What is autism spectrum disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) — commonly referred to as autism — is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people think, feel, and connect with others. It’s a type of neurodivergence, which means that people with autism may process information and experience the world differently than other people. 

It’s important to note that autism is a normal variation of the human brain and therefore not something to cure. Instead, treatment focuses on helping people manage symptoms and improve daily functioning. This is especially important during stressful circumstances, like new routines and environments, which can affect the severity of symptoms. 

Data suggests that autism currently affects approximately 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults across the U.S. Signs and symptoms typically emerge during the first two years of life, and the average age of diagnosis is five years. That said, some people don’t receive a diagnosis until they’re adults. Regardless of age, learning more about the condition can support symptom management and improve daily functioning.

Common autism characteristics

Having a neurodivergent condition like autism means people may perceive and interact with the world differently. Each person has their own unique blend of strengths, abilities, and challenges. For example, many people with autism have a keen eye for detail, which makes them highly observant or knowledgeable in specific areas. Strong problem-solving abilities and pattern recognition are other skills often associated with autism. 

Since autism exists on a spectrum, research indicates that people require varying levels of support. Some people experience only mild symptoms, while others require assistance for daily tasks. That said, some core characteristics shared by most people with autism include:

• Communication challenges: Some autistic people have difficulty with verbal communication and interpreting nonverbal language, like facial expressions. They may take things you say literally or require extra time to process information.
• Social interaction difficulties: It’s common for people with autism to have challenges with taking turns in conversations, expressing their emotions, and understanding what other people are thinking or feeling. 
• Repetitive behaviors: Some people use repeat movements, like hand flapping or twirling a pen, to self-soothe in stressful situations. This behavior is commonly called “stimming,” and some autistic people do it just because they find these behaviors enjoyable. 

Common symptoms of autism 

Since it’s often diagnosed during childhood, experts have identified signs of autism related to language, learning, and movement. A child may have autism if they:

• Don’t respond to name by nine months
• Don’t show facial expressions by nine months
• Use few or no gestures, like waving, by 12 months
• Don’t notice when others are hurt or upset by two years
• Don’t join other children for play by three years
• Don’t sing, act, or dance by five years
• Repeat the same words or phrases
• Get upset by minor changes
• Play with the same toys the same way every time
• Have obsessive interests

Autism is a lifelong condition, but symptoms and severity can evolve over time. In fact, some research suggests that it’s common to eventually experience a decrease in symptom severity. The signs and symptoms of autism in adults are often different than those in children. 

If you’re an adult, you may be autistic if you:

• Have difficulty understanding how other people think and feel
• Have trouble expressing your own feelings and emotions 
• Feel uncomfortable or anxious in new social situations
• Find it difficult to make new friends 
• Have been described as rude (even when you weren’t intending to offend anyone)
• Often misunderstand social cues or sarcastic comments
• Prefer to spend lots of time on your favorite activities and find it hard to disengage from them
• Feel stressed when you have to change your daily routine
• Are uncomfortable with eye contact, either avoiding eye contact or holding it for longer than other people
• Would rather not have people enter your personal space
• Often notice details that other people miss or overlook

Symptoms also vary by gender, with some research suggesting that autism may present differently for women and people assigned female at birth. Compared with men, women are more likely to hide their feelings, imitate social behaviors, and keep the company of several good friends or acquaintances. As a result, it may be more difficult to detect symptoms in adult women.  

What causes autism spectrum disorder?

Although the exact cause of autism isn’t fully understood, researchers believe the following risk factors may increase a person’s chances of having the condition.

• Genetics: Certain genetic factors can increase the likelihood of autism. For instance, having a sibling or other close family member with autism or autistic characteristics can increase your chance of being autistic. Genetic conditions like fragile X syndrome and tuberous sclerosis can also increase your risk.
• Environment: Certain factors related to a person’s environment and family health can slightly increase the risk of autism. For example, people who have children later in life may have children with an increased risk. Additionally, if a mother has diabetes or obesity during pregnancy, this can also raise the risk. Other environmental factors, like exposure to air pollution and certain pesticides, as well as having a low birth weight, have also been linked to autism. 

How can autism affect your health and well-being?

Many people with autism live with co-occurring conditions. These can be physical health concerns, like high blood pressure and diabetes. Or they could be mental health conditions, like anxiety, depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Additionally, people with autism may have difficulty with things that “neurotypical” people consider normal. For example, they might need support or special accommodations at work, at school, or in social situations. As a result, this can lead to self-doubt, low self-esteem, and loneliness. 

How is ASD diagnosed and managed?

If you think a child or teenager in your life has autism, it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional. There’s no medical test to diagnose the condition, so providers will often use screening tools and observations from parents and caregivers to make a diagnosis. If you’re an adult who thinks they may have autism, consider meeting with a licensed mental health professional for an evaluation. 

Treatment options for autism vary based on age, symptom severity, and personal preference. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, interventions for children should be individualized, intensive, and developmentally appropriate. In addition to talk therapy, this often includes social skills training, speech therapy, and nutritional services. As an adult, many people benefit from lifestyle changes and therapeutic techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and applied behavioral analysis (ABA).

Find care with Rula

Having autism can affect the way you interact with the world around you. And, depending on where you fall within the autism spectrum, you may benefit from professional mental health support. 

Working with a therapist allows people to better understand their unique strengths and challenges and improve daily functioning. Many people find that therapy not only enhances their self-awareness but also fosters a greater sense of connection and belonging, helping them lead fulfilling lives.

At Rula, we know how important it is to find the right therapist for your needs. Our therapist-matching program is designed to streamline the search so you can find a mental health provider who takes your insurance and is accepting new clients. With Rula, you can get access to personalized, collaborative care as soon as tomorrow.

Find a therapist with Rula