What it is
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social communication, sensory processing, and patterns of behavior or interests. It exists on a spectrum: people have different support needs across settings and over time. Many autistic individuals prefer identity-first language (autistic person), while others prefer person-first (person with autism). We’ll use respectful, strengths-aware language.
Autism is not caused by parenting or vaccines. Many autistic people thrive with the right supports and accommodations.
Common signs and characteristics
- Communication and social interaction
- Differences in back-and-forth conversation, reading nonverbal cues, or understanding implied meanings
- Preference for direct, concrete language
- Differences in eye contact, facial expressions, or body language
- Sensory processing
- Sensitivities to sound, light, touch, smells, or textures; or sensory-seeking behaviors (movement, deep pressure)
- Patterns and interests
- Strong focus on specific topics or routines
- Repetitive movements (stimming) like hand-flapping or rocking—often self-regulating and helpful
- Co-occurring conditions
- ADHD, anxiety, depression, sleep issues, GI problems are common and treatable
Girls/women and people of color are underdiagnosed or diagnosed later; camouflaging/masking can hide support needs.
Why it happens
- Strong genetic contribution with differences in brain connectivity and information processing
- Not a disease to “cure,” but a neurotype to understand and support
What helps
- Communication supports
- Use clear, concrete language; offer written follow-ups or visual supports
- Allow extra processing time and predictable routines
- Sensory strategies
- Headphones/sunglasses, clothing preferences, stim tools, quiet spaces
- Occupational therapy for sensory integration and practical strategies
- Skill-building
- Speech-language therapy for communication and social pragmatics (when desired)
- Executive function coaching for planning and transitions
- Mental health care
- Autistic-informed CBT/ACT, focusing on anxiety, burnout, and self-advocacy
- Address co-occurring sleep, GI, or mood issues
- Environment and advocacy
- School plans (IEP/504), workplace accommodations, autism-affirming peer communities
Avoid harmful “cures” or therapies aiming to suppress harmless autistic traits like stimming. Focus on comfort, safety, communication, and self-determined goals.
When to seek help now
- Sensory overwhelm causing shutdowns/meltdowns that affect safety or daily life
- School/work difficulties without supports
- Anxiety, depression, or burnout symptoms
- Thoughts of self-harm or not wanting to live (seek urgent help)
How to talk to a clinician
- “I experience sensory overwhelm, social fatigue, and intense interests, with lifelong patterns. I’d like an autism-informed evaluation and supports for communication, sensory needs, and anxiety.”
Outlook
With accommodations and autistic-informed care, many individuals build comfortable routines, meaningful relationships, and successful careers. Self-acceptance and supportive communities are powerful.
Resources for readers in the USA
- Immediate help: Call/text 988; Crisis Text Line text HOME to 741741
- Find care: Psychology Today (filter for autism/ND-affirming); FindTreatment.gov; NAMI HelpLine (nami.org/help)
- Autism-specific: Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN): autisticadvocacy.org; AANE (Asperger/Autism Network): aane.org
- Low-cost/community: Community Health Centers (findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov); 211
- Insurance tips: Verify in-network mental health and occupational therapy benefits, telehealth, deductible, copay/coinsurance, prior authorization, out-of-network reimbursement, out-of-pocket max
- School/work supports: IEP/504 plans; ADA accommodations (quiet workspace, written instructions, flexible scheduling); EAP; campus disability services
- Urgent options besides ER: Mobile Crisis via 988 (where available), behavioral urgent care
Disclaimer: Educational information, not a diagnosis. If in crisis, use the resources above.