What Is Autism? Definition, Symptoms, & Gifts

What Is Autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting how a person perceives and interacts with the world. Autistic individuals experience difficulties in social communication and interaction, restricted and repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities. Autism is often referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to encompass a wide range of differences, strengths, and challenges

From a neurodiversity lens, autism is a natural variation of human neurology rather than a disorder or deficit. Neurodiversity emphasizes that the neurotypical world should respect these differences as valuable contributions to society. For instance, communities should focus on acceptance, accommodation, and support for autistic individuals rather than attempting to “fix” or change them. This perspective promotes inclusivity and celebrates the unique talents and abilities that can coexist with the challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum.

Signs of Autism

Signs of autism can vary widely and may manifest differently from person to person. Some common characteristics of autism include social communication and interaction challenges. Autistic individuals may struggle to understand nonverbal cues such as facial expressions and body language. They may also have difficulty with reciprocal conversations.

Signs of autism in children and adults may include:

Early signs of autism in children

• Showing obsessive interests
• Language, movement, or learning delays
• Abnormal eating habits (possibly signs of ARFID)
• Rocking back and forth, flapping hands, or spinning in circles
• Preferring to play individually rather than with peers
• Limited facial expressions
• Abnormal sleeping habits

Signs of autism in adults

• Avoiding eye contact
• Social anxiety
• Trouble understanding other’s emotions, expressions, or thoughts
• Missing social cues
• Speaking bluntly or appearing uninterested in conversations
• Rigidity about routine
• Taking things very literally
• Heightened sensitivity to stimuli
• Becoming obsessed with certain topics
• Speaking in a monotone voice

Symptoms of Autism

Autism symptoms encompass a range of challenges across different areas of functioning. In terms of social communication and interaction, autistic people may have difficulty initiating conversations and forming or maintaining relationships. They may also exhibit challenges in empathy and understanding the perspectives of others.

Restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests are also common symptoms of autism, often as repetitive movements or behaviors, intense fixations on specific interests or objects, and a strong adherence to ritualistic routines. Autistic folks may also experience sensory sensitivities, difficulties with motor coordination, and atypical speech and language development patterns.

Below are the symptoms of autism:

Social Differences

A primarily identified autistic characteristic is a difference in social interaction. For an autistic person, social interactions can feel overwhelming or confusing. As each autistic person is unique, one individual may interpret words very literally, while another can enjoy and be proficient in sarcasm.

Below are common social differences associated with autism:

• Lack of eye contact: Eye contact is commonly referenced in the discussion about autism, as autistic people often make eye contact differently than their neurotypical counterparts. Many autistic individuals find eye contact painful or overwhelming. Others might make more intense eye contact as if “looking into the soul.”
• Low social batter: While some autistic individuals are outgoing and extroverted, many are introverts with little energy for social interaction. Being social requires more energy and brain resources for an autistic person than a neurotypical person, leaving the autistic person feeling exhausted and drained (autistic burnout).²
• Preferring virtual communication: Those on the spectrum often feel comfortable using different methods than in-person communication. Autistic individuals may maintain robust and long-term friendships via the internet, gaming, email, or text because other ways of connecting may require more energy or resources than they can spare.
• Struggling with social cues: Some autistic individuals may have difficulty reading non-verbal communication (body language, facial expressions).
• Different methods of interaction: Other notable social differences in the autistic population may include literal, direct, or “blunt” communication. Some may use scripting to ease communication, socialize, or stim.
• Heightened sensitivity to interactions: Hypersensitive autistic individuals notice the small changes in “vibes” and micro-expressions of others. They may feel bombarded by information.³

Sensory Issues

Sensory processing differences are another common characteristic of the autistic population. Our senses constantly work together to process the world around us, and each person has their own sensory profile.

Some autistic people are hypersensitive to elements in the environment around them. A loud, bright, or crowded environment, like a supermarket or concert, can be painful and distressing for those with sensory sensitivities. Certain fabric textures, smells, or tastes might feel unbearable.

Other individuals may be hyposensitive to sensory stimuli and seek sensory input. Someone hyposensitive to taste may prefer spicy or flavorful foods. Another might enjoy bright colors and visually complex environments. A person who seeks vestibular stimulation might find comfort in spinning around or being upside down.

Some individuals are primarily sensory seeking or sensory avoiding, but many are a combination of both. Also, the ability to process sensory input can vary based on the day and what is happening in life. So, sensory differences can become even more pronounced if a person is tired, stressed, understimulated, or overstimulated.

Stimming

The DSM describes autistic stimming (self-stimulatory behavior) as “repetitive patterns of behavior.” Because many autistic individuals experience differences in sensory processing, stimming helps them manage by avoiding overstimulation or obtaining sensory input.¹

Stimming can look like rocking, flapping, or pacing but can also include echolalia (repeating words or phrases), singing, or clapping. Some forms of stimming can be harmful, like head banging or hitting, but individuals can redirected and replace these behaviors with more helpful stims. Otherwise, stimming is necessary for self-regulation and managing complex stimuli.

Special Interests

“Restricted, repetitive…interests” are commonly known as “special interests” among the autistic community.¹ These interests can bring great joy, learning, and even a sense of community and connection. Autistic individuals may attach to specific topics such as pop stars, theater, video games, technology, astronomy, or psychology.

Any topic can become a special interest, and an autistic individual might learn about their preferred subject in spectacular depth and detail, accumulating much expertise. Such knowledge can also be the foundation of thriving careers. Therefore, encouraging autistic individuals to follow their interests and passions promotes long-term health, well-being, and fulfilling career paths.

Rigidity & Routine

An autistic person may experience anxiety from navigating sensory stimuli, interactions, and tasks of everyday living.⁴ Moving through a world that feels too loud, intense, or unpredictable may generate tremendous stress. One way many autistic individuals manage and prevent anxiety is by creating routines and making life more predictable.

Some individuals feel better when their days look generally the same—from eating the same foods to wearing similar clothes. Sameness, routine, and predictability can help alleviate anxiety symptoms and prevent distress that can lead to overload and meltdowns for an autistic person.⁴

Meltdowns

Meltdowns occur when an autistic person becomes overwhelmed and overloaded with stimuli or sensory input. As every autistic individual is unique, meltdowns can look different from one individual to another. These experiences may or may not be noticeable to an outside observer.

A meltdown for one person might look like loud vocalizations, self-harm, or tearfulness. Others may experience an internal implosion, indiscernible to an outside observer. Meltdowns can also look like rage or even laughing.

Meltdowns are often confused with “tantrums” but are, in fact, completely different. Meltdowns are not “bad behaviors” but are medical, neurological events during which a person is in extreme distress.

Give the person space to disconnect from triggering stimuli when helping them during a meltdown. For some individuals, deep pressure, dim lighting, or soothing words can be helpful. However, because every autistic person reacts differently to sensory input, refrain from touching someone during a meltdown unless they specifically request assistance in the form of touch (hugs, firm pressure, or a weighted blanket).

What Causes Autism?

Autism may have a substantial genetic component, and research suggests a link between genetic conditions, like Fragile X or MECP2 duplication, and autism.⁵ Additionally, those with autistic siblings are more likely to develop autism.⁶ Pregnancy and birth complications may also be risk factors for autism.

Evidence does not support the belief that vaccines cause autism. Andrew Wakefield suggested a link between autism and the MMR vaccine, but his evidence was later “deemed fraudulent.”⁷ Legitimate research found no causal link between the MMR vaccine and autism.⁷

Possible causes of autism spectrum disorder include:

• Genetic conditions, such as fragile X or MECP2 duplication
• Having an autistic sibling
• Birth complications
• Having older parents

How Is Autism Diagnosed?

Parents or caregivers who believe their child may be autistic should first speak with a healthcare professional familiar with autism. They will likely perform developmental and behavioral screenings to assess the skills and behaviors. They may refer the child to a specialist, such as a child psychologist, developmental pediatrician, or neurologist, for further evaluation if results indicate autism.

Further evaluations may include a comprehensive behavioral evaluation, cognitive testing, language assessments, and hearing and vision screenings. These tests aim to establish whether the child meets the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder.

Management Options for Autism

Autism is not an illness and does not necessarily require treatment. Some individuals on the autism spectrum can thrive without treatment or therapies. However, targeting specific challenges with appropriate interventions can help empower and equip an autistic person.

Speech & Language Therapy

Individuals who struggle with speech and communication may benefit from working with a speech-language pathologist (SLP). Some autistic individuals are non-speaking, so speech pathologists can also teach alternative methods of communication, such as sign language, using assistive communication devices (AAC), implementing a picture communication system, or typing. Because communication is the ultimate goal, speech and language pathologists can help individuals find a method suited to them.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists can help identify sensory issues by exploring how a person processes stimuli. An occupational therapist can be instrumental in identifying the unique sensory profile of an individual and creating a sensory diet that best meets their specific needs. Occupational therapists can also help with challenges related to fine motor control (i.e., writing, use of eating utensils), emotional regulation, and activities of daily living.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapists can help identify and assist with gross motor skills, balance, core strength, and posture. Clients can learn to improve coordination and complex movements needed for physical activities like swimming or riding a bicycle.

Psychotherapy

Working with a psychotherapist can help identify and address stress, anxiety, or commonly co-occurring conditions, such as autism and OCD. Because alexithymia (difficulty identifying and expressing emotions) is common to the autistic population, working with a psychotherapist can also aid in understanding one’s emotional processes.

Social Skills Training

Professionals often recommend social skills training for individuals on the autism spectrum. However, autistic folks already have their own set of unique social skills and strengths that simply differ from those of neurotypicals. We know autistic people express themselves differently through both verbal and non-verbal communication, and many autistic folks understand this communication naturally, almost like a unique language. To describe this phenomena, Dr. Damian Milton coined the Double Empathy Problem. Thus, considering individual strengths, interests, preferences, and goals is important with any social skills training.

Neurodiversity-affirming approaches to social skills training will avoid goals like increasing eye contact or reducing stimming, instead focusing on self-advocacy, problem-solving, boundary-setting, and consent. This knowledge can help the individual tune in to whether they feel comfortable or uncomfortable in a social situation and learn scripts for setting boundaries or stating preferences (“I don’t like hugs” or “I’m looking away so I can listen better”). Autistic folks can also determine how to start or end a conversation, navigate “small talk,” place a phone call, or ask for help in an emergency. They can build on natural social skills by connecting with other autistic folks or those with similar interests to create opportunities for sharing, community, and growth.

Because we live in a world with neurotypical needs and communication in mind, autistic folks can learn to navigate interactions with neurotypical folks like a second language or culture while honoring their own natural skills. Similarly, non-autistic folks can learn about autistic social skills and communication styles to foster further connection and mutual understanding.

Parent Coaching

Parent coaching involves providing caregivers of autistic children with insight and strategies to support the needs and strengths of the child. Several forms of parent coaching differ significantly, so understanding what each modality entails can be helpful. One commonly recommended approach is parent child interaction therapy (PCIT). However, PCIT is rooted in behaviorism with close ties to applied behavioral analysis (ABA), which is widely controversial within the autistic community.

For neurodiversity-affirming parent coaching, parents can work with a coach or clinician well-versed in the needs, strengths, and challenges of autistic children. The professional can provide insight and guidance for caregivers to help them better understand and support their children. Again, these services should not aim to change the child.

Many occupational therapists offer parent coaching as part of their practice. OTs can provide fantastic insights into the sensory needs of autistic children and give recommendations to build skills, enhance self-regulation, and support activities of daily living. Neurodiversity-affirming psychotherapists can also offer guidance into supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of autistic children. Even better, some coaches are autistic themselves, adding another layer of understanding between parents, children, and the professional.

Medication

Medication can be helpful if individuals experience comorbid conditions like autism and sleep disorders or autism and anxiety. Medical doctors, psychiatrists, developmental pediatricians, or neurologists can prescribe medications. Psychiatric prescriptions are generally most helpful when combined with other modalities like occupational therapy or psychotherapy.

Choosing a Therapist for Autism Management

Finding a neurodiversity-affirming therapist can help individuals manage any challenges related to autism. The autistic community is immensely diverse, and support needs vary from person to person. Working with a provider who understands the strengths and challenges of the autistic person is essential, as opposed to purely a deficit model.

Consider locating a well-informed clinician who understands the many nuances of autistic presentation beyond outdated stereotypes. Therapists on the autism spectrum are excellent resources, as they have an inside perspective.

The intended treatment outcome is not to cure autism or make autistic traits less apparent. Instead, support aims to help the individual be happy and healthy. The goal is to support the individual in managing sensory differences, gaining insight into triggers, and approaching daily living in ways that work for them.

Helping an Autistic Child

Consider any areas where your child may struggle or where they could use additional support. Target those areas with a related therapy, like speech, occupational, or physical therapy.

Below are tips for helping an autistic child thrive:

• Engage them in therapy: Some kids with anxiety may benefit from play therapy. Art and music therapy can also help to enhance self-understanding and self-expression. Hippotherapy (using horse riding during sessions) can help with core strength and balance.
• Find additional support: Seek the creation and implementation of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan so your child can receive the assistance and accommodations they need in the educational environment.
• Celebrate their autistic traits: Allow your child to be authentic and praise their strengths. Create a sensory-friendly environment, encourage helpful stimming, and support special interests that bring joy.
• Allow them to play like they want: Understand that autistic children may find delight in solitude and independent imaginative play. Allow autistic children to engage with others or enjoy any much-needed alone time.
• Avoid trying to “fix” them: The goal of any therapy should never be to “cure” autism or make an autistic person more neurotypical. Follow their lead. Offer unconditional love and acceptance for who they are now and the autistic adults they will eventually become.

Gifts of Autism

Autism brings a way of thinking and experiencing the world that differs from the neurotypical population. Those on the autism spectrum can offer a fresh perspective that can be a great asset in many areas of life and work. Those on the autism spectrum can excel at “thinking outside of the box,” music, art, science, and technology. Heightened empathy can be helpful in fields like nursing or psychology.³

Final Thoughts

Autism spectrum disorder is a complex developmental condition that can present itself in various ways and impact individuals differently. Acceptance, early intervention, support, and therapy can significantly improve the quality of life for autistic individuals and their families. Seek a proper diagnosis and access appropriate resources tailored to meet individual needs. Support your autistic loved one with understanding, acceptance, and validation.