Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with high heritability, characterized by abnormal social interactions, communication deficits, and repetitive behaviors. Mouse models with targeted mutations in autism-related genes are being developed to study these symptoms. Behavioral assays are crucial for evaluating these models, as they must closely mimic human diagnostic criteria. These assays include tests for social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors, such as reciprocal social interactions, social approach, and social preference tests. Other assays assess communication deficits, like urinary pheromones and olfactory habituation/dishabituation, and repetitive behaviors, such as stereotyped behaviors and insistence on sameness. Mouse models are also being used to study associated symptoms like seizures, anxiety, and sensory hypersensitivity. These models help in understanding the genetic and environmental factors contributing to autism and in developing effective treatments. Behavioral tasks are designed to maximize face validity, construct validity, and predictive validity. Challenges include modeling unique human symptoms and ensuring reliable results. Mouse models with construct validity are used to test hypotheses about genetic and environmental causes of autism. These models provide valuable insights into the biological mechanisms underlying autism and aid in the discovery of rational therapeutics.Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with high heritability, characterized by abnormal social interactions, communication deficits, and repetitive behaviors. Mouse models with targeted mutations in autism-related genes are being developed to study these symptoms. Behavioral assays are crucial for evaluating these models, as they must closely mimic human diagnostic criteria. These assays include tests for social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors, such as reciprocal social interactions, social approach, and social preference tests. Other assays assess communication deficits, like urinary pheromones and olfactory habituation/dishabituation, and repetitive behaviors, such as stereotyped behaviors and insistence on sameness. Mouse models are also being used to study associated symptoms like seizures, anxiety, and sensory hypersensitivity. These models help in understanding the genetic and environmental factors contributing to autism and in developing effective treatments. Behavioral tasks are designed to maximize face validity, construct validity, and predictive validity. Challenges include modeling unique human symptoms and ensuring reliable results. Mouse models with construct validity are used to test hypotheses about genetic and environmental causes of autism. These models provide valuable insights into the biological mechanisms underlying autism and aid in the discovery of rational therapeutics.