Atypical attentional networks and the emergence of autism

► Attention in ASD is reviewed in comparison with neurotypical attentional networks. ► ASD is characterized by deficits in alerting, orienting, and executive networks. ► A model proposes that deficits in disengagement contribute to emergence of ASD. ► Atypical attention may be a useful behavioral marker for early ASD identification. ► Efficacious early interventions may benefit from knowledge of attentional function.