What is autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), also known as autism, is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder. It affects how people behave and interact with the world around them. 'Spectrum' means that autism affects people differently.

People with autism will all have different experiences and need different levels of support. Along with some challenges, a person with autism will also have a range of strengths.

Health professionals used to think of autism as a condition that ranged from high functioning to severe.

People who were diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome would now be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The term 'Asperger's syndrome' is no longer used.

About 1 in 100 Australians are diagnosed with autism.

People with autism are 'neurodivergent'. This means their brains work in ways that are different from what is 'typical' or common, but it is not necessarily a problem.

The term neurodivergent also describes people with many other conditions, such as dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

What are the symptoms of autism?

The main symptoms related to autism fall into 2 broad areas:

• difficulty with social interactions and communication
• limited and repetitive behaviours and interests

The features of autism usually start in infancy, but they may not be noticeable until the age of 18 months or older. Sometimes autism is only noticed much later in life.

Children

For young children with autism, signs of social difficulties may include:

• lack of social interactions, such as not pointing or showing you things
• reacting to other people in an unusual way
• preferring to be alone
• delayed speech or repeating specific words over and over
• avoiding eye contact

Signs of behavioural difficulties in young children may include:

• excessively following routines and being distressed at changes
• repetitive movements, such as flapping hands, rocking or spinning
• strongly reacting to sensory input, such as loud sounds or crowded places
• narrow range of interests, such as only playing with certain toys
• challenges with toilet training

Young children might have sensory difficulties such as unusual reactions to sounds, light, movement and textures. Textural challenges may appear when introducing solids to babies, or during bathing or swimming lessons.

There may be different signs of autism at different ages. In older children with autism, signs may include:

• trouble understanding body language and social cues
• following instructions very literally
• difficulty making friends
• narrow range of interests, such as only talking about certain topics
• sensory challenges, such as a strong or reduced sense of touch, sound, light, movement or vision

Adults

In adults, autism symptoms may include:

• being extremely sensitive to your environment, such as to noises or lights
• feeling isolated, such as among friends or co-workers
• interpreting words and concepts literally
• paying extreme attention to detail
• feeling anxious in social situations and having trouble making conversation
• preferring to be alone
• becoming overwhelmed easily

Females

Studies show that females with autism can have different symptoms compared to males with autism. Females are more likely to have:

• stronger language and communication skills
• a stronger ability to hide their symptoms by copying how others behave in social situations
• the ability to keep negative emotions inside instead of expressing them

There are 3 times more males than females diagnosed with autism. It is thought that autism is underdiagnosed in females. There are several reasons for this.

Doctors and teachers may be less familiar with the signs of autism in females. The tests used to diagnose autism are also more likely to detect symptoms that are more common in males.

As a result, many females find out they have autism in adulthood.

What causes autism?

Autism is caused by differences in how the brain develops. It is not fully understood why this happens. Research suggests that it is a result of your genes and your environment. You are more likely to have autism if someone in your family has autism.

Research into other potential causes is ongoing.

Autism is not caused by:

• vaccinations
• specific foods
• your cultural or social surroundings
• bad parenting
• taking paracetamol during pregnancy

When should I see my doctor?

If you think your child has autism, see your doctor or a child health nurse.

Some features of autism can overlap with other developmental disorders, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is important to speak to a doctor about getting a proper assessment and diagnosis. A formal diagnosis will enable your child to receive the support they need.

If you are an adult and you think you may have symptoms of autism, consider talking to a health professional so you can better understand your needs and explore support options.

How is autism diagnosed?

If your doctor thinks your child may have autism, they will refer you to a specialist for further assessment. This may be a paediatrician to rule out physical causes of your child's symptoms or a psychiatrist or psychologist to diagnose autism.

The specialist uses a set of standardised tools, such as questionnaires and checklists, to make a diagnosis. They will ask you questions about your child's development and behaviour and observe the way your child acts and plays. This may require a few appointments.

A diagnosis of autism will also include giving your child a level between 1 and 3. This refers to how much support your child needs — 1 being the lowest level of support and 3 being the highest.

In adults, autism is also diagnosed by a psychiatrist or a psychologist, using similar standardised tools. Adults with autism are also given a level between 1 and 3, based on how much support they need.

How is autism managed?

Many therapies and supports are available to help your child learn the skills they need for everyday life.

Finding the right program for your child can be confusing. Visit the Autism: What Next? website to help guide you through this process.

Check that the therapies, treatments and supports you choose are evidence-based — meaning that scientific research has shown them to be helpful. Avoid treatments that offer a 'cure' or 'recovery'. There is no evidence to support these claims.

Young children

It is best to start treatment as early as possible. The right support and programs will help your child improve their social skills, learn to manage their emotions and reach developmental goals. Treatment programs tailored to individual needs often have the best results.

You may choose for your child to attend a supported playgroup or an early learning centre for children with autism.

School-aged children

Children with autism can go to a mainstream or specialist school. Find out more about schooling options for children with autism.

There are therapies that may be helpful for your child:

• Educational programs are designed to support learning and development.
• Speech pathology focuses on developing communication and language skills.
• Occupational therapy can support fine motor skills and managing sensitivity to the environment, emotional regulation and social skill development.
• Psychological therapies or social skills groups can improve behavioural and developmental issues.

Find out if your child is eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which can help with funding for therapies.

People with autism may also have another mental health disorder, such as anxiety. Talk to your doctor about getting treatment under a mental health care treatment plan.

Adults

If you are an adult with autism, there are different ways to get the help you need. These therapies may be helpful:

• Occupational therapy can help you with skills for work or study.
• Psychological therapies can help you manage your emotions and function in social situations.
• Speech pathology can help you improve your communication skills.

You may wish to seek help with accommodation, finding work or attending a social group for adults with autism. Visit the Autistics' Guide to Adulthood website for more information and free support for autistic adults to achieve their goals.

Misunderstandings about autism

There are many misunderstandings about autism that can be harmful. These make it harder for people with autism to get the support they need.

Here are some facts about autism that are often misunderstood:

• Most people with autism want to make friends — some may find this difficult.
• People with autism have the same emotions as other people — they just might show them differently.
• Autism is defined by differences in social communication and behaviours, not intelligence. Intellectual disability or high intelligence may co-occur with autism.
• There is no cure for autism, but people with autism can develop skills for life with the right support.

Sometimes the term 'high-functioning' is used to describe someone with autism. It is usually used to mean that they do not have an intellectual disability. This term is not accurate, as someone with autism with normal intelligence may still have difficulty managing daily activities. Defining autism this way can prevent people with autism from receiving the support they need.

Living with autism

People with autism, both children and adults, can lead meaningful and productive lives with the appropriate support.

Personal stories — video

Support for carers

Caring for a person with autism is a lifelong commitment. There are support services available, such as counselling, respite or joining a support group. Carers Gateway can give practical information and useful resources. You can also learn more about carers' support and services in your state or territory, through Carers Australia.

Autism Awareness Australia offers self-care tips, and information on topics, such as signs of autism and getting a diagnosis.

Resources and support

• For more information about autism, visit:
  • Amaze
  • The Spectrum
  • Autism Awareness Australia
• To find out more about specific therapies for autism, visit Raising Children Network.
• AustismCRC has a an online information booklet for parents and carers that outlines what to expect and experience during a clinical assessment and diagnosis of autism.
• Positive Partnerships has information on supporting school-aged autisitc children in many community languages.
• Positive Partnerships has information on supporting young autistic Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples at home and school.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: June 2025


Back To Top