Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social communication, behavior, and sensory processing. Whether autism symptoms worsen with age is a complex question because the experience of autism can vary widely among individuals, and symptoms may change…
Autistic burnout in college students is a state of intense physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that occurs when the demands of college life overwhelm an autistic student’s ability to cope. It is not just ordinary tiredness; it is a chronic,…
Masking in autistic adults refers to the conscious or unconscious effort to hide or suppress natural autistic traits and behaviors in order to fit into a predominantly neurotypical society. This often involves imitating social norms, rehearsing conversations, controlling sensory responses,…
Camouflaging in female autism is the process where girls and women with autism consciously or unconsciously hide their natural autistic traits to blend in with others and meet social expectations. This means they often suppress behaviors that might be seen…
Autism in women often presents with unique signs that can be quite different from the more widely recognized traits typically observed in men. These differences contribute to many women being undiagnosed or diagnosed later in life because their symptoms are…
Girls with autism are often misdiagnosed because their symptoms frequently differ from the traditional, male-centered understanding of autism, leading to delayed or incorrect diagnoses. They tend to engage in social masking—imitating others and hiding their difficulties—to fit in, which obscures…
Subtle signs of autism in school-age children can be easy to miss because they often blend into typical childhood behaviors or are masked by a child’s efforts to fit in. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that…
Autism and shyness are often confused because both can involve social withdrawal or quietness, but they are fundamentally different in nature, causes, and implications. Understanding the difference between autism and shyness requires looking closely at how each affects social behavior,…
Autism affects play skills in many complex and varied ways, shaping how children engage with toys, peers, and imaginative scenarios. Play is a fundamental part of childhood development, serving as a key avenue for learning social rules, communication, problem-solving, and…
Autistic children often struggle with pretend play because this type of play requires a complex mix of social, cognitive, and imaginative skills that can be challenging for them to develop. Pretend play involves imagining scenarios that are not real, taking…