What exactly is autism and how do I know if I have it?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition (like ADHD and dyslexia), that specifically impacts how you behave and socialize, according to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). That's because, when you have autism, your brain processes social interactions and sensory information (the way things sound, taste, feel, etc.) differently, says Lauren Kerwin, PhD, a psychologist specializing in ASD. Those differences can make you feel overwhelmed, isolated, and anxious in everyday scenarios, she adds.
The way this shows up in someone's life depends on a lot of factors, but if you've spent a little time on ASD TikTok, you might assume autism mostly means loving routines, hating certain textures and sounds, and being super into your hobbies. Which, relatable! While that might be true for some with ASD, having special interests, despising cotton balls, and being totally inflexible of altering your schedule doesn't automatically mean you're autistic. [Heads up: Some people prefer to say, "I am autistic" whereas others prefer "I have autism." We'll be acknowledging both preferences here.]
To help you figure out what's an actual trait of autism, what's not, and what that means for you, we asked experts for all the details. Plus, we'll explain what causes ASD and how to get a diagnosis and support.
What is autism?
Neurodevelopmental conditions like autism impact the brain and nervous system, according to the American Psychological Association (APA). By definition, ASD traits start showing up during childhood, but many people aren't diagnosed until they're adults, possibly because they learned to "mask" those characteristics to blend in with neurotypical people, and also because autism can be misdiagnosed as anxiety, says psychologist Agnesa Papazyan, PsyD.
While autism traits have to have been present since childhood, how they show up can change with time, per the APA. Dr. Kerwin adds that a few things can impact how your traits manifest and how severe they are, including your environment, your coping strategies, and what accommodations you have access to. Your age and developmental stage also play a role. "Much like when you become a teenager and experience a shift in your emotions and behaviors, or when you're an adult and experience your relationships in a new way, autistic individuals will experience changes in how their characteristics present as their lives progress," Dr. Papazyan says.
Keep reading to learn more about the characteristics of autism and what causes it.
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