What Is Autism?

    Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social interaction and communication challenges, as well as restricted or repetitive behavioral patterns. The condition is lifelong, and symptoms can vary considerably from one person to the next.

    Symptoms involve challenges or differences in intellectual, language, social, and motor abilities. People with autism may learn, act, think, communicate, and interact differently than people who do not have autism spectrum disorder.

    Autism is referred to as a spectrum disorder because there is so much variation in terms of the type of symptoms people experience and the severity of those symptoms.

    Related: Your Autism Might Be Misdiagnosed as One of These 6 Disorders

Symptoms of Autism

    While symptoms are often highly variable, they usually begin to appear before the age of three. Parents may notice symptoms associated with how children interact socially, their responsiveness to stimulation, and their ability to communicate.

    Symptoms of autism include repetitive behaviors, limited interests, and problems with interaction.

    While people with autism spectrum disorder may not show all of these symptoms, they usually show several of the following:

Trouble making eye contact

Difficulty following and engaging in conversations

Extreme distress when routines are disrupted

Facial expressions that don't match verbal communication

Heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, including taste, light, texture, and smell

Intense interest in certain subjects

Lack of enjoyment in activities

Problems expressing feelings or needs in words

Not engaging in “pretend” play

Slow or absent response to people trying to gain their attention

Stimming behaviors (i.e., self-stimulating, repetitive actions such as rocking, walking on toes, or flapping hands)

Trouble seeing things from another person’s point of view (theory of mind)

    Related: Early Signs of Autism in Babies Every Parent Should Know

    It's important to remember that because autism is a spectrum condition, people can have symptoms that are described as mild, moderate, or severe. Some people may have many symptoms but only experience them to a mild degree and can be considered "high functioning."

    In other cases, people might only have a few symptoms in key areas but experience severe impairments due to those symptoms.

    People who have milder autism symptoms are often able to function in their daily lives. Still, they may be more likely to have other mental health concerns, including excessive stress, obsessive behaviors, sensory issues, anxiety, and depression.

    Autism is usually diagnosed in childhood, but sometimes it isn't identified until later in life. It can occur in people of all economic backgrounds, genders, races, and ethnicities.

Signs to Watch For

    Every child is different, but some signs that may indicate that a professional evaluation is needed include:

Lack of smiling or happy expressions by six months

No babbling by age one

Lack of response when the child's name is called

Not reaching for objects by age one

Lack of single-word speech by 16 months

No two-word phrases by age 2

Loss of any speech or social skills

    Navigating the Experience of Hyper-Empathy in Autism

Diagnosis

    Signs of autism are typically first noticed by parents, but they may also be spotted by other caregivers, teachers, and doctors.

    Early screening and evaluation are important. If you are concerned about your child's behavior, it is important to talk to your child's doctor. The sooner a diagnosis is made, the sooner interventions can begin.

    There is no specific blood test or brain scan for determining whether someone has autism. Doctors can diagnose it by examining behaviors and asking questions about development.

Evaluations

    During regular developmental checkups during childhood, doctors track developmental milestones and screen for different types of developmental delays. When children don't meet certain milestones, they may receive further evaluation.

    During an additional evaluation, a group of specialists, which may include a developmental pediatrician, a child psychiatrist, and a speech-language pathologist, will assess age-appropriate behaviors, cognitive skills, and language abilities.

    Some types of tests that may be used in the diagnosis of autism include:

The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS)

The Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS)

The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R)

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)

    Healthcare professionals will want to consider other conditions that may fit better than an autism diagnosis. Some other tests to consider include:

Hearing loss

Seizure disorder

Speech and language delay

Intellectual disability

Diagnosis in Adulthood

    While autism is typically diagnosed in early childhood, it can also be diagnosed during adolescence and adulthood. Diagnosis later in life can sometimes be more difficult since some symptoms of autism can be confused with other mental health conditions such as anxiety, OCD, and ADHD.

    While researchers are still studying what types of treatments work best for adults with autism, getting a diagnosis can be helpful for understanding both current and past difficulties. It can also help you learn how to recognize your strengths and get help in areas where you may struggle.4

    Early diagnosis is usually ideal, but it is never too late to be evaluated, diagnosed, and treated for autism. If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to autism, talk to your doctor to learn more.

Causes

    While the exact causes are not known, research suggests that the condition likely has a genetic aspect.

    Research that points to a genetic connection includes studies showing that children who have a sibling with autism are at a higher risk of having autism.

    However, research has also found that only around 20% can be directly attributable to genetic causes. Further research is needed to understand better how specific genetic mutations or variations may contribute to the development of autism spectrum disorder.

    While genes are thought to be a key contributor, studies have also shown that premature birth and advanced paternal age are also linked to the onset of autism.

    Certain drugs, toxins, and maternal illness during pregnancy have also been linked to a higher risk for autism spectrum disorder.

Types

    When a person is diagnosed with autism, they will also have their functional level identified. There are three different levels of autism spectrum disorder:

Level 1: High functioning (Requiring Support)

Level 2: Moderately severe (Requiring Substantial Support)

Level 3: (Requiring Very Substantial Support)

    These levels are used to describe how severely behaviors and social skills are affected and how much support is needed.

Level 1 - Requiring Support
    Level 1 is considered a mild form of autism. People who have this type may have problems with social relationships and restrictive behaviors. They usually only need minimal support to function in their everyday daily life.

Level 2 - Requiring Substantial Support
    Those with Level 2 autism spectrum disorder need more support. Their social difficulties are apparent; they may have problems communicating and may need assistance to manage problematic behaviors.

Level 3 - Requiring Very Substantial Support
    People with Level 3 autism have symptoms that interfere with their ability to live and function independently. People with this level of autism often do not communicate verbally, struggle with change, have repetitive or restrictive behaviors, and may be acutely sensitive to sensory stimuli.

Previous Types
    The 2013 publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) marked significant changes in how autism was classified and diagnosed. Until the publication of the DSM-5, experts referred to different types of autism. These included:

Asperger's syndrome was described as a milder form of autism marked by normal intellectual functioning but difficulty with social interaction.

Pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) was a moderate form of autism that was more pronounced than Asperger's.

Autistic disorder was a more severe form of autism marked by more serious deficits than Asperger’s and PDD-NOS.

    Today, these conditions are simply known as autism spectrum disorder. While the above types are no longer official diagnoses, some people still find them useful as a way to describe how symptoms are experienced and their severity. For example, people often find that Asperger's is helpful as a self-identity or to connect with peers with similar experiences.

    Related: Undestanding Asperger's and Social Anxiety Disorder

Treatment

    While autism is a lifelong condition, some treatments can help with many symptoms and improve a person's ability to function in different areas of life.

    According to the National Institute of Mental Health, treatment should begin as quickly as possible following a diagnosis.

    There is no single treatment that is best. People with autism have a wide range of symptoms, so that means that each person is different. Some of the treatment options that might be used include medications and therapy.

    Related: Treatment and Support for Autism

Medications

    While no specific medication is approved for treating autism, a doctor may prescribe certain medications to alleviate certain symptoms.

    Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antipsychotics, stimulants, anti-anxiety medications, and anticonvulsants may help with symptoms such as:

Aggression

Anxiety

Attention problems

Depression

Hyperactivity

Inappropriate speech

Irritability

Obsessive compulsive tendencies

Social withdrawal

Behavioral and Developmental Therapy

    Treatment for autism often focuses on behavioral, psychological, or skills training interventions.

    One commonly used approach is applied behavior analysis (ABA), a form of therapy that utilizes reinforcements to teach and reinforce desirable behaviors and skills.

    Other common therapies used in the treatment of autism include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Developmental and individual differences relationship therapy (also known as “floortime”)

Early intensive behavioral intervention

Pivotal response therapy

Relationship development intervention

Verbal behavior therapy

    Such treatments are designed to help people with autism spectrum disorder to:

Foster cognitive abilities

Improve existing strengths

Increase language and communication skills

Improve social skills

Learn adaptive skills that allow for independent living

    Other therapies that may be used include assistive technology, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills training. Treatment also often incorporates aspects of caregiver training in which parents and other caregivers learn skills that will help them reinforce what is being worked on in treatment.

Coping

    In addition to seeking professional treatment, there are also a number of self-help strategies that you can use to help cope with some of the symptoms of autism. Some things that can help:

    Related: Living Well with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Be Accepting
    Rather than focusing on differences, try viewing these unique characteristics as just part of who someone is. Practice acceptance and unconditional love instead of focusing on trying to "fix" the things that make someone different from others.

    Related: Neurodivergence is Different, but not a Deficit

Create a Relaxing and Comfortable Environment
    Pay attention to things that may be a source of stress, such as sensory stimuli such as loud noises or bright lights.

    Related: What is Sensory Overload?

Follow a Schedule
    People with autism do best with routines and structure. Keep things consistent each day, including meals, school, appointments, therapy, and bedtime. When there are going to be changes or disruptions, be sure to give the individual plenty of warning and time to prepare.

    Related: The Importance of Keeping a Routine

Join a Support Group
    Look for local support groups in your area or join a group online. You can share experience, get support, learn about treatments, and discover resources and programs related to autism spectrum disorder.

    Related: How to Find a Support Group

Learn to Identify Triggers
    If certain things tend to trigger disruptive or challenging behaviors, you can find ways to prevent or modify those difficult situations.

Pay Attention to Nonverbal Communication
    Because people with autism often struggle with communication and social behaviors, they may not be able to tell you what’s wrong. Look at things such as facial expressions, body language, and other nonverbal signals.

Use Positive Reinforcement
    The goal is to offer a reward when you "catch them being good." When you notice that they are using a new skill or doing something good, praise them for it. Verbal encouragement can go a long way, but you can also use other desired rewards, such as stickers or preferred activities, to reinforce appropriate behaviors.

    Related: How to Care for a Child with Autism

Final Thoughts
    Autism is a complex condition that can cause various degrees of impairment and affect a person's life in many different areas. Early intervention is important, and many types of treatment and resources are available to help. Finding the right properment for yourself or your loved one can help them function more independently and live a fulfilling life.

    Related: The Neurodivergent Guide to Socializing