Formally known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), autism is a lifelong neurological and developmental disorder often characterized by communication, language and social deficits. The CDC reports that around 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with ASD, and almost 5.5 million adults in the U.S. live with the condition. ASD is more prevalent among males than females in both adults and children.
The symptoms of ASD range from mild to severely disabling. In most children, signs of ASD begin appearing between 18 and 36 months of age. However, some people don’t receive a diagnosis until their teens or adulthood.
As every autistic person experiences the condition differently, there’s a growing movement to see it as neurodiversity, or part of the natural diversity of human thinking. Many autistic people benefit from therapies and assistance that can help them navigate the world.
What Is Autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. This means it affects the way the nervous system and brain develop. An autistic person’s brain functions differently, which can be seen in the way they communicate, express emotions and behave.
As a spectrum disorder, the term autism is used to describe conditions that encompass a wide range of symptoms that manifest differently from person to person or within the same person at different times. Some autistic people “mask” so well they don’t seem to have any challenges at all, while other autistic people may have delays in receptive language and fine motor skills or experience social phobias and exhibit avoidance behaviors that would benefit from therapeutic intervention.
What Causes Autism?
It’s believed that people are either born autistic or the condition appears during very early brain development. There’s no clear-cut cause of autism, although genetics play a large role. Autism tends to run in families, and studies have found that siblings of autistic children are more likely to be autistic as well.
Other potential risk factors for autism include an older parental age, low birth weight, being born premature and the maternal use of certain medications, including thalidomide and valproic acid. Researchers are also investigating whether environmental factors, such as exposure to air pollutants or certain viruses, may play a role.
How Is Autism Diagnosed?
There are no clinical tests for autism. Instead, the condition is diagnosed through observation and evaluation. Children are screened for developmental delays during check-ups with a pediatrician or early childhood healthcare provider. If there are concerns during this screening, the child is referred for further evaluation.
The diagnostic evaluation assesses the child’s cognitive and language abilities. Professionals also observe the child’s behavior, conduct examinations and have in-depth conversations with the child’s caregivers. This can include speech pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists and developmental pediatricians.
Diagnosis of adults can be more difficult, as symptoms overlap with other conditions such as ADHD or anxiety. An adult evaluation is generally conducted with a psychologist or psychiatrist who asks about the person’s symptoms. They may also talk to the person’s parents or family about their developmental history.
What Are Symptoms of Autism?
Signs of autism often become apparent when children are expected to communicate. Symptoms can include:
- Difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication
- Repetitive patterns of behavior
- Restricted interests and activities
- Delayed or no language development
- Intellectual disabilities
- Poor motor coordination
- Inability to pay attention
- Interest fixated on a single topic
- Insistence on the same routine or environment
- Repetitive behavior, such as flapping arms or rocking
- Increased or decreased reactions to sensory stimuli
The Effects of Autism
Although the experience of autism varies between people, many find they’re impacted in similar ways.
Physical Health
There are some conditions that often coexist with autism that impact physical health, including epilepsy and gastrointestinal problems. It may also be harder for autistic people to look after their health independently. Communication difficulties make it difficult for people to self-advocate at the doctors, meaning health conditions are overlooked.
Mental Health
Autistic people are at greater risk of depression and anxiety, which is exacerbated by living in a world that’s not designed for neurodivergence. For example, loud and busy environments can increase anxiety in people with sensory issues. Autistic people can also feel isolated, which impacts mental health.
The parents of people with autism can also struggle with mental health. Advocating for a disabled or neurologically challenged child can be frustrating, and support structures, such as friends or family, may falter after a diagnosis.
Relationships
There are a number of reasons autistic people have difficulties building and maintaining relationships. Expressing their feelings isn’t easy, so they come across as cold or unfeeling. They may have difficulty understanding other people’s intentions and meanings, making social interactions awkward, tiring or confusing. Without a strong ability to read people, they may not react appropriately to social cues.
Career
Difficulties in communicating can impact the careers of autistic people. They can find it hard to form connections with colleagues and may misunderstand instructions. People with autism may also struggle with new and unfamiliar situations, which can be a challenge in some workplaces. Accommodations and different forms of therapy can help them succeed, despite these issues.
The careers of autistic people’s parents can also be impacted. Families often relocate to be closer to specialists, which can mean finding a new job. A parent may also have to give up a career to stay at home with their child.
Financial
Autistic adults have high rates of unemployment or underemployment, so they’re more likely to experience financial challenges. Money management can also be a struggle. They may spend money on items related to a key interest rather than on essentials, such as rent and groceries, which can further impact finances.
Families with autistic children may also bear the burden of the cost of diagnosis and treatment. One study found that raising an autistic child costs an extra $3,000 per year in healthcare costs and a further $14,000 per year in non-healthcare costs, such as schooling and in-home accommodations.
Where to Get Help for Autism
Early intervention services are available throughout the country. Parents concerned about their child’s development can arrange an evaluation by contacting the relevant state office. Eligible children can access publicly funded assistance, including speech and physical therapy.
Healthcare providers who focus on autism can develop treatment plans for children and adults with the condition. This may include behavioral therapy that involves the entire family. Transition programs can help autistic adolescents learn the skills they need to live independently.
There are also a number of nonprofit organizations that provide advocacy and education on autism, including autistic-led advocacy groups such as Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network, and Self Advocates Becoming Empowered.
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Kaia Koglin is a blog writer on the Editorial Team at MentalHealth.com, contributing articles about positive affirmations and self-esteem for women and children.
Tracey Rosenblath is an experienced writer for MentalHealth.com, contributing articles on a broad range of topics, including autism spectrum disorder, family and relationship issues, and divorce.