Autism can be detected as early as **6 to 12 months of age**, with some signs potentially observable even before the first birthday. Recent research and clinical observations show that behaviors at around 9 months, such as fussiness, difficulty adapting,…
A child can indeed show signs that resemble autism but not actually have autism. This happens because many behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can also appear in children for other reasons, such as developmental delays, sensory sensitivities, or…
Doctors differentiate between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by carefully examining the specific patterns of behavior, communication, social interaction, and attention difficulties that characterize each condition. Although both are neurodevelopmental disorders and can share some overlapping symptoms,…
Autism and high-functioning autism (HFA) are terms that describe conditions on the autism spectrum, but they highlight different aspects of how individuals experience and manage their symptoms. Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a broad neurodevelopmental condition characterized by…
Autism can indeed be missed during childhood and only diagnosed later in adulthood. This happens for several reasons, including the subtlety of symptoms, variations in how autism presents, and social or cultural factors that influence recognition and diagnosis. One key…
Holidays can be a time of joy and celebration for many families, but for autistic children, they often bring a unique set of challenges that can feel overwhelming. The combination of sensory overload, changes in routine, social demands, and unfamiliar…
Sensory friendly spaces are specially designed environments that provide a calm, controlled, and supportive setting for individuals who experience sensory sensitivities or sensory processing challenges. These spaces aim to reduce overwhelming stimuli such as loud noises, bright lights, strong smells,…
Finding the best online communities for autistic adults can be a transformative experience, offering connection, understanding, support, and empowerment in a world that often misunderstands autism. These communities vary widely in focus, style, and membership, but what they share is…
Camouflaging in autistic women refers to the conscious or unconscious effort to hide or mask their natural autistic traits to blend in with societal expectations and appear “typical.” This behavior involves suppressing genuine behaviors, mimicking social cues, rehearsing conversations, and…
Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are two distinct conditions that can sometimes appear similar because both involve repetitive behaviors and a need for routine, but they differ fundamentally in their causes, motivations, and how they affect a person’s life. Autism,…