8 Autism Signs, Symptoms & Facts You Should Know

April is Autism Awareness Month and last April 2 was the annual World Autism Awareness Day.

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by challenges in communication whether verbal or non-verbal, social interaction and propensity for repetitive behavior, according to CDC. Individuals with ASD have their own ways of reacting to things and situations, learning, and paying attention. There are telltale signs of autism that can be determined in children as early as 18 months old or younger and in adults.

1.) Boys Are Five Times More Likely To Have Autism Than Girls

According to the National Autism Association statistics, autism affects 1 in 68 children, 1 in 42 boys. This means that 60,000 12-year olds in the US have a strong possibility of being autistic.

2.) There Is No Known Medical Cure For Autism

When asked, The National Autistic Society replied that although there is no possible "cure," this does not mean that there are no ways to help a person with autism. Interventions can be used to help better a child or adult's ability to function in society. The understanding of the disorder has yield a promise of many more interventions available in the future.

3.) There Is No Known Cause For Autism

Autism is a complex type of disorder where no two persons have the same kind of symptoms or severity. However, some theorized factors may play a role such as genetics and environment according to Mayo Clinic.

4.) Autism is NOT Caused by Vaccination

Contrary to popular belief, vaccination does not cause or increase the risk of autism. According to PublicHealth.org, the study that claims to have found vaccines linked to autism was baseless and has been fully discredited. A recent research from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that autism develops in babies in utero, or before the baby is born.

5.) It is Often Difficult to Diagnose ASD

According to the CDC, there is no standard medical procedure like blood testing to diagnose ASD because of its complexity. Health professionals tend to look at a child's behavioral pattern and development in order to make a diagnosis.

6.) People with ASD Communicate Differently 

Although conversing with words is what is deemed normal for most people, people with ASD may convey their needs through other ways. According to Time, they may use body language, agitation, withdrawal or other signs.

7.) Autism Can Progress and Early Intervention is Key

Science Direct says the social, cognitive, and language skills of a child that is diagnosed with ASD can be developed through behavioral intervention. A study says significant gains can be seen on children who has undergone treatment as a toddler.

8.) Some Historical Figures Have Displayed Similar Behavioral Patterns of Autism

According to Montana ASA, this included Thomas Jefferson, Hans Christian Andersen, Albert Einstein, Nicola Tesla, Mozart, Andy Warhol, Charles Darwin and Sir Isaac Newton.