Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), isn’t a disease or something to be “fixed.” It’s a neurodevelopmental condition that shapes how people experience the world, process information, and interact with others. Autism is lifelong and typically recognized in early childhood, but for many – especially women and people of color – it often goes undiagnosed until adulthood [1]. Every autistic person is different, which is why it’s called a spectrum.
How Autistic People May Experience the World Differently
Autism is often described in terms of challenges, but it’s really just a different way of thinking and processing the world. Here’s how that can show up:
Social Communication & Interaction
Meme by @mattczap (2020)
For many autistic people, social situations can feel like a language that everyone else just instinctively knows. Some common experiences include [2]:
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Difficulty reading non-verbal cues like facial expressions, tone of voice, or sarcasm
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Struggling with small talk or back-and-forth conversations
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Discomfort maintaining eye contact
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Expressing emotions differently or having difficulty verbalizing feelings
Repetitive & Restrictive Behaviors
Structure and predictability bring comfort. Many autistic individuals have habits or rituals that help them navigate daily life, such as [3]:
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Following strict routines and becoming distressed by sudden changes
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Repetitive physical movements (stimming), like rocking, hand-flapping, or tapping
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Repetitive auditory stimulation (echolalia), like repeating words, phrases, or songs
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Deeply focusing on a specific interest to the point of expertise
Sensory Sensitivities
The world can be overwhelming when your senses process things more intensely than others. Many autistic individuals experience heightened or diminished sensitivity to [4]:
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Bright lights or fluorescent bulbs
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Loud noises or specific sounds
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Certain textures, fabrics, or food consistencies
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Strong smells or tastes
Hyperfocus & Special Interests
Many autistic people develop deep, passionate interests in specific topics. These aren’t just hobbies – they can become lifelong areas of expertise and sources of joy [5].
Anxiety, Meltdowns & Shutdowns
Autistic individuals often experience anxiety at higher levels than neurotypical people. When overwhelmed, they may [6]:
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Have a meltdown (an involuntary emotional response that may involve crying, yelling, or physical actions)
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Experience a shutdown (becoming non-verbal, withdrawing, or freezing in response to stress)
Living with Autism
Autism is not something to be “cured.” It’s simply a different way of experiencing life. Many autistic individuals lead fulfilling, successful lives in careers, relationships, and personal growth. The level of support needed varies widely—some autistic individuals require daily assistance, while others thrive independently.
Autism manifests differently in each person. Some autistic individuals may need significant support in daily life, while others may live independently. The spectrum nature of autism means that experiences and support needs can vary widely.
Other Names for Autism
While “Autism Spectrum Disorder” is the clinical term, other labels have been used over the years, including [7]:
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Asperger’s Syndrome (no longer a separate diagnosis but still used in some communities)
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High-functioning autism (a debated term that doesn’t accurately reflect the challenges autistic people face)
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PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, an outdated term)
Causes of Autism
There’s no single cause of autism. Research suggests it’s influenced by a mix of genetic and environmental factors. What’s important to know is autism is NOT caused by parenting styles, vaccines, or personal choices [8].
Levels of Autism*
The DSM-5 categorizes autism into three levels based on how much support a person may need:
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Level 1: Requires some support (e.g., difficulty with social interactions, handling change)
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Level 2: Requires substantial support (e.g., marked difficulty in verbal and non-verbal communication)
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Level 3: Requires very substantial support (e.g., limited communication, significant distress with change)
These levels help professionals tailor support, but they don’t define a person’s worth or potential.
*It's important to note that many mental health professionals critique the DSM-5's classification of autism levels, arguing that it pathologizes neurodivergent individuals by framing their differences in terms of deficits relative to neurotypical productivity standards. This perspective suggests that such categorizations may overlook the diverse strengths and adaptive strategies of autistic individuals.
FAQ
Q: How is autism diagnosed in adults?
A: Diagnosis involves assessments by mental health professionals, including:
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Developmental history review
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Behavioral observations
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Psychological tests
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Interviews with family or close contacts
Q: What is the biggest symptom of autism?
A: There’s no single defining trait, as it affects each person differently. However, difficulty with social communication and interactions, as well as repetitive behaviors are core characteristics.
Q: How many people does autism affect?
A: In the U.S., approximately 1 in 36 children is diagnosed with autism. Globally, the estimate is around 1 in 100 [9].
Understanding autism is key to fostering a more inclusive world. By recognizing the unique strengths and challenges of autistic individuals, we can create spaces where they feel supported and valued. Whether you’re autistic yourself, suspect you might be, or just want to learn, know this: autism isn’t a deficit. It’s a different way of experiencing life, and that’s something worth celebrating.
References
[1] Begeer, S., El Bouk, S., Boussaid, W., Terwogt, M. M., & Koot, H. M. (2009). Underdiagnosis and referral bias of autism in ethnic minorities. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 39(1), 142–148. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-008-0611-5
[2] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
[3] Marco, E. J., Hinkley, L. B., Hill, S. S., & Nagarajan, S. S. (2011). Sensory processing in autism: a review of neurophysiologic findings. Pediatric research, 69(5 Pt 2), 48R–54R. https://doi.org/10.1203/PDR.0b013e3182130c54
[4] Tavassoli, T., Miller, L. J., Schoen, S. A., Nielsen, D. M., & Baron-Cohen, S. (2014). Sensory over-responsivity in adults with autism spectrum conditions. Autism, 18(4), 428–432. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361313477246
[5] Ashinoff, B. K., & Abu-Akel, A. (2021). Hyperfocus: the forgotten frontier of attention. Psychological research, 85(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00426-019-01245-8
[6] Kerns, C. M., Newschaffer, C. J., & Berkowitz, S. J. (2015). Traumatic Childhood Events and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(11), 3475–3486. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2392-y
[7] McPartland, J., & Volkmar, F. R. (2012). Autism and related disorders. Handbook of clinical neurology, 106, 407–418. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-52002-9.00023-1
[8] Gabis, L. V., Attia, O. L., Goldman, M., Barak, N., Tefera, P., Shefer, S., Shaham, M., & Lerman-Sagie, T. (2022). The myth of vaccination and autism spectrum. European journal of paediatric neurology : EJPN : official journal of the European Paediatric Neurology Society, 36, 151–158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejpn.2021.12.011
[9] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Data and statistics on autism spectrum disorder. CDC. Retrieved February 9, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/index.html