What is Autism?
Autism –known in medical contexts as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – is a neurodevelopmental condition relating to brain development that can affect communication, social interaction, sensory processing, and behavior.
In other words, autism is something a person is born with that can affect how they understand things, communicate, learn, and feel.
Key Points
- Autism is lifelong condition, not just a childhood condition.
- Autism is diverse! There are some common signs of autism, but the way they are expressed varies widely from person to person.
- There isn't one single cause of autism. Experts agree it is usually linked to a mix of genetics, biology and environmental factors.
- Autism is not caused by vaccines. This myth has been thoroughly debunked by scientific research. Vaccines protect people from serious illness.
- The current evidence does not establish a causal relationship between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism.
- More people are being diagnosed with autism. This rise may be because more people know about autism, screening and testing has improved, and more communities have access to diagnosis.
Addressing Misconceptions, Myths, and Misinformation about Autism
News and Events
Previous Events
Understanding Autism: Together in Experience and Advocacy
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Recent public statements by federal sources and “influencer” culture have contributed to confusion and fear around vaccines, and Tylenol use during pregnancy. Local experts and advocates, guided by BTPM Disabilities Beat Reporter Emyle Watkins, explored the evidence about claims linking Tylenol and vaccines to autism, and how such claims may undermine health professional and advocacy efforts. Whether you're a parent, healthcare provider, educator or interested member of the public, you will find tools to navigate these complex health narratives and support informed decision-making.
Autism Resources
Local Programs & Resources
Autism Society WNY Resources Page. The Autism Society Western New York creates connections to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by Autism in the WNY area.
The Summit Center. The Summit Center is Western New York’s leading provider of evidence-based programs for individuals with developmental, social, and behavioral challenges.
Since 1956, the Robert Warner Center for Developmental Pediatrics and Rehabilitation at John R. Oishei Children's Hospital has been providing comprehensive diagnostic, evaluative and therapeutic services to children in Western New York and surrounding areas with known or suspected disabilities.
Developmental Disabilities Alliance of WNY (DAWNY) is a collaborative group of member voluntary agencies that provide services to people with developmental disabilities. Find links to member sites, and up-to-date events calendar. Includes a downloadable, printable guide to area services.
Neurodiversity Network of Western New York (NNWNY) provides community education opportunities, community outreach and events, and support groups for Neurodivergent individuals and their families.
Parent Network of WNY is a not-for-profit agency that provides education and resources for families of individuals with special needs (birth through adulthood) and for professionals.
Sweet Charlotte's started out as a resource center for families, and has evolved into an inclusive preschool, play center, and party venue.
Aspire of WNY provides services and support to persons who are challenged physically and cognitively as a result of traumatic brain injuries, strokes, hearing and visual impairments, neurodevelopmental conditions, as well as other conditions.
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Neurodiversity Resources
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Disability Resources
WBFO Disabilities Beat | Buffalo Toronto Public Media
Resources for Families
Early Intervention Program | Erie County Dept of Health
WNY Resource List - Parent Network of WNY
Autistic Self Advocacy Network – Start Here: A Guide for Parents of Autistic Kids. This easy-to-read guide from ASAN helps families learn about autism from an autistic perspective.
Autism Research Institute – Parenting Resources. The Autism Research Institute offers webinars, articles, and advice for parents of children with autism.
Child Mind Institute – Parents Guide to Autism. The Child Mind Institute offers a comprehensive guide for parents. It covers what autism is, how it’s diagnosed, and how to support children with autism, communication strategies, and managing sensory sensitivities.
My Brother Rocks The Spectrum Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps families receive the funding they need to participate in social skills, classes, private therapies and occupational therapy with specialized, sensory swings and equipment.
Let's Play! A Printable Guide (PDF) on Comprehensive, Evidenced-Based Program for Parents of Infants and Toddlers Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder
We're Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation, a book by Eric Garcia. "“This book is a message from autistic people to their parents, friends, teachers, coworkers and doctors showing what life is like on the spectrum. It’s also my love letter to autistic people. For too long, we have been forced to navigate a world where all the road signs are written in another language.”
Autism Works' Free Resources for Parents of Children with ASD
Inclusive Language Resources
Inclusive language means using words that respect each person’s identity, dignity, and preferences—especially for people from diverse or marginalized communities. In autism conversations, some prefer identity-first language (“autistic person”), while others prefer person-first (“person with autism”). Terms like “high-functioning” or “superpower” can feel positive to some but limiting to others.
Because language preferences vary, it’s important to be thoughtful and flexible in how we communicate.
More Programs & Resources
Resource Library - National Autism Center at May Institute
Neurodiversity Resources & Digital Library | All Brains Are Awesome
Special Ed Curriculum, Visual Supports & More: National Autism Resources
Autism | NY State Department of Health
Autism | New York State Education Department
Tools and Resources for Pediatricians (AAP)
Data Dashboards and Reports
Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) – Data Portal. Provides data on people with developmental disabilities (including autism) who receive services in NYS.
New York State Education Department – Special Education Data. Offers annual data on students with disabilities, including autism, receiving special education services in NYS public schools.
New York State Open Data Health Portal. Explore health-related datasets, including disability and early intervention data, with tools to filter by county or region.
National Autism Data Center – Autism by the Numbers Dashboard. Interactive dashboard showing autism service data across the U.S., including demographics, service access, and trends.
Autism Research Institute – Prevalence Summary. Summarizes the latest U.S. autism prevalence data (1 in 31 children as of 2022) and trends over time.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network – Diagnosis Trends Statement. Explains the rise in autism diagnoses and emphasizes the role of improved access and awareness.