Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, has been a topic in the news a lot recently, yet the complex neurological condition remains widely misunderstood.
Autism is a difference in how someone’s brain works that shapes how they interact with the world. Clinically, it’s a disorder that affects brain development and causes social communication and behavioral differences. With such a wide range of traits, autism truly is a spectrum.
Gaining a deeper understanding of these nuances is key. We address some common myths and offer guidance on supporting children and families after a diagnosis.
What causes autism?
There is no single known cause of autism. Given its complexity and the wide range of symptoms, it’s likely that multiple factors contribute. This neurodevelopmental difference is something children are born with — it has nothing to do with parenting style, vaccines or foods.
Research suggests that genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the risk of developing autism. When we say autism is genetic, we mean that variations in certain genes can influence how a baby’s brain develops.
These variations may occur spontaneously or be inherited from family members. For example, if one child in a family is diagnosed with autism, the chances increase that a sibling may also be diagnosed.
Certain factors may raise the likelihood of autism, including advanced parental age, infections during pregnancy, birth complications, having a premature baby or one with lower-than-expected fetal growth, or taking certain medications while pregnant.
Having a risk factor does not mean a child will develop autism. These factors increase susceptibility, not certainty.
Why have autism rates increased?
In the 1990s, 1 in 1,000 individuals was diagnosed with autism. Today, it’s closer to 1 in 31. The rise is largely due to greater awareness, improved screening and updated diagnostic criteria.
Clinicians are now more skilled at recognizing early signs, sometimes as early as 12 to 18 months, through play-based assessments and structured parent interviews.
Diagnostic criteria have expanded to reflect the full autism spectrum and allow for co-occurring conditions, like ADHD or intellectual disability — something that wasn’t always possible. As autism diagnoses have risen, diagnoses of other developmental disorders have declined since we now better recognize how autism presents across cognitive levels.
Increased awareness and reduced stigma have also led more families — particularly those with female children, who were historically underdiagnosed — to pursue evaluations.
How is autism diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation, often with a team of specialists who focus on different aspects of brain development. Input from parents, teachers and other providers helps create a complete picture of an individual’s behavior across settings.
Partnering with your pediatrician early on is key. They can help identify early “red flags,” such as limited eye contact or reduced social smiling, as well as more subtle “pink flags,” like behavioral challenges or a stronger interest in objects rather than faces.
What are some common myths about autism?
Many myths about autism can be confusing and stressful for families. It’s important to separate fact from fiction.
One of the most harmful myths is that vaccines cause autism. Decades of research and large-scale studies have repeatedly shown that vaccines do not cause autism. Vaccines are safe and effective, and misinformation can lead to preventable diseases.
Another myth is that autism is always severe. In reality, it’s a spectrum — traits and challenges vary widely. Factors like cognitive ability, language skills, sex and co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, ADHD or depression influence how autism presents.
Symptoms can also look different in females or those with additional medical, developmental or psychiatric conditions.
Lastly, a widespread myth is that parenting causes autism. This is not true. It is a neurodevelopmental condition, not the result of any particular parenting style.
How can the symptoms of autism be supported?
Support is increasingly personalized, inclusive, neuroaffirming and evidence-based, focused on understanding each individual’s needs, respecting neurodiversity and enhancing quality of life.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Effective supports may include behavioral therapies, educational accommodations and coordinated care for co-occurring conditions.
While there are no Food and Drug Administration-approved medications for core autism traits, medication can help manage related symptoms like irritability, inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity and anxiety.
Technology, such as apps and telehealth, has expanded access to care. Early intervention remains key, but we are also increasingly focused on supporting autistic individuals throughout their lives.
Ongoing research continues to refine treatments, aiming to create empowering, supportive environments for people on the spectrum.
How to support autistic individuals
Understanding and supporting individuals with autism starts with a comprehensive developmental or neuropsychological evaluation. This can identify areas of strength and areas where additional support may be helpful.
Focusing on and building upon strengths can promote growth and well-being across all stages of life.
Family involvement is also an important part of support. When parents and caregivers learn strategies to encourage communication, adaptive skills and positive behaviors, it can strengthen relationships and create a supportive environment at home.
A range of approaches may be used to support individuals on the autism spectrum, including behavioral interventions, therapy (both individual and family-based), group programs and sometimes medication. These strategies can help address challenges and support overall development and quality of life.
*Footnote: We recognize that language preferences vary, including person-first (“individual with autism”) and identity-first (“autistic individual”) approaches. In this article, we use both respectfully, in recognition of the diverse perspectives within the autism community.
Rebecca A. Shalev, PhD, is a licensed psychologist, a board-certified behavior analyst on the Autism Spectrum Disorder Service team and a clinical associate professor within NYU Langone’s Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Kritika Nayar, PhD, is a pediatric neuropsychologist and clinical assistant professor in the same department at NYU Langone.
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