January 23, 2026
Autistic people are often viewed as less capable, and the disorder does make living in the neurotypical world more difficult. At the same time, autistic people have some unique advantages. Autistic people live with a neurodevelopmental condition that changes the way in which they perceive the world, communicate, and interact with others. Autism usually manifests in early childhood and is present throughout adult life.
The condition is always assessed on a “spectrum” as specified in DSM-5 because the characteristics and severity of symptoms differ from one individual to another. While some autistic individuals may require significant support in daily life, others demonstrate special talents and become leaders in their fields.
People with autism can differ in:
The symptoms of autism, as defined by the DSM-5, are broadly classified into two main areas:
Individuals with autism often find social interaction challenging. They can find it hard to maintain eye contact, comprehend simple social cues such as facial expressions, gestures, or tone of voice. Some individuals may speak very little or not at all, while others, even though fluent with speech, may struggle to understand social rules such as turn-taking or fail to grasp subtle verbal signs such as sarcasm or mockery.
Repetitive behaviours are a significant marker of autism. These can be obvious, such as hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning objects, or they can be subtle movements that are barely noticeable to others. Autistic clients also tend to prefer strict routines and become upset when their routines are disrupted, sometimes even by a minor change.
Moreover, clients on the autism spectrum have intense interests, often showing fascination with particular topics. Individuals diagnosed with autism struggle with sensory overload, ranging from being overly sensitive to being under-responsive to sounds, lights, textures, smells, or pain.
Research-backed evidence suggests that autism is a by-product of the complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors that affect brain development.
Studies of twins and families have revealed that autism tends to run in families, and certain genetic mutations increase the chances of developing autism. There is no single deviant gene; rather, multiple genes together play a role in contributing to the development of the condition.
The brains of autistic individuals are often differently wired, presenting anomalies in brain structure and functioning. Parts of the brain directing social behaviour, language, and sensory processing may develop differently.
Prenatal factors that have been found to increase the chance of autism are advanced parental age, complications during pregnancy or birth, exposure to infections, and poor maternal health. Environmental influences alone do not contribute to the condition but rather act in conjunction with genetic predispositions.
Contrary to popular belief, vaccines do not cause autism. Extensive scientific research has consistently denied any associations between childhood vaccinations and autism.
Looking for autism therapy in Upper East Side, New York? Laura Pearl provides neurodiversity-affirming therapy for autistic adults.
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