What is Autism in simple terms? Autism (autism spectrum disorder, or ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference in how a person’s brain develops and works. It affects how people communicate, connect with others, process sensory information and experience the world. Autism is diagnosed by looking at behaviour and development, and for many parents the path to an autism diagnosis can feel like a difficult journey.
Autism is a spectrum, so every autistic person is different. Common autism traits include:
Fig 1: Percentage Breakup of Each Individual Diagnosis of Children with ASD
- Differences in social interaction and connecting with others
- Differences in language development
- Differences in communication, verbal and non verbal (some autistic people are non-speaking)
- Repetitive behaviour, such as stimming
- A strong preference for routine and predictability
- Sensory sensitivities, for example to noise, light or textures
Many autistic people also have real strengths, such as deep focus, honesty, attention to detail and strong interests.
Autism Rates on the Rise
In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States estimated that 1 in every 68 children would be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. More recent CDC estimates are higher (about 1 in 31 children in its 2025 report), largely because of better awareness and diagnosis.
Worldwide numbers are hard to pin down because of differences in how autism is understood and diagnosed, and the stigma many families still face when their child is seen as different. For this reason, it is difficult to estimate how many people worldwide are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.
Autism can often be diagnosed from around two years of age, although many children, especially girls, are diagnosed later. Some parents feel their child is “going through a phase”. Many parents notice differences in their child’s communication, play or social interaction between 18 and 36 months, and a smaller number notice their child losing words or skills they had before. If you have concerns, talk to your GP or paediatrician. The earlier the diagnosis, the sooner your child can get support that fits them.
That doesn’t mean there is little hope if a child is diagnosed later. All children develop at their own pace, and there is a wide range of autism treatment, therapies and support available no matter what age your child is diagnosed.
The Medical Journey From ‘Autism’ to Autism Spectrum Disorder
Over the 20th century, the medical definition of autism changed many times. For years, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) listed several separate diagnoses. In 2013, the fifth edition (DSM-5) brought them together under one diagnosis, autism spectrum disorder, because autistic traits exist on a spectrum rather than in separate boxes.
Fig 2: What is Autism & the traditional “triad” model
Before DSM-5, these were some of the separate diagnoses that are now part of autism spectrum disorder, or were listed alongside it:
- Autistic disorder: differences in social, communication and play skills
- Asperger’s syndrome: social differences without an early language delay
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder: (PDD-NOS) for children who showed some autistic traits but did not fit the other categories
- Rett syndrome: a genetic condition, mainly in girls, that was listed alongside autism in DSM-IV but is now diagnosed separately
- Childhood disintegrative disorder: a rare pattern of significant loss of skills after typical early development
Today, instead of separate types, clinicians describe each autistic person’s support needs. This helps parents find the right kind of support and therapies. The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders also differs by genetic and gender patterns. For example, ASD is diagnosed in boys about four times more often than in girls, although many girls are missed or diagnosed later. Rett syndrome is diagnosed mainly in girls.
The Knowns and Unknowns behind What Causes Autism?
What are the causes of autism? Grouping autistic traits under one diagnosis, based on common Autism symptoms, has made it easier for researchers to study what causes autism. Researchers agree that autism is neurodevelopmental, and that a mix of mainly genetic and some environmental factors influences whether a child is autistic.
Fig 3: The Underlying Causes of Autism
Dr. Ronin Fernando comments, “With more data coming across from multiple parts of the world, we are now certainly in a position to analyze trends and answer some questions on how is autism caused. But unlike Down Syndrome, it doesn’t imply that we are in a position to be able to predict ASD; for, as of today, there are no signs of any emerging definitive patterns to help prevent autism.”
Studies have also found that older parental age at conception is linked with a slightly higher likelihood of autism. Some exposures in pregnancy, such as certain medications (for example the epilepsy medicine valproate), may also play a role, and diabetes and obesity in the mother during pregnancy are being studied as possible contributing factors. Vaccines do not cause autism.
Autism: Understanding the Whole Picture
Fig 4: Autism – understanding the whole picture
The answer to what is autism keeps evolving. We still don’t fully know why some children are autistic and others aren’t. What we do know is that a better understanding of autism is helping parents who are supporting their autistic child every day. Support designed around each child, their strengths and their needs is helping autistic children thrive at home, at school and in their communities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
I am Ash and I celebrate Neurodiversity! Growing up with an elder brother with severe Autism was tough – but it has also taught me essential life lessons. I don’t believe that people with Autism are necessarily or have any disorder (except in extreme cases). They are just different! And that is something to be proud of! I am passionate about helping other families who may have Autism conditions in their family. So please reach out and drop me a note. I will be glad to help 🙂
