We are also diagnosing milder forms than we used to. It is four times more common among boys than girls. Autism is found all through the world in families of all racial, ethnic and social backgrounds. Current research suggests that differences in the development of the brain and central nervous system cause autism. What causes these differences in brain development is not known for sure.
Research indicates that there is no connection between vaccines and autism .
Research is showing that the earlier a child gets treatment, the more they will improve. Spending a lot of time very early, working very closely with your child on language and social skills will bring more improvement. Your general pediatrician may not want to diagnose autism earlier than age 3. But you may suspect it as early as 18 months. Go with your gut feeling, no matter what your child's regular doctor says.