About Autism Spectrum Disorder

Key points

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain.
• Some people with ASD have a known difference, such as a genetic condition. Other causes are not yet known.
• Scientists believe there are multiple causes of ASD that act together to change the most common ways people develop. We still have much to learn about these causes and how they impact people with ASD.
• Early intervention services can greatly improve the development of a child with ASD.