Your guide to autism: Understanding ASD from diagnosis to daily life

Understanding autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can feel overwhelming, whether you're seeking answers for yourself, a loved one, or simply wanting to learn more about this neurodevelopmental condition. This comprehensive guide addresses the most common questions about autism, offering clear insights and practical information to help you navigate this journey with confidence and understanding.

Autism affects millions of people worldwide, yet many misconceptions persist. By exploring the facts, symptoms, and support options available, we can build a more informed and compassionate understanding of what it means to live with autism.

What is autism and ASD?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterised by differences in social communication, interaction, and behaviour. The term "spectrum" reflects the wide range of experiences and abilities that individuals with autism possess.

What does ASD stand for?

ASD stands for Autism Spectrum Disorder. This terminology replaced earlier terms like "Asperger's syndrome" and "pervasive developmental disorder" when the diagnostic criteria were updated in 2013. The spectrum approach recognises that autism presents differently in each person, with varying strengths and challenges.

Understanding autism symptoms

Autism symptoms typically fall into two main categories:

Social communication and interaction differences:

  • Difficulty with back-and-forth conversation

  • Challenges with nonverbal communication like eye contact and facial expressions

  • Trouble developing and maintaining relationships appropriate to developmental level

Restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour:

  • Repetitive motor movements or speech

  • Strong preference for routines and rituals

  • Highly focused interests

  • Sensory sensitivities (over- or under-responsiveness to sensory input)

How common is Autism?

Current research suggests that approximately 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The condition affects people of all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, though it's diagnosed about four times more often in boys than girls.

These numbers have increased significantly over the past decades, largely due to improved awareness, better diagnostic tools, and expanded diagnostic criteria rather than an actual increase in prevalence.

Understanding Autism levels

The autism spectrum includes three levels of support needs, helping to describe the amount of assistance someone might require in their daily life.

What is level 1 Autism?

Level 1 autism, previously known as "high-functioning autism" or Asperger's syndrome, describes individuals who require minimal support. People with level 1 autism may:

  • Have difficulty initiating social interactions

  • Struggle with organisation and planning

  • Experience challenges with transitions

  • Appear to have fewer obvious autism traits

What is level 2 Autism?

Level 2 autism indicates a need for substantial support. Individuals at this level may:

  • Have more noticeable difficulties with verbal and nonverbal communication

  • Show limited initiation of social interactions

  • Experience distress when routines are disrupted

  • Display repetitive behaviours that interfere with daily functioning

What is level 3 Autism?

Level 3 autism requires very substantial support. People at this level may:

  • Have severe difficulties with verbal and nonverbal communication

  • Show very limited initiation of social interactions

  • Have extreme difficulty coping with change

  • Display repetitive behaviours that significantly limit functioning

What causes Autism?

Understanding the root causes

It is currently understood in the mainstream medical field that Autism is caused by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Research consistently shows that autism is primarily genetic, with multiple genes contributing to its development. There's no single "autism gene," but rather hundreds of genetic variations that can increase autism risk.

What are the 3 main causes of autism?

While autism's exact causes remain under investigation, research points to three main contributing factors:

  1. Genetic factors: Family studies show that autism runs in families, with siblings of autistic individuals having a higher likelihood of also being autistic.

  2. Environmental factors during pregnancy: Certain prenatal factors, such as advanced parental age, maternal infections during pregnancy, or exposure to specific medications, may slightly increase autism risk.

  3. Brain development differences: Neurological research shows that autistic brains develop differently, particularly in areas responsible for social communication and sensory processing.

  4. ASD and immunisation: Extensive research has been conducted to examine the potential link between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and immunisation. Numerous studies across various countries and populations have mixed results. The mainstream view is that there is "no credible evidence" to support a connection between routine childhood vaccinations and the development of autism. Parents are recommended to do their own research around immunications.

Which parent carries the autism gene?

Research suggests that both mothers and fathers can pass on genetic variations that contribute to autism risk. However, the inheritance pattern is complex and involves multiple genes rather than a single gene from one parent.

What causes autism during pregnancy?

Several prenatal factors may influence autism risk:

  • Maternal infections during pregnancy

  • Certain medications taken during pregnancy

  • Complications during birth

  • Advanced parental age

  • Nutritional deficiencies

How does sperm health influence autism risk?

The health of a father's sperm can also play a significant role in influencing autism risk. Research has shown that factors such as the age of the father, sperm DNA quality, and lifestyle choices can potentially impact genetic contributions. Advanced paternal age has been associated with a higher likelihood of genetic mutations, which may increase the risk of autism in offspring. Additionally, negative lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to environmental toxins can affect sperm quality and DNA integrity. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining overall health and well-being to support reproductive outcomes.

Getting an Autism diagnosis

How to know if you have autism

Recognising autism symptoms in yourself or others can be the first step toward understanding and support. Common signs include:

  • Difficulty with social interactions and communication

  • Preference for routines and predictability

  • Intense interests in specific topics

  • Sensory sensitivities

  • Repetitive behaviours or movements

Who can diagnose ASD?

In Australia, autism diagnoses are typically made by qualified professionals including:

  • Paediatricians (for children)

  • Psychiatrists

  • Psychologists with autism expertise

  • Multidisciplinary teams in specialist autism centres

Australia follows established guidelines to ensure consistent, accurate, and evidence-based practices for diagnosing and supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Australia provides a framework for clinicians and families. This guideline emphasises a team-based approach, involving multiple professionals to gather a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s needs. It also recommends considering the individual’s medical history, developmental milestones, and conducting structured observations and assessments. By adhering to these guidelines, families and professionals can work together to achieve more reliable diagnoses and enable access to appropriate interventions and support systems tailored to individual requirements.

How to get an autism diagnosis in Australia

The diagnostic process usually involves:

  1. Initial consultation: Discuss concerns with your GP for a referral

  2. Comprehensive assessment: Detailed evaluation by qualified professionals

  3. Observation and testing: Structured assessments and observation of behaviour

  4. Report and recommendations: Detailed diagnostic report with support recommendations

How early is autism detected?

Autism can sometimes be identified as early as 12-18 months, though diagnosis often occurs between ages 2-4. Early signs include:

  • Limited eye contact

  • Delayed speech development

  • Lack of pointing or gesturing

  • Repetitive behaviours

  • Sensory sensitivities

Common questions about Autism

Can you develop autism?

Autism is currently understood as a neurodevelopmental condition present from birth. While symptoms may become more noticeable over time or during periods of stress, autism itself doesn't develop later in life. However, many people receive their first diagnosis in adulthood when they better understand autism or when life demands exceed their coping strategies.

How autism feels from the inside

Living with autism is a unique experience for each person. Many autistic individuals describe:

  • Feeling overwhelmed by sensory input

  • Difficulty understanding social cues

  • Intense focus on interests

  • Need for predictability and routine

  • Challenges with emotional regulation

What is sensory autism?

Sensory differences are a core feature of autism. Many autistic people experience:

  • Hypersensitivity to lights, sounds, textures, or smells

  • Hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness) to sensory input

  • Difficulty filtering sensory information

  • Seeking or avoiding certain sensory experiences

What are T-Rex arms in autism?

"T-Rex arms" refers to a common posture where someone holds their arms close to their body with bent elbows, similar to a T-Rex dinosaur. This posture often occurs when someone feels anxious, overwhelmed, or is trying to regulate sensory input.

What is eye tracking in autism?

Eye tracking refers to differences in how autistic individuals look at and process visual information. Research shows that autistic people may:

  • Look at different parts of faces or objects

  • Have difficulty with sustained eye contact

  • Focus on details rather than the whole picture

  • Process visual information differently

Autism myths and misconceptions

"Autism isn't real"

This harmful misconception persists despite overwhelming scientific evidence. Autism is a well-documented neurodevelopmental condition recognised by medical professionals worldwide and supported by decades of research.

Can autism be cured?

Autism is not seen as a disease that needs curing. It's understood in the mainstream world as a neurological difference that's part of who someone is.

How is autism "treated"?

  • Speech and language therapy

  • Occupational therapy

  • Psychological support

  • Social skills training

  • Sensory integration therapy

  • Educational support

  • Behavioural interventions

Supporting people with Autism

What is ABA therapy for autism?

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a therapeutic approach that uses behavioural principles to teach skills and reduce challenging behaviours. While ABA can be helpful for some individuals, it's important to ensure that any therapy approach respects the person's dignity and focuses on meaningful goals.

What is a social story for autism?

Social stories are simple, personalised narratives that help explain social situations, expectations, and appropriate responses. They can help autistic individuals understand and navigate social scenarios more effectively.

What triggers autism meltdowns?

Meltdowns are intense responses to overwhelming situations and can be triggered by:

  • Sensory overload

  • Unexpected changes

  • Communication difficulties

  • Anxiety or stress

  • Physical discomfort

How to reduce toe walking in autism

Toe walking is common among autistic individuals and can be addressed through:

  • Physical therapy

  • Sensory activities

  • Appropriate footwear

  • Addressing underlying sensory needs

  • Professional assessment for any physical causes

How to stop repetitive behaviour in autism

Rather than stopping all repetitive behaviours, focus on:

  • Understanding the function of the behaviour

  • Providing appropriate sensory alternatives

  • Teaching replacement behaviours

  • Creating structured environments

  • Addressing underlying needs

Co-occurring conditions

Can you have BPD and autism?

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and autism can co-occur, though they're distinct conditions. Both involve challenges with emotional regulation and relationships, but they have different underlying causes and require different approaches to support.

Can you have DLD and autism?

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and autism can occur together. Both conditions affect communication, but DLD specifically impacts language development while autism affects broader social communication and behaviour patterns.

Life with Autism

Why is autism life expectancy lower?

Research suggests that autistic individuals may have shorter life expectancy due to:

  • Higher rates of co-occurring health conditions

  • Increased risk of accidents

  • Mental health challenges

  • Barriers to healthcare access

  • Social isolation

However, with appropriate support and understanding, autistic people can live full, meaningful lives.

What causes non-verbal autism?

Non-verbal autism isn't caused by specific factors but rather represents one way autism can present. Some autistic individuals may:

  • Use alternative communication methods

  • Have apraxia (difficulty with motor planning for speech)

  • Experience selective mutism

How can non-verbal autistic individuals communicate?

Although speech may not be their primary mode of communication, non-verbal autistic individuals have various ways to express themselves and interact with others. Some common methods include:

  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices: Tools such as speech-generating devices, tablet apps, or communication boards enable individuals to communicate their thoughts and needs effectively.

  • Sign language: Some non-verbal individuals may use sign language to convey messages, especially if they have the appropriate motor skills.

  • Gestures and body language: Facial expressions, pointing, or other physical movements can be used to indicate feelings or requests.

  • Writing or drawing: For those with the ability to write or draw, these can serve as practical means of communication.

It's crucial to create an environment that supports these methods and ensures that individuals feel heard and respected. Providing opportunities to develop and enhance communication skills can significantly improve their quality of life and social connections.

Navigating life with both Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Michaela Klabanova, an experienced psychologist and psychotherapist, has created two tailored online sessions; one for adults and one for caregivers. These sessions provide practical insights, coping strategies, and a deeper understanding of how these conditions interact. Whether you're managing your own diagnosis or supporting a loved one, these courses offer lifetime access to invaluable tools and resources. Take the first step toward clarity and empowerment today. Learn more and enrol now!

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