AUTISM | FAQ’S
WHAT IS AUTISM?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in brain development and function. It affects how a person communicates, interacts, learns, and behaves. People with ASD may:
• Have challenges with social communication and interaction, for example, difficulty with back-and-forth conversations or understanding social cues.
• Display restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests and may have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention.
• Exhibit a very wide range of abilities from nonverbal individuals who need daily support to highly verbal individuals who live independently and excel in specialized areas.
• Begin showing signs in early childhood, though some are diagnosed later. ASD lasts throughout a person’s life, though support and learning can help development over time.
Autism is recognized as a spectrum because the characteristics and needs vary widely among individuals.
WHAT IS NEURODIVERSITY?
Neurodiversity:
• Recognizes that brains develop and function differently across individuals, for example, in autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological patterns.
• Views these differences as part of normal human diversity, not just deficits or disorders.
• Emphasizes strengths, challenges, and unique perspectives across the spectrum of neurological functioning.
• Neurodiversity affirms that there is not one “normal” way for the brain to work, instead, many cognitive styles and neurological patterns contribute value to society and culture.
Putting It Together Simply
• Autism (ASD) refers to a specific developmental condition defined by differences in communication, social interaction, and patterns of behavior. It is a recognized developmental disability.
• Neurodiversity refers to the broader concept that neurological differences (including autism) are natural and valuable variations of the human mind, not just problems to solve.
EARLY SIGNS OF AUTISM
Important: Signs vary widely. Having one or two signs does not mean someone is autistic. This is about awareness, not diagnosis.
Early Signs in Young Children (by 18–24 months)
• Limited or no eye contact
• Does not respond consistently to their name
• Delayed speech or language development
• Uses few gestures (pointing, waving)
• Limited interest in social games (peek-a-boo)
Social & Communication Differences
• Difficulty with back-and-forth interaction
• Prefers playing alone or parallel play
• Repeats words or phrases (echolalia)
• Uses communication differently (gestures, AAC, scripts)
Behavioral & Sensory Differences
• Repetitive movements (hand-flapping, rocking)
• Strong attachment to routines or sameness
• Intense interest in specific topics or objects
• Unusual reactions to sounds, textures, lights, or smells
Signs Often Missed in Girls
• Strong masking or copying peers
• Social exhaustion or anxiety
• Intense but socially “acceptable” interests
• Later diagnosis due to stereotypes
Language to Use (Respectful & CDC-Aligned)
✔ “Autistic person” or “person with autism” (honor preference)
✔ “Support needs” instead of “severity”
✔ “Differences” instead of “deficits”