Understanding Autism: What Parents Need to Know

I get messages almost weekly, but now more so than ever: “What causes autism?” “How do I know if my child has it?” As a pediatrician (and a mom), I want to lay out the current, evidence-based facts because there’s a lot of noise right now. This guide will explain what autism is, how it arises (based on research), how it’s diagnosed, what treatments + supports are effective, and what parents can do. Always check with your child’s pediatrician or developmental specialist about your specific concerns. This is for educational purposes.

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

• Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition. It affects how people communicate, socialize, behave, and interact with the world.

• “Spectrum” means there’s a wide variation in how autism presents: for some children, differences are quite subtle, for others, support needs are greater.

• Diagnostic criteria are in the DSM-5: they include difficulties in social communication + interaction, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.

What Causes Autism?

We don’t have a single cause. The science suggests multiple factors work together — genetic, environmental, biological. Some key points:

• Genetic risk is strong. If a family has one autistic child, risk is higher for another. Studies point to multiple genes, gene variants, and sometimes rare single gene disorders (e.g. fragile X syndrome) influencing risk.

• Environmental / prenatal factors may increase risk (but do not guarantee autism). Examples include advanced parental age, prenatal exposure to pollution, certain maternal health conditions (diabetes, immune issues), prematurity or low birth weight.

• Important: vaccines have been extensively studied. Decades of research show no credible evidence linking vaccines to causing autism.

How is Autism Diagnosed?

Screening and diagnosis are structured so children can start getting help early. According to the AAP and other guidelines:

• Developmental surveillance at all well-child visits. Ask: Do they respond to name, point to objects, make eye contact, play alongside others?

• Standardized screening tools: The AAP recommends specific autism screening at 18 months and 24 months of age. Tools like the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT-R) are common.

• If screening suggests risk, a more thorough diagnostic evaluation is recommended. This often includes a multidisciplinary team: developmental specialists, speech therapists, psychologists, sometimes medical geneticists. ADOS/ADOS-2 or similar observation tools, developmental history, standardized cognitive/language assessments.

What Treatments & Supports Help?

There is no cure for autism, but many interventions, supports and strategies help children thrive. Here’s what the evidence supports (referencing the AAP):

Type of Intervention	What It Is / Why It Helps
Early Intervention Therapies	Starting supports early (as soon as risk is identified) improves communication, learning, social skills.
Behavioral Interventions (ABA, etc.)	Applied Behavior Analysis, structured behavioral therapy, play-based therapy can reduce challenging behaviors and build skills. AAP guidelines include these.
Speech Therapy	Many children with ASD benefit significantly from speech/language therapy to develop expressive/receptive language.
Occupational Therapy	Helps with fine motor, daily living skills, sensory processing differences.
Coexisting Conditions Management	Many autistic kids also have sleep differences, gastrointestinal issues, anxiety/ADHD, etc. Addressing those improves quality of life.
Educational Supports	IEPs (Individualized Education Programs), special education services, peer interaction programs.

How Parents Can Help

While waiting for evaluations, or working through treatment:

• Talk to your pediatrician if you have concerns. They know which screening tools to use and can refer you.

• Support your child’s strengths: build playtime, allow choice, encourage repetitive interests in ways that promote skills.

• Support communication: simplify language, give extra processing time, use visual supports.

• Create routines: structure and predictability can lower anxiety.

• Seek support: parent support groups, autism organizations, trusted books / websites.

When To Seek Help / Red Flags

Here are signs that warrant earlier evaluation:

• Lack of response to name by 9-12 months

• No pointing / showing objects by 14-15 months

• Little or no social smiling or back-and-forth gestures

• Delayed speech, or losing previously acquired speech

• Repetitive behaviors (rocking, hand flapping), intense fixations

• Sensory differences (over/under sensitivity to sound, texture)

Recent Updates & Truths To Clear Up Myths

• ASD is on the rise statistically, but much of that is due to better screening, broader definitions, and more awareness, not a new epidemic necessarily but we can not discredit environmental and genetic changes that may be occurring overtime.

• There is increasing interest in novel treatments for specific subgroups (for example, leucovorin for children with cerebral folate deficiency), but this is not a cure and only a potential option for rare cases and under medical supervision.

• Avoid misinformation: claims linking vaccines to autism or suggesting one single environmental cause are not supported by current science.

Final Thoughts

Autism doesn’t “look” the same in every child, and it doesn’t mean limitation. With early detection, the right therapies, supportive environments, and families who love fiercely, children with autism can grow, learn, and thrive.

If you believe your child may have signs of autism or if there are behaviors that worry you trust your instincts. Talk to your pediatrician, get screenings, and explore supports as early as possible.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. It does not substitute for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your child’s healthcare provider for concerns or before starting or changing any intervention plan.

-Dr. O 💛