Autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) causes people to think and behave in atypical ways because of how their brain developed. People with ASD have a wide range of characteristics that often impact how they communicate with others, interact in social situations, and learn information. Medical and support professionals play a vital role in diagnosing autism and finding individualized interventions and services to help people with ASD use their natural gifts along with adaptive methods to function well at home, school, or work.

If you or someone you know is living with autism spectrum disorder, having a health care team that offers specialized support can make a meaningful difference in managing everyday challenges and improving quality of life. To meet this need, the Lurie Autism Institute unites Penn Medicine and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in a joint effort to deepen our understanding of ASD, create new approaches to care, and strengthen support for individuals and families.

People with autism have brains that develop in an atypical (neurodivergent) way, which affects how their brain functions when compared with people whose brain develops in a “typical” (neurotypical) way. Neither type of brain development is right or wrong and not everyone with a neurodivergent brain has autism.

There’s no single reason why people with neurodivergent brains develop autism. Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a role, along with some conditions during pregnancy and birth. While it’s likely that autism has genetic components, hereditary causes seem linked to multiple gene variations instead of mutations in a single gene. Certain genetic conditions like Down syndrome may also include a predisposition to developing autism. Notably, multiple large studies of children have found no connection between autism and vaccination use. Research is ongoing to find specific causes of ASD.

There’s no single test or medical exam that can diagnose autism in children or adults. Multiple clinical visits and medical tests may be needed to make an accurate diagnosis. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the faster that interventions can have a positive impact.

Diagnosing ASD in children

For babies or toddlers, regular well-child visits can identify developmental delays that indicate ASD. For older children and teenagers, a teacher or childcare provider may be the first to spot signs of ASD. If autism is suspected, your pediatrician will recommend seeing an ASD specialist, like a developmental pediatrician or pediatric neurologist, and undergoing cognitive tests, neurological exams, and speech and language tests. Parents or caregivers will be asked to provide detailed information about a child’s behavior, social interactions, and daily activities for the most thorough evaluation and diagnosis.

Diagnosing ASD in adults

A later diagnosis can be challenging because some ASD symptoms mimic those of mental health conditions commonly diagnosed in adults like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or general anxiety disorder. Your health care provider will take a medical history, focusing on any developmental issues experienced in childhood. They may recommend autism spectrum tests to assess the likelihood of ASD or to categorize autism levels, such as high-functioning autism. You may work with a psychologist, psychiatrist, or neuropsychologist to discuss your experiences with sensory challenges, social interactions, repetitive actions, and learning styles to help pinpoint a diagnosis.

People with autism benefit from a range of support services and interventions based on their individual needs. These are not treatments, since autism is not a disease to be cured, but are methods to help people live better with autism.

Suggested services incorporate a person’s natural strengths with adaptive techniques to cope with challenges. Behavioral therapy, speech therapy, family therapy, medications, and educational support tools are some of the approaches often recommended. If an additional condition is present, your doctor will coordinate services with other clinicians as part of an integrated health care plan. Ask your provider about autism support groups where you can learn more about programs and resources designed to support people with ASD and their families.

The Lurie Autism Institute brings together the expertise of Penn Medicine and CHOP to transform autism research into better treatments and lifelong care.

Established through a historic gift from Jeffrey Lurie, Chairman and CEO of the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Lurie family, the Institute is creating a global hub for discovery, collaboration, and innovation. By uniting leading scientists, clinicians, and community partners, the Institute will accelerate breakthroughs that improve the lives of individuals with autism at every age.