Commentary by Anita Moton, MD, MS
Published June 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect a child's behavior and social and communications skills. Children of all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups are reported to have ASD. Signs of autism emerge in the second year after birth and present with various levels of adaptive, cognitive, and social functioning throughout life. Research shows that starting an intervention program as soon as possible can improve outcomes for many children with autism spectrum disorder.

Keywords: autism; ASD; autism screenings; M-CHAT; M-CHAT-R/F; autism criteria; autism evaluation; social development; sleep management; autism treatment; autism comorbidities