Autism
![autism](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PDr8eHjRRwER3UCXKkuZAY-500-80.jpg)
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, is a developmental disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. About 1 in 68 children in the United States has autism. Here's the latest news on autism and possible treatments for the condition.
Latest about Autism
![Medical illustration of DNA in pink and blue in the shape of a butterfly's wings against a black background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wHkfaY3ajUCEG4oZbWHxtd-320-80.png)
'Butterfly effect' may explain some genetic causes of autism
By Emily Cooke published
A new study suggests that mutations in regions of the genome that help control gene activity may influence the development of autism.
![A Black girl writes in a notebook in a classroom.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NWxW7zXa6N4vHnuVVekcNB-320-80.jpg)
Rates of autism diagnosis in children are at an all time high, CDC report suggests
By Sascha Pare published
A 2020 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among 8-year-old children is the highest it's ever been.
![Child getting vaccination](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/okmEU9pqAMaFfPaUiBESGQ-320-80.jpg)
Confirmed: No Link Between Autism and Measles Vaccine, Even for 'At Risk' Kids
By Laura Geggel published
![Pregnant woman in garden](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cPv5EyivYEQ655G5HUKwPV-320-80.jpg)
Autism Risk May Increase If Child's Mother Has High DDT Exposure
By Laura Geggel published
Pregnant women who have high levels of a byproduct from the banned insecticide DDT in their bodies may be more likely to have a child with autism, a new study finds.
![Cannabis and CBD](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/k4DgPN3kDMAzd7mPRa5i5D-320-80.jpg)
Can Marijuana Treat Autism? These Clinical Trials Aim to Find Out
By Laura Geggel published
A growing number of clinical trials are looking into whether compounds in marijuana can be used to treat some of the symptoms of autism.
![Teacher working with elementary school children.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aVNLmmeXCWQYgBDKErYs38-320-80.jpg)
What's Behind the Recent Rise in Autism in the US?
By Rachael Rettner published
The percentage of kids with autism in the United States continues to rise, according to a new report.
![A baby plays with colorful toys.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TdKVEQ9aJx9GTZdbZyRwtX-320-80.jpg)
AI Predicts Autism Based on Infant Brain Scans
By Tracy Staedter published
A new machine learning program can predict, in 6-month-old babies, which ones will go on to develop autism, researchers report.
![Suramin](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zHF3vjwiX5P4VxMxtWvbYb-320-80.jpg)
Can a Drug That Fights Parasites Also Help with Autism?
By Laura Geggel published
A 101-year-old drug that is often used to treat people in Africa with parasitic infections may help ease some of the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder in children, a new study finds.
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