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53	Error Stray end tag head. On line 87, column 4298 "> <head> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width" /> <title>Autism awareness and support - Mayo Clinic Health System</title> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/understanding-autism" /> <meta name="keywords" content="autism spectrum disorder, social interaction, Asperger&#39;s syndrome, neurodivergent, anxiety, depression, behavior therapy, family therapy" /> <meta name="title" content="Autism awareness and support" /> <meta name="description" content="Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder can be challenging. Learn about the evolving awareness and treatments for neurodivergent conditions." /> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Autism awareness and support" /> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder can be challenging. 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charset="utf-8" defer src="/Content/HealthSystemInternet/js/modules/copy-link-button.js"></script> </li> <li> <a id="socialShareButtonEmail-d728e4dc09bd4c1a96fb7500ca3daca8" href="mailto:?subject=Sharing from Mayo Clinic Health System&body=Hi, I wanted to share this information from Mayo Clinic Health System with you: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/understanding-autism %0D%0A%0D%0A Stay on top of your health with resources on food, fitness, mental health and preventive care: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/wellness-hub" aria-label="Share with Email"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 32 32"><path d="M2,6V26H30V6ZM28,24H4V9.89l10.84,7.74,1.16.83,1.16-.83L28,9.89ZM16,16,4.8,8H27.2Z"/></svg> </a> </li> </ul> <div class="blog-categories"> <div class="blog-categories__title">Topics in this Post</div> <ul> <li><a id="topicButton-f43164bf016444cf83e6da8dab5d2b18-6a1487e8a75f4b1783f3068c2c35f445" href="/topics/autism">Autism</a></li> <li><a id="topicButton-8e0de6988f084f9abbbb65caaf9fa58b-6a1487e8a75f4b1783f3068c2c35f445" href="/topics/behavioral-health">Behavioral Health</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="blog-cover-image"> <img src="/-/media/national-files/images/hometown-health/2024/kids-crafting-outdoors.jpg?sc_lang=en&amp;la=en&amp;h=370&amp;w=660&amp;hash=053D372BCD7C9FB16A15407AAE1B1438" alt="Kids crafting outdoors" /> </div> <div class="wysiwyg"> <p>Diagnosing a person with autism spectrum disorder can be challenging. It's a medical condition that no blood test, brain scan or objective test can pinpoint. And because of each person's distinctive pattern of symptoms, it can be hard to determine its severity.</p> <p>As people gain familiarity with autism, however, they are becoming more open to discussing the diagnosis and seeking treatment. Society is also becoming more motivated to learn about neurodivergent conditions, including autism.</p> <h2>What is autism spectrum disorder?</h2> <p><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928" target="_blank" title="Opens in a new window.">Autism spectrum disorder</a> is a condition related to brain development that affects how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication. It includes conditions that previously were considered separate, including autism, Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and an unspecified form of pervasive developmental disorder.</p> <p>Autism affects children and adults in three areas: communication, social interaction and behaviors. <a href="/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/could-my-child-have-autism-spectrum-disorder" target="_self" title="Opens in same window.">Children with autism spectrum disorder</a> may struggle with recognizing their emotions and may feel them more intensely. Regulating their anger and frustration can be difficult and lead to intense bursts of emotions. Children with autism also have higher rates of anxiety and depression.</p> <p>Each child with autism spectrum disorder is likely to have a distinctive pattern of behavior and level of severity. A healthcare professional will generally describe the severity of the condition based on the person's level of impairments and how those affect their ability to function.</p> <h3>A child or adult with autism spectrum disorder may have problems with social interaction and communication skills, including any of these signs:</h3> <ul> <li>Can't start a conversation, keep one going or can only start one to make requests or label items.</li> <li>Doesn't appear to understand simple questions or directions.</li> <li>Doesn't express emotions or feelings and appears unaware of others' feelings.</li> <li>Doesn't speak or has delayed speech.</li> <li>Fails to respond to their name or appears not to hear you sometimes.</li> <li>Has difficulty recognizing nonverbal cues, such as interpreting other people's facial expressions, body postures or tone of voice.</li> <li>Has poor eye contact and lacks facial expression.</li> <li>Inappropriately approaches a social interaction by being passive, aggressive or disruptive.</li> <li>Prefers playing alone.</li> <li>Repeats words or phrases verbatim but doesn't understand how to use them.</li> </ul> <h2>Awareness of autism behaviors</h2> <p>According to the <a rel="noopener" href="https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/23904/CDC-Autism-rate-rises-to-1-in-36-children" target="_blank" title="Opens in a new window.">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</a>, the latest research from 2023 shows that 1 in 36 children was diagnosed with autism. This is an increase from 1 in 44 children just <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/ss/ss7202a1.htm?s_cid=ss7202a1_e&amp;ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM101985&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=This%20Week%20in%20MMWR%20-%20Vol.%2072%2C%20March%2024%2C%202023&amp;deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM101985" target="_blank" title="Opens in a new window.">two years ago</a>.</p> <p>Children tend to become more aware of their diagnosis around puberty. Kids recognize their differences from their peers and notice their struggle to fit in. They might notice they're not being invited to participate in certain activities or being accepted in the same way as many of their peers. Social interactions become more crucial for young people in middle and high school, which can be stressful for someone on the autism spectrum. </p> <p>Parents may notice symptoms early on when they see how their child's behaviors, communication and social interactions differ from their peer group. It can be challenging for parents to accept that their child is different from other children. Parents may feel guilty and responsible, even though this developmental condition has no known cause.</p> <h2>Living with autism spectrum disorder</h2> <p>As the number of people living with autism spectrum disorder increases, it's critical to seek out educational opportunities that can help with understanding autism spectrum disorder. What are the strengths and disadvantages of the child? How can that knowledge be used to strengthen the skills of a child with autism? Answering these questions can help identify specific interventions to teach skills relevant to the child. </p> <p>For example, if a child struggles with regulating emotions, this can be addressed through <a href="/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/autism-treatments-and-therapies" target="_self" title="Opens in same window.">treatment</a> to help them gain more control over their emotions and behaviors.</p> <p>No cure exists for autism spectrum disorder, and there's no one-size-fits-all treatment. The goal of treatment is to maximize your child's ability to function by reducing their autism spectrum disorder symptoms and <a href="/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/helping-your-childs-education-through-an-iep-or-504-plan" target="_self" title="Opens in same window.">supporting their development and learning</a>. Early intervention during the preschool years is key.</p> <h3>Treatment options may include:</h3> <ul> <li>Behavior and communication therapies</li> <li>Educational therapies</li> <li>Family therapies</li> <li>Medications</li> </ul> <p>When you have a child or loved one with autism, the chance of them having anxiety or depression is increased. Evaluating and treating these symptoms can improve their level of functioning and their overall mental health. </p> <p>One of the most critical things parents, friends or classmates of someone diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder can do is educate yourself about it while recognizing their strengths.</p> <p>You can develop increased compassion for your loved ones, classmates, friends and colleagues by recognizing and understanding more about the condition. While you can't eliminate a child's autism or wait for them to outgrow it, you can minimize some of its symptoms and improve quality of life.</p> <p><a href="/providers/janice-schreier-lcsw" target="_self" title="Opens in same window."><em>Janice Schreier</em></a><em> is a child and adolescent clinical therapist in <a href="/services-and-treatments/psychiatry-and-psychology" target="_self" title="Opens in same window.">Psychiatry &amp; Psychology</a> in <a href="/locations/la-crosse" target="_self" title="Opens in same window.">La Crosse</a>, Wisconsin.</em></p> </div> <ul class="social-buttons"> <li> <a id="socialShareFacebook-d780b2c4fdd1486288c6d2aa50346a98" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/understanding-autism" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Facebook"> <svg version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" x="0px" y="0px" viewBox="0 0 32 32" 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with Email"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 32 32"><path d="M2,6V26H30V6ZM28,24H4V9.89l10.84,7.74,1.16.83,1.16-.83L28,9.89ZM16,16,4.8,8H27.2Z"/></svg> </a> </li> </ul> <div class="blog-categories"> <div class="blog-categories__title">Topics in this Post</div> <ul> <li><a id="topicButton-f43164bf016444cf83e6da8dab5d2b18-37d26608212141c6afbf9208b6fbd43d" href="/topics/autism">Autism</a></li> <li><a id="topicButton-8e0de6988f084f9abbbb65caaf9fa58b-37d26608212141c6afbf9208b6fbd43d" href="/topics/behavioral-health">Behavioral Health</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="related-blog-posts"> <h2 class="related-blog-posts__header">Related Posts</h2> <div class="related-blog-posts__row"> <div class="related-blog-posts__item"> <a id="relatedBlogPostImage-7ecfb6948c8741e5b18555101172637e-af4bb8742eb64ac2a75e7fd776419432" href="/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/autism-treatments-and-therapies" class="related-blog-posts__img-wrapper"> <img 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Learn about evolving awareness and treatments for neurodivergent conditions.","image":"https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/-/media/national-files/images/hometown-health/2024/kids-crafting-outdoors.jpg?sc_lang=en","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/understanding-autism"},"dateModified":"2024-04-24","datePublished":"2024-04-24","headline":"Understanding autism: The path to diagnosis, awareness and support","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Mayo Clinic Health System","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/-/media/health-system-internet/shell/mayologo.svg?sc_lang=en"}},"articleBody":"Diagnosing a person with autism spectrum disorder can be challenging. It\u0027s a medical condition that no blood test, brain scan or objective test can pinpoint. And because of each person\u0027s distinctive pattern of symptoms, it can be hard to determine its severity.\nAs people gain familiarity with autism, however, they are becoming more open to discussing the diagnosis and seeking treatment. Society is also becoming more motivated to learn about neurodivergent conditions, including autism.\nWhat is autism spectrum disorder?\nAutism spectrum disorder is a condition related to brain development that affects how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication. It includes conditions that previously were considered separate, including autism, Asperger\u0027s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and an unspecified form of pervasive developmental disorder.\nAutism affects children and adults in three areas: communication, social interaction and behaviors. Children with autism spectrum disorder may struggle with recognizing their emotions and may feel them more intensely. Regulating their anger and frustration can be difficult and lead to intense bursts of emotions. Children with autism also have higher rates of anxiety and depression.\nEach child with autism spectrum disorder is likely to have a distinctive pattern of behavior and level of severity. A healthcare professional will generally describe the severity of the condition based on the person\u0027s level of impairments and how those affect their ability to function.\nA child or adult with autism spectrum disorder may have problems with social interaction and communication skills, including any of these signs:\n\n Can\u0027t start a conversation, keep one going or can only start one to make requests or label items.\n Doesn\u0027t appear to understand simple questions or directions.\n Doesn\u0027t express emotions or feelings and appears unaware of others\u0027 feelings.\n Doesn\u0027t speak or has delayed speech.\n Fails to respond to their name or appears not to hear you sometimes.\n Has difficulty recognizing nonverbal cues, such as interpreting other people\u0027s facial expressions, body postures or tone of voice.\n Has poor eye contact and lacks facial expression.\n Inappropriately approaches a social interaction by being passive, aggressive or disruptive.\n Prefers playing alone.\n Repeats words or phrases verbatim but doesn\u0027t understand how to use them.\n\nAwareness of autism behaviors\nAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the latest research from 2023 shows that 1 in 36 children was diagnosed with autism. This is an increase from 1 in 44 children just two years ago.\nChildren tend to become more aware of their diagnosis around puberty. Kids recognize their differences from their peers and notice their struggle to fit in. They might notice they\u0027re not being invited to participate in certain activities or being accepted in the same way as many of their peers. Social interactions become more crucial for young people in middle and high school, which can be stressful for someone on the autism spectrum. \nParents may notice symptoms early on when they see how their child\u0027s behaviors, communication and social interactions differ from their peer group. It can be challenging for parents to accept that their child is different from other children. Parents may feel guilty and responsible, even though this developmental condition has no known cause.\nLiving with autism spectrum disorder\nAs the number of people living with autism spectrum disorder increases, it\u0027s critical to seek out educational opportunities that can help with understanding autism spectrum disorder. What are the strengths and disadvantages of the child? How can that knowledge be used to strengthen the skills of a child with autism? Answering these questions can help identify specific interventions to teach skills relevant to the child. \nFor example, if a child struggles with regulating emotions, this can be addressed through treatment to help them gain more control over their emotions and behaviors.\nNo cure exists for autism spectrum disorder, and there\u0027s no one-size-fits-all treatment. The goal of treatment is to maximize your child\u0027s ability to function by reducing their autism spectrum disorder symptoms and supporting their development and learning. Early intervention during the preschool years is key.\nTreatment options may include:\n\n Behavior and communication therapies\n Educational therapies\n Family therapies\n Medications\n\nWhen you have a child or loved one with autism, the chance of them having anxiety or depression is increased. Evaluating and treating these symptoms can improve their level of functioning and their overall mental health. \nOne of the most critical things parents, friends or classmates of someone diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder can do is educate yourself about it while recognizing their strengths.\nYou can develop increased compassion for your loved ones, classmates, friends and colleagues by recognizing and understanding more about the condition. While you can\u0027t eliminate a child\u0027s autism or wait for them to outgrow it, you can minimize some of its symptoms and improve quality of life.\nJanice Schreier is a child and adolescent clinical therapist in Psychiatry \u0026amp; Psychology in La Crosse, Wisconsin."} </script> <script type="text/javascript"> var _dl = { "version": "1.1.4", "content_blog_topics": "autism\|behavioral health", "content_blog_author": "", "content_blog_date_pub": "2024-04-24", "content_blog_title": "Understanding autism: The path to diagnosis, awareness and support", "content_blog_author_id": "", "content_blog_word_count": 932 }; </script> <script type="text/javascript">try { _trackAnalytics(_dl); } catch (err) { /* Handle errors here */ }</script> </div> </section> </div> <div id="overlay" class="overlay"></div> <footer class="footer no-index"> <div class="footer__top"> <div class="container"> <div class="footer__column"> <h2 class="footer__title"> Stay Connected </h2> <ul class="footer__link-wrapper"> <li> <a id='link-fb0c087fa0ab424789ba0014131161f7' href='http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mayo-Clinic-Health-System/209089142464237' class='footer__social-btn' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' aria-label='Mayo Clinic Health System on Facebook'><span class=''><svg viewBox='0 0 50 50'><path d="M25,0 C11.2,0 0,11.2 0,25 C0,38.8 11.2,50 25,50 C38.8,50 50,38.8 50,25 C50,11.2 38.8,0 25,0 L25,0 Z M30.7,17 L27.9,17 C27.4,17 26.8,17.6 26.8,18 L26.8,20.8 L30.7,20.8 C30.6,23 30.3,25 30.3,25 L26.9,25 L26.9,37.3 L21.8,37.3 L21.8,25 L19.3,25 L19.3,20.9 L21.8,20.9 L21.8,17.5 C21.8,16.9 21.7,12.7 27,12.7 L30.8,12.7 C30.7,14.5 30.7,16.5 30.7,17 L30.7,17 Z"></path></svg></span></a> </li> <li> <a id='link-67c8e68795454beb92dbe6c9a92f9fba' href='https://www.instagram.com/mayoclinichealthsystem' class='footer__social-btn' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' aria-label='Mayo Clinic Health System on Instagram'><span class=''><svg viewBox='0 0 50 50'><path class="st0" d="M29.6,12.6c-1.5-0.1-1.9-0.1-5.7-0.1s-4.2,0-5.7,0.1c-3.8,0.2-5.6,2-5.7,5.7c-0.1,1.5-0.1,1.9-0.1,5.7 s0,4.2,0.1,5.7c0.2,3.8,1.9,5.6,5.7,5.7c1.5,0.1,1.9,0.1,5.7,0.1c3.7,0,4.2,0,5.7-0.1c3.8-0.2,5.6-2,5.7-5.7 c0.1-1.5,0.1-1.9,0.1-5.7s0-4.2-0.1-5.7C35.2,14.6,33.4,12.8,29.6,12.6z M24,31.2c-4,0-7.2-3.2-7.2-7.2c0-4,3.2-7.2,7.2-7.2 s7.2,3.2,7.2,7.2S28,31.2,24,31.2z M31.5,18.2c-0.9,0-1.7-0.8-1.7-1.7s0.8-1.7,1.7-1.7c0.9,0,1.7,0.8,1.7,1.7 C33.1,17.4,32.4,18.2,31.5,18.2z M28.7,24c0,2.6-2.1,4.7-4.7,4.7s-4.7-2.1-4.7-4.7s2.1-4.7,4.7-4.7S28.7,21.4,28.7,24z M24,0 C10.7,0,0,10.7,0,24s10.7,24,24,24s24-10.7,24-24S37.2,0,24,0z M37.9,29.8c-0.2,5.1-3.1,7.9-8.1,8.1C28.3,38,27.8,38,24,38 s-4.3,0-5.8-0.1c-5.1-0.2-7.9-3.1-8.1-8.1C10,28.3,10,27.8,10,24s0-4.3,0.1-5.8c0.2-5.1,3.1-7.9,8.1-8.1c1.5-0.1,2-0.1,5.8-0.1 s4.3,0,5.8,0.1c5.1,0.2,7.9,3.1,8.1,8.1c0.1,1.5,0.1,2,0.1,5.8S38,28.3,37.9,29.8z"/> </path></svg>
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href="/topics/autism">Autism</a></li> <li><a id="topicButton-8e0de6988f084f9abbbb65caaf9fa58b-6a1487e8a75f4b1783f3068c2c35f445" href="/topics/behavioral-health">Behavioral Health</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="blog-cover-image"> <img src="/-/media/national-files/images/hometown-health/2024/kids-crafting-outdoors.jpg?sc_lang=en&amp;la=en&amp;h=370&amp;w=660&amp;hash=053D372BCD7C9FB16A15407AAE1B1438" alt="Kids crafting outdoors" /> </div> <div class="wysiwyg"> <p>Diagnosing a person with autism spectrum disorder can be challenging. It's a medical condition that no blood test, brain scan or objective test can pinpoint. And because of each person's distinctive pattern of symptoms, it can be hard to determine its severity.</p> <p>As people gain familiarity with autism, however, they are becoming more open to discussing the diagnosis and seeking treatment. Society is also becoming more motivated to learn about neurodivergent conditions, including autism.</p> <h2>What is autism spectrum disorder?</h2> <p><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928" target="_blank" title="Opens in a new window.">Autism spectrum disorder</a> is a condition related to brain development that affects how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication. It includes conditions that previously were considered separate, including autism, Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and an unspecified form of pervasive developmental disorder.</p> <p>Autism affects children and adults in three areas: communication, social interaction and behaviors. <a href="/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/could-my-child-have-autism-spectrum-disorder" target="_self" title="Opens in same window.">Children with autism spectrum disorder</a> may struggle with recognizing their emotions and may feel them more intensely. Regulating their anger and frustration can be difficult and lead to intense bursts of emotions. Children with autism also have higher rates of anxiety and depression.</p> <p>Each child with autism spectrum disorder is likely to have a distinctive pattern of behavior and level of severity. A healthcare professional will generally describe the severity of the condition based on the person's level of impairments and how those affect their ability to function.</p> <h3>A child or adult with autism spectrum disorder may have problems with social interaction and communication skills, including any of these signs:</h3> <ul> <li>Can't start a conversation, keep one going or can only start one to make requests or label items.</li> <li>Doesn't appear to understand simple questions or directions.</li> <li>Doesn't express emotions or feelings and appears unaware of others' feelings.</li> <li>Doesn't speak or has delayed speech.</li> <li>Fails to respond to their name or appears not to hear you sometimes.</li> <li>Has difficulty recognizing nonverbal cues, such as interpreting other people's facial expressions, body postures or tone of voice.</li> <li>Has poor eye contact and lacks facial expression.</li> <li>Inappropriately approaches a social interaction by being passive, aggressive or disruptive.</li> <li>Prefers playing alone.</li> <li>Repeats words or phrases verbatim but doesn't understand how to use them.</li> </ul> <h2>Awareness of autism behaviors</h2> <p>According to the <a rel="noopener" href="https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/23904/CDC-Autism-rate-rises-to-1-in-36-children" target="_blank" title="Opens in a new window.">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</a>, the latest research from 2023 shows that 1 in 36 children was diagnosed with autism. This is an increase from 1 in 44 children just <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/ss/ss7202a1.htm?s_cid=ss7202a1_e&amp;ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM101985&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=This%20Week%20in%20MMWR%20-%20Vol.%2072%2C%20March%2024%2C%202023&amp;deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM101985" target="_blank" title="Opens in a new window.">two years ago</a>.</p> <p>Children tend to become more aware of their diagnosis around puberty. Kids recognize their differences from their peers and notice their struggle to fit in. They might notice they're not being invited to participate in certain activities or being accepted in the same way as many of their peers. Social interactions become more crucial for young people in middle and high school, which can be stressful for someone on the autism spectrum. </p> <p>Parents may notice symptoms early on when they see how their child's behaviors, communication and social interactions differ from their peer group. It can be challenging for parents to accept that their child is different from other children. Parents may feel guilty and responsible, even though this developmental condition has no known cause.</p> <h2>Living with autism spectrum disorder</h2> <p>As the number of people living with autism spectrum disorder increases, it's critical to seek out educational opportunities that can help with understanding autism spectrum disorder. What are the strengths and disadvantages of the child? How can that knowledge be used to strengthen the skills of a child with autism? Answering these questions can help identify specific interventions to teach skills relevant to the child. </p> <p>For example, if a child struggles with regulating emotions, this can be addressed through <a href="/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/autism-treatments-and-therapies" target="_self" title="Opens in same window.">treatment</a> to help them gain more control over their emotions and behaviors.</p> <p>No cure exists for autism spectrum disorder, and there's no one-size-fits-all treatment. The goal of treatment is to maximize your child's ability to function by reducing their autism spectrum disorder symptoms and <a href="/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/helping-your-childs-education-through-an-iep-or-504-plan" target="_self" title="Opens in same window.">supporting their development and learning</a>. Early intervention during the preschool years is key.</p> <h3>Treatment options may include:</h3> <ul> <li>Behavior and communication therapies</li> <li>Educational therapies</li> <li>Family therapies</li> <li>Medications</li> </ul> <p>When you have a child or loved one with autism, the chance of them having anxiety or depression is increased. Evaluating and treating these symptoms can improve their level of functioning and their overall mental health. </p> <p>One of the most critical things parents, friends or classmates of someone diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder can do is educate yourself about it while recognizing their strengths.</p> <p>You can develop increased compassion for your loved ones, classmates, friends and colleagues by recognizing and understanding more about the condition. While you can't eliminate a child's autism or wait for them to outgrow it, you can minimize some of its symptoms and improve quality of life.</p> <p><a href="/providers/janice-schreier-lcsw" target="_self" title="Opens in same window."><em>Janice Schreier</em></a><em> is a child and adolescent clinical therapist in <a href="/services-and-treatments/psychiatry-and-psychology" target="_self" title="Opens in same window.">Psychiatry &amp; Psychology</a> in <a href="/locations/la-crosse" target="_self" title="Opens in same window.">La Crosse</a>, Wisconsin.</em></p> </div> <ul class="social-buttons"> <li> <a id="socialShareFacebook-d780b2c4fdd1486288c6d2aa50346a98" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/understanding-autism" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Facebook"> <svg version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" x="0px" y="0px" viewBox="0 0 32 32" 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href="/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/what-is-normal-when-i-am-grieving" class="related-blog-posts__title">What is normal when I&#39;m grieving?</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <script type="application/ld+json"> {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Article","description":"Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder can be challenging because of the distinctive pattern of symptoms. Learn about evolving awareness and treatments for neurodivergent conditions.","image":"https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/-/media/national-files/images/hometown-health/2024/kids-crafting-outdoors.jpg?sc_lang=en","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/understanding-autism"},"dateModified":"2024-04-24","datePublished":"2024-04-24","headline":"Understanding autism: The path to diagnosis, awareness and support","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Mayo Clinic Health System","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/-/media/health-system-internet/shell/mayologo.svg?sc_lang=en"}},"articleBody":"Diagnosing a person with autism spectrum disorder can be challenging. It\u0027s a medical condition that no blood test, brain scan or objective test can pinpoint. And because of each person\u0027s distinctive pattern of symptoms, it can be hard to determine its severity.\nAs people gain familiarity with autism, however, they are becoming more open to discussing the diagnosis and seeking treatment. Society is also becoming more motivated to learn about neurodivergent conditions, including autism.\nWhat is autism spectrum disorder?\nAutism spectrum disorder is a condition related to brain development that affects how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication. It includes conditions that previously were considered separate, including autism, Asperger\u0027s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and an unspecified form of pervasive developmental disorder.\nAutism affects children and adults in three areas: communication, social interaction and behaviors. Children with autism spectrum disorder may struggle with recognizing their emotions and may feel them more intensely. Regulating their anger and frustration can be difficult and lead to intense bursts of emotions. Children with autism also have higher rates of anxiety and depression.\nEach child with autism spectrum disorder is likely to have a distinctive pattern of behavior and level of severity. A healthcare professional will generally describe the severity of the condition based on the person\u0027s level of impairments and how those affect their ability to function.\nA child or adult with autism spectrum disorder may have problems with social interaction and communication skills, including any of these signs:\n\n Can\u0027t start a conversation, keep one going or can only start one to make requests or label items.\n Doesn\u0027t appear to understand simple questions or directions.\n Doesn\u0027t express emotions or feelings and appears unaware of others\u0027 feelings.\n Doesn\u0027t speak or has delayed speech.\n Fails to respond to their name or appears not to hear you sometimes.\n Has difficulty recognizing nonverbal cues, such as interpreting other people\u0027s facial expressions, body postures or tone of voice.\n Has poor eye contact and lacks facial expression.\n Inappropriately approaches a social interaction by being passive, aggressive or disruptive.\n Prefers playing alone.\n Repeats words or phrases verbatim but doesn\u0027t understand how to use them.\n\nAwareness of autism behaviors\nAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the latest research from 2023 shows that 1 in 36 children was diagnosed with autism. This is an increase from 1 in 44 children just two years ago.\nChildren tend to become more aware of their diagnosis around puberty. Kids recognize their differences from their peers and notice their struggle to fit in. They might notice they\u0027re not being invited to participate in certain activities or being accepted in the same way as many of their peers. Social interactions become more crucial for young people in middle and high school, which can be stressful for someone on the autism spectrum. \nParents may notice symptoms early on when they see how their child\u0027s behaviors, communication and social interactions differ from their peer group. It can be challenging for parents to accept that their child is different from other children. Parents may feel guilty and responsible, even though this developmental condition has no known cause.\nLiving with autism spectrum disorder\nAs the number of people living with autism spectrum disorder increases, it\u0027s critical to seek out educational opportunities that can help with understanding autism spectrum disorder. What are the strengths and disadvantages of the child? How can that knowledge be used to strengthen the skills of a child with autism? Answering these questions can help identify specific interventions to teach skills relevant to the child. \nFor example, if a child struggles with regulating emotions, this can be addressed through treatment to help them gain more control over their emotions and behaviors.\nNo cure exists for autism spectrum disorder, and there\u0027s no one-size-fits-all treatment. The goal of treatment is to maximize your child\u0027s ability to function by reducing their autism spectrum disorder symptoms and supporting their development and learning. Early intervention during the preschool years is key.\nTreatment options may include:\n\n Behavior and communication therapies\n Educational therapies\n Family therapies\n Medications\n\nWhen you have a child or loved one with autism, the chance of them having anxiety or depression is increased. Evaluating and treating these symptoms can improve their level of functioning and their overall mental health. \nOne of the most critical things parents, friends or classmates of someone diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder can do is educate yourself about it while recognizing their strengths.\nYou can develop increased compassion for your loved ones, classmates, friends and colleagues by recognizing and understanding more about the condition. While you can\u0027t eliminate a child\u0027s autism or wait for them to outgrow it, you can minimize some of its symptoms and improve quality of life.\nJanice Schreier is a child and adolescent clinical therapist in Psychiatry \u0026amp; Psychology in La Crosse, Wisconsin."} </script> <script type="text/javascript"> var _dl = { "version": "1.1.4", "content_blog_topics": "autism\|behavioral health", "content_blog_author": "", "content_blog_date_pub": "2024-04-24", "content_blog_title": "Understanding autism: The path to diagnosis, awareness and support", "content_blog_author_id": "", "content_blog_word_count": 932 }; </script> <script type="text/javascript">try { _trackAnalytics(_dl); } catch (err) { /* Handle errors here */ }</script> </div> </section> </div> <div id="overlay" class="overlay"></div> <footer class="footer no-index"> <div class="footer__top"> <div class="container"> <div class="footer__column"> <h2 class="footer__title"> Stay Connected </h2> <ul class="footer__link-wrapper"> <li> <a id='link-fb0c087fa0ab424789ba0014131161f7' href='http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mayo-Clinic-Health-System/209089142464237' class='footer__social-btn' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' aria-label='Mayo Clinic Health System on Facebook'><span class=''><svg viewBox='0 0 50 50'><path d="M25,0 C11.2,0 0,11.2 0,25 C0,38.8 11.2,50 25,50 C38.8,50 50,38.8 50,25 C50,11.2 38.8,0 25,0 L25,0 Z M30.7,17 L27.9,17 C27.4,17 26.8,17.6 26.8,18 L26.8,20.8 L30.7,20.8 C30.6,23 30.3,25 30.3,25 L26.9,25 L26.9,37.3 L21.8,37.3 L21.8,25 L19.3,25 L19.3,20.9 L21.8,20.9 L21.8,17.5 C21.8,16.9 21.7,12.7 27,12.7 L30.8,12.7 C30.7,14.5 30.7,16.5 30.7,17 L30.7,17 Z"></path></svg></span></a> </li> <li> <a id='link-67c8e68795454beb92dbe6c9a92f9fba' href='https://www.instagram.com/mayoclinichealthsystem' class='footer__social-btn' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' aria-label='Mayo Clinic Health System on Instagram'><span class=''><svg viewBox='0 0 50 50'><path class="st0" d="M29.6,12.6c-1.5-0.1-1.9-0.1-5.7-0.1s-4.2,0-5.7,0.1c-3.8,0.2-5.6,2-5.7,5.7c-0.1,1.5-0.1,1.9-0.1,5.7 s0,4.2,0.1,5.7c0.2,3.8,1.9,5.6,5.7,5.7c1.5,0.1,1.9,0.1,5.7,0.1c3.7,0,4.2,0,5.7-0.1c3.8-0.2,5.6-2,5.7-5.7 c0.1-1.5,0.1-1.9,0.1-5.7s0-4.2-0.1-5.7C35.2,14.6,33.4,12.8,29.6,12.6z M24,31.2c-4,0-7.2-3.2-7.2-7.2c0-4,3.2-7.2,7.2-7.2 s7.2,3.2,7.2,7.2S28,31.2,24,31.2z M31.5,18.2c-0.9,0-1.7-0.8-1.7-1.7s0.8-1.7,1.7-1.7c0.9,0,1.7,0.8,1.7,1.7 C33.1,17.4,32.4,18.2,31.5,18.2z M28.7,24c0,2.6-2.1,4.7-4.7,4.7s-4.7-2.1-4.7-4.7s2.1-4.7,4.7-4.7S28.7,21.4,28.7,24z M24,0 C10.7,0,0,10.7,0,24s10.7,24,24,24s24-10.7,24-24S37.2,0,24,0z M37.9,29.8c-0.2,5.1-3.1,7.9-8.1,8.1C28.3,38,27.8,38,24,38 s-4.3,0-5.8-0.1c-5.1-0.2-7.9-3.1-8.1-8.1C10,28.3,10,27.8,10,24s0-4.3,0.1-5.8c0.2-5.1,3.1-7.9,8.1-8.1c1.5-0.1,2-0.1,5.8-0.1 s4.3,0,5.8,0.1c5.1,0.2,7.9,3.1,8.1,8.1c0.1,1.5,0.1,2,0.1,5.8S38,28.3,37.9,29.8z"/> </path></svg>
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