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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting how people communicate, interact, and perceive the world. It is a “spectrum” because it manifests differently, with varying strengths and support needs in social skills, behaviour, and sensory processing, typically appearing in early childhood.
Autistic individuals often have unique strengths, such as intense focus, but may experience challenges with social communication, sensory processing, and a need for routine.
Main causes of Autism:
ASD has no single cause, but research points to three main contributing factors: genetics (both inherited and de novo mutations), prenatal environmental factors (such as advanced parental age, infections, or medications), and early brain development differences.
Types of Autism:
While often discussed as 5 distinct types (Asperger’s, Classic, PDD-NOS, CDD, and Rett), they now fall under one spectrum defined by individual support needs, ranging from Level 1 (requiring support) to Level 3 (requiring substantial support).
Is Autism curable?
There is no single “best” cure for autism, as it is a spectrum requiring individualized, multidisciplinary approaches. The most evidence-based treatments are early intervention behavioural therapies like Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), Speech and Therapy, Occupational Therapy, which aim to improve functional independence and quality of life.
Depending on your child’s needs, speech therapy to make communication skills better, occupational therapy to teach activities of daily living, and physical therapy to make movement and balance better may help. A psychologist can recommend ways to manage problem behaviour.
Recognizing early signs can help families
Communication
Social Interaction
Behavior
Sensory Differences
Misunderstanding autism holds people back. Here's what's true.
Autism is a disease that needs to be cured.
People with autism cannot communicate or build relationships.
Autism is caused by poor parenting.
People with autism all have the same abilities and challenges.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, not a disease. Individuals with autism can lead fulfilling lives with the right support.
Many individuals with autism communicate in different ways and form meaningful relationships.
Autism is not caused by parenting styles. It is a neurological condition present from early development.
Autism is a spectrum, and every individual has unique strengths, talents, and support needs.
World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD)
The United Nations on 19 November 2007 by unanimous consent declared 2nd April as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) starting in 2008. This, needless to say, was a historical marker for the autism community throughout the world, a large section of whom remain invisible and outside the ambit of basic services suited to their needs.
The autism community across the world is now celebrating WAAD. Through April events are organized by people with autism, their parents, other care givers and autism groups in honor of this day. From Colombia to Cameroon, Malaysia to Malta, walks, seminars, discussions, plays, performances, radio programs, presentations, art carnivals, meetings with heads of state and local dignitaries are organised. All activities aim to bring autism into our social consciousness.
Joining hands to strengthen this worldwide movement, The National Centre for Autism organizes the Autism Awareness Jamboree-AAJ on 2nd April to step up awareness of autism. The major attractions of the AAJ are the Art Carnival for children from special needs and mainstream schools, and the Free Multidisciplinary Consultation Camp at the amphitheater at India Habitat Centre.
Despite several efforts by governments and NGOs, there are significant gaps in Autism awareness, early identification systems, trained professionals, inclusive education frameworks, and dedicated funding support. The absence of a unified and accessible ecosystem continues to place an immense emotional and financial burden on families.
In response, we have initiated the Dr Kiron Autism Mission, through which we are actively engaging with medical experts, therapists, institutions, and families to understand challenges and identify actionable solutions.
Free resources for every stage
Written with families and clinicians, free to download and share.
Understanding a New Diagnosis
A gentle first-steps guide for parents in the first weeks after diagnosis.
Download PDF →School Enrollment Checklist
What to ask and prepare when choosing a school or IEP program.
Download PDF →Sensory-Friendly Home Guide
Practical, low-cost ways to make daily routines calmer at home.
Download PDF →What People Think About Us
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