Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder that affects how people learn, behave, communicate and relate to each other. ASD often first becomes noticeable in early childhood. ASD looks different in every individual. Some children with ASD may not be able to speak or go to a typical school, but many children with ASD are able to learn, thrive, and grow up to live independent productive lives. Early supportive services and education can be very helpful in improving quality of life. If you think your child might have ASD, talk to your child’s doctor.

Scientists do not know all the causes of ASD. As part of the Children’s Health Act of 2000 that was passed by Congress to promote research on autism, EHIB received funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to establish a Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities Research and Epidemiology (CADDRE). EHIB staff worked with other researchers to study different environmental exposures that might contribute to the development of ASD.

​Although EHIB is no longer funded to study autism, scientific findings from earlier studies are still being published. Some examples of EHIB work related to autism include:

​More ASD Resources