All About Autism

We have put together some of the most common questions about autism to help provide you with a basic overview.

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What is autism spectrum disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition caused by differences in the brain. ASD affects how people think, learn, behave, communicate, and interact with others. While a person can be diagnosed with ASD as an adult, symptoms usually appear in the first two years of life, thus the term “neurodevelopment disorder.”

What is meant by a “spectrum disorder”?

People with ASD exhibit a wide range of abilities and disabilities, with different challenges and strengths. Some individuals have intellectual disabilities and may never be able to speak or live independently. Others are of average and even exceptional intelligence. Some famous, high-achieving people with autism include Anthony Hopkins, Greta Thunburg, Bobby Fisher, Tim Burton, Jerry Seinfeld, and Temple Grandin. Experts theorize that Newton, Darwin, and Einstein may have been “on the spectrum” and that their unconventional thinking contributed to their groundbreaking scientific insights.

What are the symptoms of autism?

While every person with autism has their own combination and intensity of symptoms, these can be broken down into several basic categories:

• Social interaction and communication
  People with autism have difficulty understanding social cues and interacting with others. They may not make eye contact and appear not to be listening to the other person. They may not respond to their name when addressed. In severe cases, a person may never learn to talk or have difficulty maintaining conversation. Others have strong verbal skills but have trouble understanding other people’s behaviors or points of view. Those who have strong language abilities may not share their interests, thoughts, or emotions with others. They may talk at length about a subject that interests them without engaging in the normal conversational give-and-take. Their facial expressions, gestures, and reactions may not match what is being discussed.
• Challenges with executive functioning
  Some autistic individuals have issues with executive function, the ability to plan, organize, and regulate their behavior. This includes problems with working memory, difficulty controlling impulsive behavior, procrastination, and adapting to situational changes.
• Repetitive behaviors
  Children and adults with autism may engage in “stimming” – repetitive behaviors such as rocking, hand-flapping, finger-flicking, rocking, twirling, pacing, or jiggling a foot. In extreme cases, these behaviors can be harmful, such as head banging, which can lead to self-injury. Some people may repeat words or phrases, a phenomenon known as echolalia.
• Sensory differences
  People with autism may be more or less sensitive than others to sensory stimuli such as light, sound, heat, cold, or how their clothes feel on their skin.
• Difficulty with transitions or changes in routine
  Structure and predictability are reassuring for those living with autism. Changes in their environment or daily routine feel upsetting and destabilizing.
• Special skills
  People with autism often have the ability to hyperfocus and excel at tasks requiring exceptional precision and an eye for detail. They may have an exceptional memory and strong logical and analytical skills. Their unique ways of thinking can lead to innovation in math, science, or engineering. Between 10% and 30% of people with autism are thought to have “Savant Syndrome,” a particular skill set way beyond that of the average persons. This can manifest as musical or artistic talent, mathematical skills, mechanical or spatial abilities, or calendar calculations.

What are common co-morbidities with autism?

Comorbidity refers to the simultaneous presence of two or more medical conditions. People with autism often also suffer from one or more comorbidities such as fragile X syndrome, allergies, asthma, epilepsy, bowel disease, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal/digestive disorders, persistent viral infections, feeding disorders, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, ADHD, Tourette Syndrome, OCD, sensory integration dysfunction, immune disorders, autoimmune disorders, and neuroinflammation.

Are there risk factors for autism?

Much research still needs to be done into the causes of autism but risk factors appear to include having a sibling with autism, having older parents, being born premature and/or with a low birth weight, and certain genetic conditions such as Down’s syndrome or Fragile X syndrome. Male children are more likely than females to be diagnosed with autism, which is diagnosed four times more often in boys. During pregnancy, obesity and/or type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes appear to be risk factors for infants. Birth complications leading to periods of oxygen deprivation in the baby’s brain may also play a part.

How is autism diagnosed?

Although many people with autism reach adulthood without ever being diagnosed, early diagnosis leads to better outcomes. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends every child receive autism-specific screenings at 18 and 24 months of age. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the sooner they can receive interventions, while their brain is most responsive and adaptable.

There are no specific medical tests for the diagnosis of ASD. Diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation focusing on a developmental history, behavioral, and communication and social interaction skills. Diagnosis relies on combined observations of parents and caregivers and professional experts such as neurodevelopmental pediatricians, developmental-behavioral pediatricians, child neurologists, geneticists, and assessment services offered by some early intervention programs.

Is the incidence of autism on the rise?

As of this writing, 1 in 36 children have autism, up from 1 in 44 in 2021. This increase does not necessarily mean autism rates are increasing. Rather, greater awareness has led to more screening, with more children getting diagnosed earlier. In addition, the diagnostic criteria have broadened the definition of autism, which means individuals with less severe cases are being diagnosed.

What causes autism?

This question remains a medical mystery although multiple theories have been proposed. Research suggests that both genetics and environmental factors, such as air pollution or exposure to certain pesticides, play a part. Many children with ASD have a distinct gut bacterial community compared to neurotypical children, and studies are being conducted into a possible connection between gut fauna and ASD. The theory that childhood vaccines are linked to autism has been debunked by multiple studies.

How is autism treated?

There is currently no cure for autism. Treatment seeks to enhance a person’s ability to function and communicate and help them attain the best possible quality of life. Treatment plans are highly individualized and may involve one or more of the following modalities:

• Behavioral intervention is crucial in a child’s early years. There are a variety of methods that use positive reinforcement and other tools to teach new skills and discourage challenging behavior.
• Occupational therapy stresses mastering the skills needed for daily living, such as self-care and sensory regulation.
• Speech Therapy focuses language development, articulation, and the use of alternative communication methods such as the use of images (Picture Exchange Communication System, or PECS) high tech devices that let people communicated by combining words, or symbols on a touchscreen or keypad.
• Physical Therapy focuses on improving gross motor skills, balance, coordination, and sensory integration.
• Medication may be used to address specific symptoms that interfere with learning and daily functioning, such as anxiety, depression, or aggression.

This article first appeared in the April 2025 edition of the HealthPerks newsletter.