Signs & Symptoms

The ‘extreme male brain’ theory suggests that autism is an exaggeration of systematic sex differences in ways of thinking.

Serotonin, the brain chemical best known for its link to depression, may also be involved in autism.

Some autistic children’s communication and motor skills begin to decelerate between 9 and 18 months — years before the average age of diagnosis.

Nearly all children who lose their autism diagnosis have other conditions, such as anxiety and language and behavioral disorders.

Genetics may govern a person’s ability to pay attention to social cues.

People with autism who avoid social interactions or have troubles with daily living skills may be at increased risk of an early death.

Children in families with a history of brain conditions may be at increased odds of being autistic.

A new parent questionnaire is the first test designed to gauge anxiety in children with autism.