Autism Acceptance and the Case for Newborn CMV Screening

Autism Acceptance and the Case for Newborn CMV Screening

Author: Megan Pesch, MD

April is Autism Acceptance Month—a time to celebrate neurodiversity, uplift the voices of autistic individuals, and deepen our collective understanding of the many paths that lead to an autism diagnosis.
 
Autism is not a one-size-fits-all experience. It is a spectrum that encompasses a wide range of strengths, needs, communication styles, and ways of interacting with the world. While for many, autism is simply a different way of being, for others it can also involve significant challenges that impact communication, behavior, and daily functioning. All autistic individuals deserve access to support, accommodations, and respect—regardless of how their autism presents.
 
It's important to recognize that there is no single cause of autism. Research has shown that autism arises from a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and biological factors. Despite this, there continues to be public interest in finding “the cause” of autism—often at the expense of efforts to improve care, education, and quality of life for autistic people and their families. Redirecting our focus toward early identification, inclusive support systems, and equitable access to services is where we can make the most meaningful difference.
 
One factor that has been found to increase the likelihood of autism is congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common viral infection passed from mother to baby during pregnancy. CMV is the most common infectious cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities in the U.S., yet it remains under-recognized and under-screened. While not all babies with congenital CMV will develop autism or other neurodevelopmental differences, studies have shown an increased risk—particularly for those with more severe symptoms at birth.
 
This connection underscores the importance of screening for congenital CMV at birth. Identifying CMV early allows families to monitor development closely, access early intervention services, and begin support as soon as possible—potentially improving outcomes for speech, motor skills, behavior, and learning. Early intervention doesn’t seek to change who a child is—it builds on a child’s unique strengths, offers tools for self-expression, and supports families in understanding and nurturing their child’s development.
 
Autism Acceptance Month reminds us that neurodivergent children should not be “fixed”—they should be celebrated, supported, and included. But acceptance and celebration do not negate the importance of providing services, therapies, and accommodations that help each child thrive. Screening for congenital CMV is one step we can take to ensure that every child who might benefit from early support gets the chance to access it.
 
Let’s shift the conversation away from searching for a singular explanation for autism and toward building a world that accepts and supports all children—neurodivergent and neurotypical alike. Let’s make sure that every child with congenital CMV has a chance to be seen, supported, and celebrated from the very beginning.