The global incidence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is increasing. However, the etiology andpathogenesis of ASDs are not known, and animal models are used to disclose them. Understanding of ASDs and their studyusing animal models are relatively new in China. The internationally commonly used animal models of ASD can be dividedbroadly into three categories: genetic animal models, idiomatic animal models, and animal models developed byenvironmental interventions. Among them, the genetic animal model has a high profile but a small scope of application. TheBTBR mouse model (which is an idiomatic animal model) and the animal models developed by environmental interventionsusing valproic acid can present typical clinical symptoms and some pathologic features of ASDs better than those elicited byother models. These two models should be selected before research is commenced. Nevertheless, research into ASDs lacks an “ideal” animal model that meets all the “three types of validity”: structural, surface, and predictive validities.