What is Autism?

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. It is called a "spectrum" disorder because it varies widely in severity and symptoms among individuals.

Some people with autism may require significant support in daily life, while others may be highly independent.

Common Symptoms & Experience

Common Symptoms

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects individuals differently, but common symptoms can be observed in social interaction, communication, behavior, and sensory processing. These symptoms typically appear in early childhood and persist throughout life.

Social and Communication Difficulties

Difficulty understanding and responding to social cues, facial expressions, or body language.
Struggles with maintaining conversations or engaging in reciprocal social interactions.
Limited use of gestures, eye contact, or facial expressions in communication.
Preference for solitary activities rather than socializing with peers.

Repetitive Behaviors and Restricted Interests

Engaging in repetitive movements like hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning.
Strong attachment to specific routines or rituals and distress when they are disrupted.
Intense focus on specific interests, such as numbers, trains, or a particular subject.
Repeating words or phrases (echolalia) without using them in meaningful conversation.

Sensory Sensitivities

Over- or under-reacting to sensory input, such as loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures.
Strong preference for certain types of food due to sensory sensitivities.
Unusual responses to pain, temperature, or touch (e.g., avoiding hugs or seeking deep pressure).

Emotional and Behavioral Challenges

Difficulty managing emotions, leading to meltdowns or shutdowns in overwhelming situations.
Trouble adapting to change, leading to anxiety or distress in new environments.
Unusual speech patterns, such as a flat tone or robotic speech.

Experiences

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) shapes how individuals experience the world, influencing their interactions, emotions, and daily routines.

Each autistic person’s experience is unique, but common themes include challenges with communication, sensory sensitivities, and adapting to change. Below are three major experiences that autistic individuals often face.

Difficulty with Social Interaction and Communication

Struggles with understanding social cues, such as facial expressions, tone of voice, and gestures.
Difficulty maintaining conversations, making eye contact, or forming friendships.
May prefer solitary activities or have a unique way of expressing emotions.

Sensory Overload and Sensory Seeking

Some autistic individuals experience heightened sensitivity to lights, sounds, textures, or smells, leading to discomfort or distress.
Others may be under-sensitive, seeking intense sensory experiences like deep pressure or repetitive movements.
Sensory overload can result in meltdowns (overwhelming emotional responses) or shutdowns (withdrawal from the environment).

Strong Need for Routine and Predictability

Many autistic individuals rely on structured routines to feel secure and in control.
Unexpected changes in plans or environment can cause anxiety or distress.
Repetitive behaviors, like arranging objects in a specific order or following set rituals, provide comfort.

How Psychological Therapy Can Help You

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong condition that affects social communication, behavior, and sensory processing. While autism itself is not something that needs to be "cured," psychological therapy can help autistic individuals develop essential skills, manage challenges, and improve their quality of life.

Different therapeutic approaches focus on communication, emotional regulation, and adapting to social environments. Below are three major ways psychological therapy can help individuals with autism.

Enhancing Social and Communication Skills

Speech and language therapy can help improve verbal and nonverbal communication.
Social skills training teaches autistic individuals how to understand social cues, maintain conversations, and build relationships.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help with recognizing emotions and expressing thoughts more effectively.

Therapy helps individuals develop coping strategies for sensory overload, such as deep breathing or using sensory tools.
Emotional regulation techniques help manage meltdowns, anxiety, and frustration.
Occupational therapy supports sensory processing difficulties, making daily activities more manageable.

Managing Sensory Sensitivities and Emotional Regulation

Supporting Routine, Flexibility, and Independence

Therapists work on building flexibility in routines, reducing anxiety related to change.
Behavioral interventions (like Applied Behavior Analysis, ABA) reinforce positive behaviors and teach adaptive skills.
Therapy can encourage independent living skills, such as problem-solving, decision-making, and self-care.