Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a broad term used to describe a group of neurodevelopmental conditions.

Being autistic means one’s brain works in a different way from other people.

It is something people are usually born with. Signs of autism might be noticed during early childhood, between ages 12 and 24 months. However, symptoms may also appear earlier or later.

Nobody knows what causes this as this condition is sometimes passed on to a child by their parents.

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Autism is:

* Not caused by bad parenting

* Not caused by vaccines, such as the MMR vaccine

* Not linked to diet

* Not an infection you can spread to other people

What are the symptoms

Symptoms of ASD typically become clearly evident

Early symptoms may include a marked delay in language or social development

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR), used by clinicians to diagnose various psychiatric disorders, divides symptoms of ASD into two categories:

* problems with communication and social interaction

* Restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior or activities

Problems with communication and social interaction

ASD can involve a range of issues with communication, many of which appear before age 5.

Here’s a what this might look like over time:

* From birth: trouble maintaining eye contact

* By 9 months: not responding to their name; not displaying facial expressions reflective of their emotions (like surprise or anger)

* By 12 months: not engaging in basic interactive games; not calling a parent a special name, like “mama” or “dada”; using few or no gestures, like waving

* By 15 months: not sharing their interests with others (by showing someone a favorite toy, for example)

* By 18 months: not pointing or looking where others point; not pointing to show you something

* By 24 months: not noticing when others appear sad or hurt; not saying more than one of two words

* By 36 months: not noticing other children or joining them in play

* By 60 months of age: not singing, acting, or dancing

Also, autistic children might have trouble expressing their feelings or understanding those of others starting at 36 months.

As autistic children begin to talk, they might also talk in an unusual tone ranging from high-pitched and “sing-songy” to robotic or flat.

They might also show signs of hyperlexia, which involves reading beyond what’s expected of their age.

Children on the autism spectrum might learn to read earlier than their neurotypical peers, sometimes as early as age 2. But they tend not to comprehend what they’re reading.

While hyperlexia does not always accompany autism, a 2017 review suggests anywhere from 6% to 20% of autistic children demonstrate early signs of hyperlexia, depending on how narrowly hyperlexia is defined.

Autistic people often have other conditions, such as:

* Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

* Dyslexia

* Anxiety

* Depression

* Epilepsy

Diagnosing ASD can be difficult since there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorder. Doctors look at the child's behaviour and development to make a diagnosis. However, many children do not receive a final diagnosis until they are much older.

Some people are not diagnosed until they are adolescents or adults. This delay means that people with ASD might not get the early help they need.

Even though ASD is not permanently curable, current treatments seek to reduce symptoms that interfere with daily functioning and quality of life.

ASD affects each person differently, meaning that people with ASD have unique strengths and challenges and different treatment needs.2 Treatment plans usually involve multiple professionals and are catered to the individual.

ASD is not a disease, illness or a curse and patients have no control over it, early diagnosis can go a long way in helping patients.

If any of the above symptoms is noticed in a child, it's best to consult a health professional and seek medical assistance

Research tools: Healthline, NHS, UK, CDC

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