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Autism
What is Autism?
Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)
What is Autism?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Organizations
Publicaciones en Español
Additional resources from MEDLINEplus
What is Autism?
Autism (sometimes called “classical autism”) is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as the
autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).
Autism is characterized by three distinctive behaviors. Autistic children have difficulties with social interaction, display problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and
exhibit repetitive behaviors or narrow, obsessive interests. These behaviors can range in impact from mild to disabling. Autism varies widely in its severity and symptoms and may go unrecognized, especially in mildly affected children or when
more debilitating handicaps mask it. Scientists aren’t certain what causes autism, but it’s likely that both genetics and environment play a role.
Is there any treatment?
There is no cure for autism. Therapies and behavioral interventions are designed to remedy specific symptoms and can bring
about substantial improvement. The ideal treatment plan coordinates therapies and interventions that target the core symptoms
of autism: impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and obsessive or repetitive routines
and interests. Most professionals agree that the earlier the intervention, the better.
What is the prognosis?
For many children, autism symptoms improve with treatment and with age. Some children with autism grow up to lead normal or near-normal lives. Children whose language skills regress early in life, usually before the age of 3, appear to be at risk of developing epilepsy
or seizure-like brain activity. During adolescence, some children with autism may become depressed or experience behavioral problems. Parents of these children should be ready to adjust treatment for their child as needed.
What research is being done?
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) conducts research in its laboratories at the National
Institutes of Health (NIH) and also supports additional research through grants to major medical institutions across the country. As part of the Children’s Health Act of 2000, the NINDS and three sister institutes have formed the NIH Autism Coordinating
Committee to expand, intensify, and coordinate NIH’s autism research. More information about the Autism Coordinating Committee
is available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/autismiacc/index.cfm. Eight dedicated research centers across the country have been established as “Centers of Excellence in Autism Research”
to bring together researchers and the resources they need. The Centers are conducting basic and clinical research, including
investigations into causes, diagnosis, early detection, prevention, and treatment of autism.
Select this link
to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
Organizations
Association for Science in Autism Treatment
389 Main Street
Suite 202
Malden,
ME
02148
info@asatonline.org
http://www.asatonline.org
Tel: 781-397-8943
Fax: 781-397-8887
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Autism National Committee (AUTCOM)
P.O. Box 429
Forest Knolls,
CA
94933
http://www.autcom.org
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Autism Network International (ANI)
P.O. Box 35448
Syracuse,
NY
13235-5448
jisincla@mailbox.syr.edu
http://ani.autistics.org
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Autism Research Institute (ARI)
4182 Adams Avenue
San Diego,
CA
92116
http://www.autismresearchinstitute.com
Tel: 619-281-7165
Fax: 619-563-6840
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Autism Society of America
7910 Woodmont Ave.
Suite 300
Bethesda,
MD
20814-3067
http://www.autism-society.org
Tel: 301-657-0881
800-3AUTISM (328-8476)
Fax: 301-657-0869
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Cure Autism Now (CAN) Foundation
5455 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 2250
Los Angeles,
CA
90036-4234
info@cureautismnow.org
http://www.cureautismnow.org
Tel: 323-549-0500
888-8AUTISM (828-8476)
Fax: 323-549-0547
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MAAP Services for Autism, Asperger's, and PDD
P.O. Box 524
Crown Point,
IN
46308
info@maapservices.org
http://www.maapservices.org
Tel: 219-662-1311
Fax: 219-662-0638
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Autism Speaks/National Alliance for Autism Research
2 Park Avenue
11th Floor
New York,
NY
10016
contactus@autismspeaks.org
http://www.autismspeaks.org
Tel: 212-252-8584
California: 310-230-3568
Fax: 212-252-8676
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National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
U.S. Dept. of Education, Office of Special Education Programs
P.O. Box 1492
Washington,
DC
20013-1492
nichcy@aed.org
http://www.nichcy.org
Tel: 800-695-0285
Fax: 202-884-8441
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National Institute of Child Health and Human
Development (NICHD)
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
31 Center Drive, Rm. 2A32 MSC 2425
Bethesda,
MD
20892-2425
http://www.nichd.nih.gov
Tel: 301-496-5133
Fax: 301-496-7101
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National Institute on Deafness and Other
Communication Disorders Information Clearinghouse
1 Communication Avenue
Bethesda,
MD
20892-3456
nidcdinfo@nidcd.nih.gov
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov
Tel: 800-241-1044
800-241-1055 (TTD/TTY)
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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
6001 Executive Blvd. Rm. 8184, MSC 9663
Bethesda,
MD
20892-9663
nimhinfo@nih.gov
http://www.nimh.nih.gov
Tel: 301-443-4513/866-615-NIMH (-6464)
301-443-8431 (TTY)
Fax: 301-443-4279
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Publicaciones en Español
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AutismoInformación del autismo del Instituto Nacional de Trastornos Neurológicos y Accidentes Cerebrovasculares/Spanish-language
fact sheet on autism compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by
or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice
on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined
that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
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