What Is Autism?

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex developmental condition that affects how individuals interact with the world around them, including their communication, learning, and behavior. People with ASD experience differences in brain function, which can influence how they relate to others and respond to various situations.

Early Onset and Lifelong Impact

Autism typically becomes noticeable before a child turns 3 and persists throughout their life. As a spectrum disorder, it impacts individuals in varying ways and to different degrees—meaning no two people with autism will experience it in exactly the same manner.

Challenges Faced by Individuals with Autism

• Communication: People with autism may find it challenging to communicate or understand others’ emotions and thoughts. They might have difficulty expressing themselves through speech, gestures, facial expressions, or physical touch.
• Learning Differences: Autism often leads to uneven skill development. For example, an individual might struggle with verbal communication but excel in areas such as art, music, mathematics, or memory-based tasks. These unique abilities can make them particularly adept at certain problem-solving tasks while facing challenges in other areas.
• Transitions and Routine Changes: Individuals with autism often find it difficult to adapt to changes in routine or transitions. Maintaining a structured, predictable environment can help reduce anxiety.
• Sensory Sensitivities: Many people with ASD react differently to sensory inputs like sound, light, textures, or temperature. They may be either hypersensitive or under-sensitive to these stimuli. Intense focus on specific topics or repetitive behaviors is another hallmark trait of autism.

Rising Diagnoses and Evolving Understanding

The number of children diagnosed with autism has increased, partly due to better awareness and improved diagnostic criteria. This does not necessarily indicate a rise in the condition itself. Researchers are continuously uncovering more about the roles of genetics, environmental factors, and biology in relation to autism.

Some individuals may not receive an autism diagnosis until adulthood. In these cases, symptoms may not have significantly impacted their day-to-day life during childhood or were simply not recognized.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in supporting children with autism. The sooner appropriate therapies are initiated, the more effectively children can develop key skills, making it easier for them to navigate daily life as they grow.

Autism Spectrum and Support Levels

Autism presents differently in each individual. Historically, terms like “high-functioning” or “low-functioning” have been used to describe the level of support a person may need, but these labels can oversimplify and be offensive. Instead, the American Psychiatric Association introduced three levels of ASD severity in the DSM-5 (the diagnostic manual used by health professionals):

• Level 1 (Mild): Requires support.
• Level 2 (Moderate): Requires substantial support.
• Level 3 (Severe): Requires very substantial support.

These levels reflect the amount of assistance an individual might need in managing daily life, based on their social communication abilities and behavioral challenges. It’s always respectful to ask the individual or their caregiver how they prefer to describe their condition.

Common Autism Symptoms

Symptoms of autism typically emerge by the age of 3, though some children may show signs earlier. Common signs include:

• Limited eye contact
• Intense focus on specific interests or topics
• Repetitive behaviors, such as rocking, repeating phrases, or fidgeting with objects
• Sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as sounds, lights, textures, or smells
• Difficulty with social interaction, such as not responding to others or not understanding social cues
• Speech or language difficulties, including problems understanding or using gestures, tone of voice, or facial expressions
• Rigid routines, with difficulty adapting to changes in daily activities or environment

Some individuals with autism may also experience seizures, which often do not manifest until adolescence.

Autism Symptoms in Adults

Autism can manifest differently in adults, with some symptoms becoming more noticeable as social and daily life expectations increase. Common signs include:

• Difficulty understanding others’ emotions or thoughts: Adults with autism may find it hard to read social cues or gauge what others are feeling or thinking.
• Preference for solitude: Many adults with autism may choose to be alone or struggle to make and maintain friendships.
• Anxiety in social situations: Social events can be a source of significant stress and anxiety.
• Need for routine: Disruptions to a daily routine may cause distress or frustration.
• Challenges in expressing emotions: Adults with autism may have difficulty articulating their feelings or may express emotions in ways that others find unusual.
• Literal interpretation of language: Understanding sarcasm, metaphors, or jokes may be difficult, leading to confusion.
• Perceived as blunt or indifferent: Without meaning to, individuals with autism may come across as blunt, uninterested, or even rude in conversations.

Other symptoms in adults might include:

• Avoidance of eye contact
• Difficulty interpreting social cues (e.g., body language, tone of voice)
• Discomfort with physical proximity or touch: They might feel uneasy when someone is too close or touches them unexpectedly.
• Deep focus on specific interests: Adults with autism often have intense, specialized interests.
• Heightened sensitivity to sensory input: They may notice small details, smells, or sounds that others don’t.
• Careful planning: A desire to plan activities in great detail before doing them.

Autism Symptoms in Children

Autism symptoms can be different in children and may become evident in early development. Common signs include:

• Not responding to their name by 9 months old
• Lack of facial expressions by 9 months: Children may not smile or show other facial expressions.
• Disinterest in interactive games (e.g., not playing pat-a-cake by 12 months old)
• Not using gestures: Children may not wave or point by 12 months.
• Difficulty recognizing emotions: By 24 months, children may not understand when others are upset or sad.
• Lack of interest in group play: By 36 months, children might not engage with other children or show interest in group activities.
• Not engaging in imaginative play: By 60 months, children may not sing, act, or perform for others.
• Arranging toys in specific ways and becoming upset if the order is disrupted.
• Obsessive interests
• Repetitive movements, such as body rocking, hand flapping, or spinning.
• Delayed development: Children with autism may show delays in language, motor skills, learning, or cognition.
• Unusual sleep or eating habits
• Inconsistent fear responses: Some children with autism may display unusual levels of fear (either heightened or reduced) towards common stimuli or situations.

Stimming (Self-Stimulatory Behavior)

Stimming refers to repetitive behaviors that people with autism often use to self-soothe or manage sensory input. Examples include:

• Body movements: Hand flapping, rocking, spinning, twirling, jumping, or head-banging.
• Object-based behaviors: Repeatedly flicking a rubber band, twirling a string, or touching certain textures.

People with autism may stim to manage boredom, relieve anxiety, or regulate sensory overload. For instance, focusing on a twirling string can help them tune out overwhelming sounds or visual stimuli.

Autism Meltdowns

A meltdown occurs when an individual with autism becomes overwhelmed and unable to cope with a situation. Unlike tantrums, meltdowns are involuntary reactions stemming from sensory overload or emotional stress. During a meltdown, a person might:

• Cry, scream, or act out physically: This could involve kicking, punching, or biting.
• Shut down completely: Some individuals may stop responding to external stimuli altogether.

To support someone during a meltdown, it’s essential to provide a calm, safe environment, respect their space, and avoid escalating the situation.

Types of Autism (No Longer Used)

Previously, doctors categorized autism into several subtypes. These distinctions are no longer used, as all now fall under Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, the outdated terms include:

• Asperger syndrome: Individuals with Asperger’s often have average or above-average intelligence but may struggle with social interactions and exhibit narrow interests.
• Autistic disorder: This term was once used to describe classic autism, which affects social interaction, communication, and play in children under 3 years old.
• Childhood disintegrative disorder: This rare condition involves typical early development, followed by a significant loss of communication and social skills after age 2.
• Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD): This was used for children showing some autistic behaviors but not fitting into other categories.

What Causes Autism?

The exact cause of autism is still unclear. However, it is believed to be linked to differences in how the brain processes sensory information and language.

• Autism occurs across all demographics: It affects individuals of any race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background.
• Risk factors include:
  • Being born to older parents.
  • Being male or assigned male at birth (autism is about four times more common in boys).
  • Having a sibling with autism.
  • Genetic conditions like fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, or Down syndrome.
  • Low birth weight.

Is Autism Genetic?

Autism often runs in families, suggesting a strong genetic component. Experts estimate that between 40% and 80% of autism cases are linked to genetics, with over 1,000 genes possibly involved. Some rare mutations or chromosomal abnormalities, such as ADNP syndrome, can be directly tied to autism and related conditions.

Vaccines and Autism

There is no link between vaccines and autism. Multiple studies have thoroughly examined the safety of vaccines, concluding that they are safe for children and adults. The ingredients in vaccines have also been investigated, with no evidence connecting them to autism. The health benefits of vaccines in preventing serious diseases far outweigh any minimal risks.

Autism Testing

Getting a definitive autism diagnosis can be challenging, as it relies on observing behavior and development. For children, the diagnostic process usually involves two key steps:

1. Developmental Screening: This step checks whether your child is hitting key milestones in areas such as learning, speaking, behavior, and movement. Experts recommend that doctors screen for developmental delays during routine checkups at 9, 18, and 24 or 30 months. Pediatricians also screen specifically for autism at 18 and 24 months.
2. Comprehensive Evaluation: If a developmental screening shows signs of concern, your child will need a thorough evaluation. You can request an autism assessment through your state’s early intervention program, even without a doctor’s referral. A trained specialist, such as a child psychologist or developmental-behavioral pediatrician, will assess various aspects of your child’s development, behavior, and communication. The specialist will ask detailed questions about your child’s progress and conduct tests to evaluate their cognitive, language, and self-care abilities. The evaluation may also include input from a speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, and possibly hearing or genetic tests. Together, these factors help the team reach a diagnosis.

Autism Diagnosis in Adults

If you notice symptoms of autism affecting your daily life and were not diagnosed as a child, talk to your doctor. They may refer you to an autism specialist who can assess your symptoms and help you understand whether you have autism.

What to Do After an Autism Diagnosis

If you or your child has been diagnosed with autism, here are some helpful steps:

• Take your time: It’s normal to feel a range of emotions after a diagnosis. Take the time you need to process the information, and reach out to your doctor for support.
• Do your research: Start learning about autism through reliable sources. There’s a lot of information available, so focus on a few trustworthy places to begin.
• Listen to others with autism: Blogs, books, and videos from autistic individuals can offer valuable insights and help you understand the condition from personal perspectives.
• Find support: After a diagnosis, connecting with others is essential. National advocacy groups, local support groups, online communities, or professionals can provide guidance and assistance.
• Monitor other health issues: Autism isn’t an illness, but people with autism might experience other conditions like ADHD, anxiety, or dyslexia. If you have concerns, speak with your doctor.

Autism Treatments

While autism lasts throughout a person’s life, early intervention can significantly improve development for children with autism. Treatment is highly individualized—what works for one person may not work for another. The most common treatments include:

• Behavioral Therapy: Focuses on understanding and changing unwanted behaviors.
• Developmental Therapy: Includes speech therapy for communication, physical therapy for motor skills, and occupational therapy for daily living tasks.
• Psychological Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help manage anxiety, depression, or other co-occurring mental health issues.
• Educational Support: Adapts learning approaches to fit the needs of autistic individuals.
• Social-Relational Therapy: Aims to improve social skills and build emotional bonds.
• Medications: Help manage specific symptoms like anxiety, attention difficulties, or hyperactivity.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a widely recognized therapy that helps promote positive behavior and reduce harmful or disruptive actions. ABA can be tailored to the individual’s needs, though some concerns have been raised about the extent to which it seeks to modify behaviors that autistic people feel are part of their identity. Speak with your doctor to see if ABA is the right option for your family.

Be Cautious of Fake Autism “Cures”

Autism cannot be cured. Some treatments claim to “cure” autism but are ineffective or even dangerous. Avoid the following:

• Raw camel’s milk
• GcMAF (unlicensed injection from blood cells)
• CEASE therapy (discourages vaccinations and promotes unproven supplements)
• Chlorine dioxide or Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS)
• Unproven vitamins, minerals, or supplements
• Secretin hormone treatments
• Chelation therapy (removing heavy metals from the body)

Look out for treatments that promise instant cures or miraculous results, cost large sums of money, or rely on personal stories rather than scientific evidence.

Autism and Diet

Autism is a complex brain disorder, and there’s no solid evidence that special diets can treat the condition. However, some children with autism may have specific dietary preferences or sensitivities. If your child appears to be a picky eater or has digestive problems like constipation, consult a doctor or nutrition specialist.

Supplements such as Vitamin B and magnesium are sometimes recommended to support nutrition, but it’s essential to avoid megavitamins, as overdosing can be harmful. A registered dietitian can help ensure your child’s diet meets their nutritional needs as they grow.

How to Help Your Child with Autism

• Communication Support: Use clear, simple language, make use of gestures or visual aids, and give your child extra time to process what you’re saying.
• Sleep Support: Many children with autism have difficulty sleeping. Maintain a consistent bedtime routine and consider environmental adjustments like earplugs, darkened rooms, and noise reduction.
• Social Skills Support: Help your child navigate social situations by seeking support from schools, autism care teams, or parent groups. Don’t pressure them—let them learn social skills at their own pace.

Autism Disparities

Access to autism diagnosis and care can vary across different demographics:

• Autism in Women: Autism symptoms may manifest differently in women, making diagnosis more challenging. Women are more likely to mask their symptoms or imitate others to blend in, leading to underdiagnosis.
• Racial and Ethnic Disparities: Black and Hispanic children in the U.S. are more frequently diagnosed with autism, yet they often have less access to autism resources compared to white children.
• LGBTQ+ Community and Autism: Research suggests that autistic individuals are more likely to identify as LGBTQ+, which can lead to additional challenges such as discrimination and difficulties accessing care.

Takeaways

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects communication, learning, and social interactions. It presents uniquely in each individual, and while there is no cure, early intervention and tailored therapies can help people with autism thrive. If you suspect that you or your child may have autism, talk to a healthcare professional to explore screening, diagnosis, and support options.