Important Announcements

Nondiscrimination Policy Update

Boston Medical Center Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency and primary language), religion, culture, physical or mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression. BMCHS provides free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English.

To read our full Nondiscrimination Statement, click here.

Autism Spectrum Disorders

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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder. Children with ASD often have language problems, difficulty with social interactions, stereotyped behaviors, and limited interests in play.

The terminology used for ASD can be confusing. In the past terms such as Pervasive Developmental Disorder or Asperger Syndrome were used.  We no longer use those terms, and instead, we use ASD.  

 

Causes of ASDS

Scientists do not know what causes ASDs. There is a lot of evidence that indicates that genes, their functions, and their interactions play an important role in the development of ASDs. There is also evidence that indicates that environmental factors may also play a role in causing autism.

Many other causes of ASDs have been proposed, including vaccines and their preservatives. To date there is no conclusive scientific evidence that any part of a vaccine causes autism.