What is Autism?
Signs, Support & Next Steps
Autism Explained
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) — What Families Should Know
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, behavior patterns, and learning styles. The word “spectrum” means there is a wide range of strengths and challenges — no two children experience autism the same way.
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Some children use many words, others use few
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Some prefer routines, others become overwhelmed by changes
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Some enjoy focused interests or sensory experiences
Rather than a single “profile,” autism describes a set of patterns that may impact daily activities, relationships, and learning.
Levels of Autism
| Support Level | Social Communication | Restrictive Interest & Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1: Requiring Support | May find it hard to start conversations or join in with others. Might show less interest in playing or socializing. | May struggle with changes in routine, switching between activities, or staying organized. |
| Level 2: Requiring Substantial Support | Noticeable challenges with both talking and nonverbal communication (like gestures or eye contact). May respond in limited or unusual ways to others. | Rigid behaviors and trouble with change that interfere with daily life. Repetitive behaviors are more obvious to others. |
| Level 3: Requiring Very Substantial Support | Significant difficulties with communication and connecting with others. May use very limited speech or ways to interact. | Strong resistance to change, frequent repetitive behaviors, and challenges that affect daily activities in many areas. |
Signs of Autism to Look For
These are common behaviors parents and providers observe. Seeing some signs does not mean a child has autism, but it’s worth discussing with a pediatrician or developmental specialist.
By age group:
Toddlers (approx. 18–36 months)
- Limited back-and-forth gestures or sharing
- Not responding to name consistently
- Less interest in play with others
- Repetitive movements or routines
- Strong reactions to change or sensory input
Preschool & School-Age
- Social challenges with peers
- Trouble with flexible thinking
- Language that may be delayed or different
- Sensory differences (lights, sounds, textures)
- Repetitive interests or patterns
Note: Behaviors may overlap with typical development, anxiety, ADHD, language delays, or sensory processing differences.
How Autism is Identified
How Doctors and Specialists Assess Autism
Autism is diagnosed through careful observation and information gathering. This can include:
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Parent interviews and questionnaires
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Developmental screening tools
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Play-based assessments
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Medical history review
Screenings and checklists (like toddler developmental screens) can help identify areas to explore further, but a full diagnostic evaluation must be done by trained professionals.
The Autism Spectrum
Different traits can show up in different ways, at different times, and with different support needs.
Proprioception
Body awareness and movement (tiptoes, rocking, spinning, unusual sitting).
Interoception
Sensing inside the body (hunger, thirst, bathroom needs, emotions, pain).
Emotional Intensity
Big feelings - sometimes overwhelming (meltdowns, shutdowns, justice sensitivity).
Communication Differences
Unique ways of communicating (echolalia, scripting, body language, eye contact).
Relationship Differences
Connecting in different ways (bonding through interests, sensitivity to rejection).
Executive Functioning
Skills for daily life (planning, focus, flexibility, hygiene, handling change).
SPINs (Special Interests)
Strong passions and deep knowledge (animals, collections, museums, research).
Stims
Repetitive movements or sounds that help with energy and focus (hand flapping, rocking, singing).
Exteroception
Sensing the outside world (lights too bright, noises too loud, textures uncomfortable).
Proprioception
Body awareness and movement (tiptoes, rocking, spinning, unusual sitting).
Interoception
Sensing inside the body (hunger, thirst, bathroom needs, emotions, pain).
Emotional Intensity
Big feelings - sometimes overwhelming (meltdowns, shutdowns, justice sensitivity).
Communication Differences
Unique ways of communicating (echolalia, scripting, body language, eye contact).
Relationship Differences
Connecting in different ways (bonding through interests, sensitivity to rejection).
Executive Functioning
Skills for daily life (planning, focus, flexibility, hygiene, handling change).
SPINs (Special Interests)
Strong passions and deep knowledge (animals, collections, museums, research).
Stims
Repetitive movements or sounds that help with energy and focus (hand flapping, rocking, singing).
Exteroception
Sensing the outside world (lights too bright, noises too loud, textures uncomfortable).
What Causes Autism?
What We Know About Causes
Autism is not caused by parenting, vaccines, or a single life event. Research suggests that:
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Genetics play a significant role
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Brain development pathways differ in children with autism
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Multiple factors may interact to shape each child’s strengths and challenges
The exact causes are complex and still being studied. Families often benefit from support and intervention regardless of cause.
What Parents Can Do?
What To Do If You Have Concerns
If you notice behaviors that concern you, here are steps many families take:
1) Speak with your pediatrician:
Share the signs you’re noticing and ask about a developmental evaluation.
2) Use a screener
Completing a screener can help guide conversations with providers.
3) Ask about evaluations:
Formal evaluation helps identify strengths and needs so you can access resources and supports.
4) Learn about therapy options:
If autism is diagnosed or suspected, therapies like ABA, speech, occupational therapy, and social skills groups can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is autism spectrum disorder?
Answer: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a term used to describe a range of differences in communication, social interaction, behavior patterns, and sensory processing.
Can autism be diagnosed online?
Answer: Online tools cannot diagnose autism. Only qualified clinicians can diagnose after a full evaluation.
What age should my child be evaluated?
Answer: If you have concerns at any age, talk with your pediatrician. Early evaluations often occur in toddler years, but support at any age can be beneficial.
Does autism go away?
Answer: Autism is life-long, but early support and therapies can help children build skills and reach goals.
What therapies are available?
Answer: Common supports include applied behavior analysis (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, social skills groups, and family coaching.
