion in school means students with disabilities learn and participate alongside their peers without disabilities. Inclusion may look different for each student. It should be guided by student needs and include supports, if needed, to promote success. Inclusion is not just about education in the

If you have concerns about your child’s development and behavior, your child should be seen to tell if she needs therapy. You do not need a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to begin many kinds of therapy. There can be a long wait for ASD diagnosis, so it is important to start therapy while

Complementary medicine refers to practices that are used in addition to the educational, behavioral, and medical interventions recommended by your child’s pediatrician and schools. Alternative medicine refers to treatments that are used in place of the recommendations of your child’s pediatrician.

All children have some laboratory tests at birth and as part of regular checkups. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often need more tests. These tests can help find the cause of the condition or problems related to it that may not be obvious. This helps guide your child’s doctor in treating

While medications will not change your child’s autism spectrum disorder (ASD), they can be helpful when added to other treatments to help your child’s development and learning.

Eating problems are common in children. In children with ASD, the problems may be more serious and last longer because of problems with taste, texture, or smell. They may be the result of learned behaviors.

There are different levels of intervention that a teacher and school can provide to your child: (1) Informal plan. (2) Response to intervention (RTI). (3) Section 504 plan. (4) Individualized Education Program (IEP).

About 1 in 4 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has seizures. Seizures usually start in early childhood or the early teen years. Children with ASD who have a lower IQ or cannot speak have the highest risk for seizures. Epilepsy is defined as 2 or more seizures when the child does not have a

Siblings might ask about autism if they’ve heard you use the term, but they’re more likely to ask about what their brother or sister is doing (ie, behaviors). There is no “perfect time” for these conversations, but starting early and revising your description for age appropriateness can be very

Sleep problems are common in children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). One-half to one-third of children with ASD have sleep problems.

All children and teens, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), have questions about physical changes in their bodies, emotions, and feelings during and after puberty. It is important to help children and teens understand these changes by talking with them early and often about puberty and

Having a hard time socializing is one of the key features in children witdh autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children with ASD can have difficulty with many social skills.

Parents, pediatricians, and other health care professionals are encouraged to work together so that all of the needs of children and youths are met. This partnership is at the core of what the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) calls a medical home. The medical home is not a physical place but rather

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have slowed development, may be stuck on their own routines, or may be nervous about learning a new skill. They may not understand how to copy the steps using the toilet, or they may not understand the words parents are using. Many children with ASD

Scientific studies show that many different genes work together with things in the environment to put a child at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Scientific studies do not show that vaccines cause ASD.

Going to the doctor can be stressful for any child. For a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), there may be extra challenges because of sensory, communication, and other symptoms. Here are some tips to help make visiting the doctor easier.

Research shows that about 1 in 3 young children with ASD has tried to wander off. This behavior may continue to happen in older children and even teenagers and adults with ASD. This is concerning since many people with ASD may not be able to share their names, addresses, or phone numbers if they get

Treating children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often involves a comprehensive program that addresses the education, development, and behavior of the child. Read on to learn more from the American Academy of Pediatrics about the different treatments for ASD including medications and alternative

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulties navigating everyday situations. Read on to learn more from the American Academy of Pediatrics about communication, social, and sensory interventions.

Developmental and behavioral interventions are interrelated and are the mainstay for educating and supporting people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Read on to learn more from the American Academy of Pediatrics about these interventions.

Many different strategies and techniques help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) learn to interact with others and acquire new skills that may help them talk, play, participate in school, and care for their needs. Read on to learn more from the American Academy of Pediatrics about educational

Families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may experience stress before, during, and after a diagnosis. Read on to learn more from the American Academy of Pediatrics about support available for families of children with ASD.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex, and symptoms are different for each child. Read on to learn more from the American Academy of Pediatrics about how ASD is diagnosed.

How can we help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) learn important social skills? Read on to learn more from the American Academy of Pediatrics about learning joint attention skills in 4 stages.

Teens and adults living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have special concerns. Read on to learn more from the American Academy of Pediatrics about improving the quality of life for teens and adults with ASD.

Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may show developmental differences throughout their infancy, especially in social and language skills.

Many factors may lead to symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). If a family already has a child diagnosed as having ASD, the chance that a sibling might also have ASD is 10 to 20 times higher than in the general population.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurologically based disability that affects a child’s social skills, communication, and behavior.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities caused by a problem with the brain. Children with ASDs have trouble in 3 core areas of their development.

Your baby is able to communicate with you long before he or she speaks a single word! A baby's cry, smile, and responses to you help you to understand his or her needs. In this publication the American Academy of Pediatrics shares information about how children communicate and what to do when there are