Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social and communication problems and repetitive and restrictive behaviors. The phenotypic heterogeneity of ASD makes it particularly difficult to determine the exact etiology and pathophysiology behind the core symptoms, which are usually accompanied by complications such as ADHD, seizures, and sensorimotor abnormalities. Animal models provide important platforms for clarifying the etiology and pathogenesis of diseases. More and more studies are using animal models induced by environmental exposure and maternal immune activation to explore the etiology and pathogenesis of ASD and screen for drug targets. This paper reviews the different neural network mechanisms, changes to brain tissue and related factors, symptom phenotypes, and other aspects of common animal models to provide a reference for those clarifying the neurobiology of ASD and developing potential drugs or therapeutic interventions, and to help with selecting targeted animal models for future precision experimental research.