What is Autism?
Autism involves brain differences that create predictable friction with neurotypicalPeople whose brains develop and function in ways that align with societal expectations and norms-designed social and sensory environmentsPhysical spaces and social contexts that include various sensory inputs like sounds, lights, textures, and social expectations. Autistic people process social information, sensory inputInformation received through the senses like sight, sound, touch, smell, taste, and body position, and changes in routine differently than neurotypicalPeople whose brains develop and function in ways that align with societal expectations and norms people, leading to both unique strengths and specific challenges in a world not designed for these differences.
Autism isn't something you grow out of or fix - it's a fundamental aspect of how your brain processes the world. Understanding and accommodating these differences, rather than trying to eliminate them, leads to better outcomes and authentic self-acceptance.
Reframing Autism
Traditional descriptions focus on "deficits" and behaviors that differ from neurotypicalPeople whose brains develop and function in ways that align with societal expectations and norms norms. A more helpful framework recognizes autism as neurological differences that create both challenges and strengths, depending on environmental support and understanding.
Many struggles autistic people experience come from environmental mismatchWhen environments are designed for neurotypical brains without considering neurodivergent needs rather than inherent disability. With appropriate accommodations and understanding, autistic people can thrive while remaining authentically themselves.
Social Communication Differences
Processing and expressing social information in ways that differ from neurotypicalPeople whose brains develop and function in ways that align with societal expectations and norms expectations, not lacking social interest or empathyThe ability to understand and share the feelings of others.
- Direct, literal communication style
- Missing unspoken social rules or expectations
- Difficulty with nonverbal communication like eye contactDirect gaze between people, often expected in neurotypical social interactions but can feel uncomfortable or overwhelming for autistic people
- Different patterns of social reciprocityThe back-and-forth exchange of social behaviors, emotions, and communication in relationships
- Challenges maintaining relationships without explicit guidance
Sensory Processing Differences
Heightened or reduced sensitivity to sounds, textures, lights, and other sensory inputInformation received through the senses like sight, sound, touch, smell, taste, and body position that can significantly impact daily functioning.
- Sensory overloadWhen the brain receives more sensory information than it can process, leading to overwhelm and distress in busy environments
- Specific texture or sound aversionsStrong negative reactions to specific sensory inputs that feel uncomfortable or distressing
- Need for sensory regulationStrategies to help the nervous system maintain an optimal level of alertness and calm through movement or pressure
- Difficulty filtering background noise
- Sensory seekingActively pursuing specific sensory experiences for regulation or pleasure behaviors for regulation
Repetitive Behaviors and Interests
Patterns of behavior, interests, or activities that provide regulation, joy, and expertise, often misunderstood as restrictive.
- Intense special interestsDeep, passionate interests that bring joy, expertise, and often serve as a source of identity and regulation that bring deep knowledge
- StimmingSelf-stimulatory behaviors like rocking, hand-flapping, or repetitive movements that help with regulation and expression for self-regulation and expression
- Need for predictable routines and structure
- Repetitive movements that aid concentration
- Detailed focus on specific topics or activities
Change and Transition Challenges
Difficulty adapting to unexpected changes or transitions between activities, requiring more processing time and support.
- Distress when plans change unexpectedly
- Need for advance notice of schedule changes
- Difficulty switching between tasks or activities
- Preference for familiar environments and routines
- Extended adjustment periods for new situations
Autism-Related Struggles
Click on any struggle to learn what it feels like, why it happens, and what can help.
Common Co-Occurring Conditions
Autism frequently appears alongside other neurodivergentBrain differences that create distinct patterns of thinking, processing, and behavior conditions and mental health challenges. Understanding these connections can help you get comprehensive support:
- ADHD: Many autistic people also have ADHD, sharing executive functionThe brain's management system that handles planning, organization, time management, task initiation, and follow-through and attention regulationThe brain's ability to direct and sustain focus where you want it, when you want it challenges
- Anxiety disordersConditions involving excessive worry, fear, or physical anxiety symptoms: Social anxiety, generalized anxiety, and specific phobias are common
- Depression: Often develops from years of misunderstanding, maskingCamouflaging natural neurodivergent behaviors and responses to appear more neurotypical, or social rejection
- OCD: Repetitive behaviors and need for certainty can overlap with OCD patterns
- Eating disorders: Sensory issuesDifficulties processing sensory information that can make certain textures, sounds, or environments uncomfortable or overwhelming with food textures and restrictive eating patterns
- Sleep disorders: Irregular sleep patterns and difficulty with sleep hygiene
Professional Support
Autism often benefits from neurodiversity-affirming professional support. Here are specific resources to connect with autism-experienced providers and communities:
Finding Autism Therapists
- Psychology Today Autism Provider Search - Filter by autism specialty and neurodiversity-affirming approaches
- Therapist Neurodiversity Collective - Directory of neurodiversity-affirming mental health providers
- ASAN Healthcare Toolkit - Guidance for finding autism-informed medical and mental health care
Assessment & Diagnostic Information
- Autistic Self Advocacy Network - Leading autistic-led organization with policy, research, and advocacy resources
- CDC Autism Clinical Manual - Professional diagnostic criteria and assessment information
- IACC Autism Resources - Federal autism research coordination and evidence-based information
Community & Peer Support
- r/AutisticAdults Community - Peer support and discussions by and for autistic adults
- AutismForums Community - Friendly forum for autism and Asperger discussions run by autistic volunteers
- Autism Meetup Groups - Local in-person autism community gatherings and support groups