ASD is a complex developmental disorder that affects how a person behaves, interacts with others, communicates, and learns. The NICHD is one of many federal agencies and NIH Institutes working to understand ASD. The NICHD supports and conducts research on what causes autism, how best to detect signs of autism, how best to intervene or treat autism, and other topics.

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Common Name
Medical or Scientific Names
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)