Autism | Psychology Today Singapore

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en-SG" dir="ltr" prefix="og: https://ogp.me/ns#"> <head> <title>Autism | Psychology Today Singapore</title>  <script> dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; </script>  <meta charset="utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html" /> <meta name="description" content="Autism is a developmental disorder that affects information processing. People with autism have difficulties with social and communication skills. They have restricted interests and engage in repetitive behaviors. They also tend to experience sensitivity or discomfort from sensory stimulation such as certain lights or sounds." /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/autism" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="Psychology Today" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/autism" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Autism" /> <meta property="og:description" content="Autism is a developmental disorder that affects information processing. People with autism have difficulties with social and communication skills. They have restricted interests and engage in repetitive behaviors. They also tend to experience sensitivity or discomfort from sensory stimulation such as certain lights or sounds." /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/magazine_384x504/public/magazine/2024-12/2025-01.png.jpg?itok=m79gU9iw" /> <meta property="fb:app_id" content="220580041311284" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0, maximum-scale=1.0, user-scalable=0" /> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge,chrome=1" /> <meta http-equiv="x-dns-prefetch-control" content="on" /> <meta name="theme-color" content="#191C1F" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)" /> <meta name="theme-color" content="#F2F2F2" media="(prefers-color-scheme: light)" /> <meta name="alexaVerifyID" content="ruuD3Gzrr-EaY185APFbxF69Va4" /> <meta name="google-site-verification" content="G-wasBQCXXJoehIaVW5BsO9VYKt4oqmWGo155wSSakQ" /> <meta name="y_key" content="0f29d521db0a2863" /> <meta name="msvalidate.01" content="9AD6650A37790044983CFB6B27D77607" /> <meta name="apple-mobile-web-app-capable" content="yes" /> <meta name="apple-mobile-web-app-title" content="Psych Today" /> <meta name="robots" content="index,follow" /> <script type="application/ld+json">{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "dateCreated": "2010-04-12T14:44:17-0400", "dateModified": "2025-02-04T13:47:42-0500", "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/autism", "url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/autism", "name": "Autism", "alternateName": [ "Autism" ], "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Autism" }, "mainEntity": { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "inDefinedTermSet": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics", "name": "Autism", "url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/autism" }, "mainContentOfPage": { "@type": "WebPageElement", "name": "What Is Autism?", "text": "Autism is a developmental disorder that affects information processing. People with autism have difficulties with social and communication skills. They have restricted interests and engage in repetitive behaviors. They also tend to experience sensitivity or discomfort from sensory stimulation such as certain lights or sounds.Because autism\u0027s symptoms vary greatly, the condition is said to exist on a spectrum, referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder. Asperger\u0027s syndrome refers to \u0022high functioning\u0022 autism, but it鈥檚 no longer a formal diagnostic term.Autism usually manifests by age two. The condition is diagnosed four times more frequently in males than in females, according to the CDC, although women are often overlooked and misdiagnosed. The frequency of diagnosis has surged over the past 20 years; it is not clear whether the incidence is truly increasing, whether experts are more aware of it, or whether the diagnosis has shifted to include lesser degrees of impairment.There is no cure for autism, nor is one universally sought: Many people argue that autism should not be framed as a medical condition in need of amelioration. For those on the lower-functioning end of the spectrum, targeted practices and therapies can help alleviate symptoms." }, "relatedLink": [ "https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/child-development", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/social-life", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/aspergers-syndrome", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/cognition", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/neurodiversity", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/conditions/aspergers", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder" ], "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Psychology Today", "url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com", "logo": "https://cdn.psychologytoday.com/sites/default/files/psychology-today-logo-blue-AMP-left-cropped_0.png", "publishingPrinciples": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/docs/editorial-process" } } ] }</script><link rel="preload" as="image" 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<article data-history-node-id="40997" class="center--basic--full center-page"> <div class="content-header d-flex reference-header"> <div class="content-header--text"> <h1 class="reference__title section-title">What Is Autism?</h1> <p class="reference__review-info fine-print"> <a href="/sg/docs/editorial-process" class="reference__review-info-link"> <span class="reference__review-info-icon"></span> <span class="reference__review-info-text">Reviewed by Psychology Today Staff</span> </a> </p> </div> </div> <div> <div class="reference__body"> <div class="field-name-body"> <p><span>Autism is a developmental disorder that affects information processing. People with autism have difficulties with social and communication skills. They have restricted interests and engage in repetitive behaviors. They also tend to experience sensitivity or discomfort from sensory stimulation such as certain lights or sounds.</span></p> <p><span>Because autism's symptoms vary greatly, the condition is said to exist on a spectrum, referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder. <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/aspergers-syndrome" title="Psychology Today looks at Asperger's" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">Asperger's</a> syndrome refers to "high functioning" autism, but it’s no longer a formal diagnostic term.</span></p> <p><span>Autism usually manifests by age two. The condition is diagnosed four times more frequently in males than in females, according to the CDC, although women are often overlooked and misdiagnosed. The frequency of diagnosis has surged over the past 20 years; it is not clear whether the incidence is truly increasing, whether experts are more aware of it, or whether the diagnosis has shifted to include lesser degrees of impairment.</span></p> <p><span>There is no cure for autism, nor is one universally sought: Many people argue that autism should not be framed as a medical condition in need of amelioration. For those on the lower-functioning end of the spectrum, targeted practices and therapies can help alleviate symptoms.</span></p> </div> </div> <div class="reference__sections"> <div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div class="h2 section-title"> Symptoms of Autism </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-09/shutterstock_363946421.jpg?itok=gtdrk0_w" width="180" height="180" alt="Nazarova Mariia/shutterstock" title="Nazarova Mariia/shutterstock" /> </article> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>While the severity of symptoms varies greatly, there are invariably impairments to social and communication skills. Some children with autism do not talk at all and remain mute throughout life, while others have mild social challenges. Children with autism also show restricted interests and repetitive behaviors.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Parents may notice that their infant avoids eye contact or doesn't respond, and it may be difficult for them to form emotional bonds and parental <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/attachment" title="Psychology Today looks at attachment" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">attachment</a>. Children with autism may have unusual responses to sensory stimulation and may be highly sensitive to certain sounds, textures, tastes, or smells. They may have deficits in motor coordination and poor muscle tone.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Autistic children exhibit many kinds of repetitive behaviors early in life, such as hand flapping, body rocking, and making sounds. They may arrange or stack objects over and over again. Some children inflict injury to themselves by repeated actions such as hand biting and head banging. They also have an early preference for unvarying routines of everyday life.</span></span></span></span></span></span> </p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>For more, see </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/autism/autism-symptoms-and-diagnosis"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Autism Symptoms and Diagnosis.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="pt-ad pt-ad--300x250 d-block d-none d-md-block d-lg-none block" id="block-ad-subpage-300x250-programmatically-rendered"> <div class="pt-ad--container pt-ad-show-text"> <div class="pt-ad--text"> <span>article continues after advertisement</span> </div> <div id="div-gpt-ad-1404853927369-9" class="pt-ad--content"> <script type="text/javascript"> if (!window.ptAdSlots || window.ptAdSlots.length === 0) { window.ptAdSlots = []; } window.ptAdSlots.push('div-gpt-ad-1404853927369-9') </script> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div class="h2 section-title"> Causes of Autism </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-12/shutterstock_1060926164%20%281%29.jpg?itok=T4g0F-3J" width="180" height="180" alt="" title="Kenishirotie/shutterstock" /> </article> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>No one fully understands what causes autism. The number of children diagnosed with the disorder has increased significantly since the turn of the millennium, but experts are not sure whether that reflects an improvement in diagnostic awareness or a true increase in prevalence.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Research shows that <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/genetics" title="Psychology Today looks at genetics" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">genetics</a> is a factor, because people who have a <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/family-dynamics" title="Psychology Today looks at sibling" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">sibling</a> with autism are more likely to have autism themselves. Autism is also more likely in individuals who have an older parent. Very low birth weight is also a risk factor, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, and ASD occurs more frequently in people with some genetic conditions, such as Fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>For more, see </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/autism/what-causes-autism"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>What Causes Autism?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div class="h2 section-title"> Treatments for Autism </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-09/shutterstock_785660656.jpg?itok=wiNKOe9h" width="180" height="180" alt="Photographee.eu/Shutterstock" title="Photographee.eu/Shutterstock" /> </article> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>There are many effective approaches for managing or treating autism. Early intervention with highly structured behavioral, cognitive, and communication therapies can sometimes dramatically help children with autism learn skills. School-based educational programs designed for children with autism can be effective in improving intellectual functioning.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Programs that make use of applied behavior analysis (ABA) have become widely accepted as the standard of treatment. In most programs, parents are encouraged to be highly involved in their children's care.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>While no medication can correct the impairments common to autism, psychoactive drugs including <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/ssris" title="Psychology Today looks at antidepressants" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">antidepressants</a>, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/psychopharmacology" title="Psychology Today looks at antipsychotics" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">antipsychotics</a>, and anticonvulsants are sometimes prescribed to help control specific symptoms. Anticonvulsant medication may reduce the number of seizures a person has but not eliminate them entirely.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>For more, see </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/autism/how-is-autism-treated"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>How Is Autism Treated?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div class="h2 section-title"> Autism and Related Conditions </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-12/shutterstock_232966477%20%282%29.jpg?itok=azkBU-my" width="180" height="180" alt="" title="Rocketclips, Inc./Shutterstock" /> </article> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Autism seems to overlap with an array of medical and mental health conditions. People with autism can also have <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/adhd" title="Psychology Today looks at ADHD" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">ADHD</a>, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/anxiety" title="Psychology Today looks at anxiety" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">anxiety</a>, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/depression" title="Psychology Today looks at depression" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">depression</a>, epilepsy, sleep challenges, gastrointestinal problems, or Fragile X syndrome. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>It’s difficult to disentangle why these conditions coexist and how one causes the other (or vice versa). Yet identifying them is important because it allows people with autism to address distressing symptoms and improve their day to day life.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>For more, see </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/autism/autism-and-related-conditions"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Autism and Related Conditions.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div class="h2 section-title"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/parenting" title="Psychology Today looks at Parenting" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">Parenting</a> a Child with Autism </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-12/shutterstock_761899192.jpg?itok=THYGK4ke" width="180" height="180" alt="" title="Syda Productions/Shutterstock" /> </article> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Learning that a child has autism can be overwhelming, and parents might cycle through different emotions. Parenting a child with autism often means researching programs and services, keeping detailed records, and becoming a child’s advocate in school and medical settings, in addition to adjusting to new financial and relationship considerations. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>It’s important to remember that autism is a relatively common condition, and there are many resources and professionals available to help parents provide the best support possible for their child.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>For more, see </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/autism/parenting-child-autism"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Parenting a Child with Autism</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div class="h2 section-title"> Autism at School </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-12/shutterstock_207420361%20%281%29.jpg?itok=6YuMbbLK" width="180" height="180" alt="" title="Sean Locke Photography/Shutterstsock" /> </article> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>The classroom can be a challenging place for children with autism, from staying on top of their schoolwork to the bright lights and sounds in the building. Children with autism are entitled to services that can help support their <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/education" title="Psychology Today looks at education" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">education</a>. Parents play an integral part in this process, from securing an individualized education plan to keeping open channels of communication with teachers.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>For more, see </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/autism/autism-school"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Autism at School.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div class="h2 section-title"> Autism in Adulthood </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-12/shutterstock_529084606%20%287%29.jpg?itok=77DwOVf4" width="180" height="180" alt="" title="George Rudy/Shutterstock" /> </article> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>For some, the realization of autism comes in adulthood. People react to this information differently, but some are deeply <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/gratitude" title="Psychology Today looks at grateful" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">grateful</a> for the new insight they have about themselves.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>At this stage, people with autism might navigate enrolling in college, finding appropriate housing, and securing a job. In these domains, there are options with varying levels of support for those across the spectrum.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>For more, see </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/autism/autism-in-adulthood"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Autism in Adulthood.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div class="h2 section-title"> Autism and the Workforce </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-12/shutterstock_1368244235%20%281%29.jpg?itok=Oaa7Lloz" width="180" height="180" alt="" title=" fizkes/Shutterstock" /> </article> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>People with autism face distinct challenges in the workforce, and some are not able to find employment or stay employed. However, there is a growing effort among companies to recognize the benefits of <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/neurodiversity" title="Psychology Today looks at neurodiversity" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">neurodiversity</a>, hire people with autism, and support them in their roles.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>For more, see </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/autism/autism-and-the-workforce"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Autism and the Workforce.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div class="h2 section-title"> Neurodiversity and the Autism Community </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-09/shutterstock_344191121_0.jpg?itok=Iqi3J5bz" width="180" height="180" alt="rawpixel.com/shutterstock" title="rawpixel.com/shutterstock" /> </article> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>The concept of neurodiversity embraces, celebrates, and respects differences between and among people with autism and other atypical variations in thinking and behavior. Those who support the neurodiversity movement assert there is no one “normal” brain against which all other brains can be measured. Therefore, autism should be broadly accepted and recognized as a natural variation on the human neurological condition.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Advocates point out the valuable skills and contributions of different types of minds, just as they highlight the value of other types of diversity. At the same time, some researchers and medical experts believe the concept of neurodiversity can be reasonably applied only to those with high-functioning autism.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>For more, see </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/autism/neurodiversity-and-the-benefits-autism"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Neurodiversity and the Benefits of Autism.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div class="h2 section-title"> Theories of Autism </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-12/shutterstock_1033250638%20%281%29.jpg?itok=oGxejYVV" width="180" height="180" alt="" title="Jolygon/shutterstock" /> </article> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Scientists have developed numerous theories to help explain what gives rise to autism. One of these ideas is the diametric mind theory, which proposes that autism and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/psychosis" title="Psychology Today looks at psychosis" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">psychosis</a> exist on opposite ends of a spectrum of mentalism, the ability to interpret the minds and motives of others. Another is the extreme male brain theory, which represents autism as an extreme version of a typically “male” brain in terms of its systematizing abilities. Other ideas have emerged as well, such as the social <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/motivation" title="Psychology Today looks at motivation" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">motivation</a> hypothesis and the intense world hypothesis. Overall, more research will be needed to understand this complex phenomenon.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>For more, see </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/autism/theories-autism"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Theories of Autism.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="center--next_page_link d-flex"> <a href="/sg/basics/autism/autism-symptoms-and-diagnosis" title="Autism Symptoms and Diagnosis">Next: Autism Symptoms and Diagnosis</a> <div class="center--next_page_arrow"></div> </div> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-ad16e0a0e4bc1d16b7a51823b6cfef0dd47901b09ef72abec5f41fac5bdf5d5d"> <section class="basics--essential-reads"> <div class="h2 page-section-header">Essential Reads</div> <div class="teaser--card-inset-details--row"> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5031189"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/the-intuitive-parent/202502/will-we-discover-what-causes-autism"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/shutterstock_2442525645.jpg?itok=Q6qZfGf4" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Dragana Gordic/Shutterstock" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/the-intuitive-parent/202502/will-we-discover-what-causes-autism" title="Will We Discover What Causes Autism?"> Will We Discover What Causes Autism? </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Ongoing imprecision in defining the autism spectrum will only impede progress in discovering the causes of the condition. </div> </div> </article> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5030853"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/divergent-minds/202502/autism-in-women-an-under-diagnosed-reality"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/Untitled%20design%20%2826%29.png.jpg?itok=18BbYysb" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="PeopleImages - Yuri A/Shutterstock" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/divergent-minds/202502/autism-in-women-an-under-diagnosed-reality" title="Autism in Women: An Under-Diagnosed Reality"> Autism in Women: An Under-Diagnosed Reality </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Research continues to show that outdated diagnostic criteria, social expectations, and a lack of awareness among professionals lead to suboptimal experiences for autistic women. </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="teaser--card-inset-details--row"> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5030807"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/modern-teen-therapy/202502/children-with-disabilities-have-a-right-to-be-held-accountable-too"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/robo-wunderkind--_QpJv4J_AA-unsplash.jpg?itok=71ri5Zjc" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Unsplash/Robo Wunderkind" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/modern-teen-therapy/202502/children-with-disabilities-have-a-right-to-be-held-accountable-too" title="Children With Disabilities Have a Right to Be Held Accountable Too"> Children With Disabilities Have a Right to Be Held Accountable Too </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Accountability for one's choices is an essential skill and one that shouldn't be denied to kids with disabilities.<br /> </div> </div> </article> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5030757"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/nurturing-self-esteem-in-autistic-children/202502/self-compassion-practice-for-parents-of"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/pexels-anastasia-shuraeva-7204162.jpg?itok=cri878pS" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Anastasia Shuraeva / Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/nurturing-self-esteem-in-autistic-children/202502/self-compassion-practice-for-parents-of" title="Self-Compassion Practice for Parents of Autistic Children"> Self-Compassion Practice for Parents of Autistic Children </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Self-compassion practices can help parents of autistic children to manage stress, nurture well-being, and create a more resilient environment for their families. </div> </div> </article> </div> </section> </div> </div> </div> <div class="h2 page-section-header page-section-header--with-divider">Recent Posts</div> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-acf6d96e39397eac134defbe8fc2bd02878874c0fa6f048d4d02624b3edfa69f layout-container--grid--content-main-additional basics--recent-posts"> <div class="layout-content-main"> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5031325"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/all-families-are-not-alike/202502/im-jealous-of-my-autistic-son"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/pexels-rdne-6173841.jpg?itok=77P-N9lk" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="RDNE Stock Project / Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/all-families-are-not-alike/202502/im-jealous-of-my-autistic-son" rel="bookmark">I'm Jealous of My Autistic Son</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Personal Perspective: I've come to look at my son, Nat, not just with the pride of a mother, but with admiration. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Personal Perspective: I've come to look at my son, Nat, not just with the pride of a mother, but with admiration. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5031002"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/wildly-neurodivergent/202502/neurodivergence-and-the-myth-of-laziness"><img loading="lazy" src="/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/annie-spratt-BLRGDqZppHQ-unsplash.jpg?h=e09cc4ad&itok=XbJqDvnm" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Annie Spratt / Unsplash" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/wildly-neurodivergent/202502/neurodivergence-and-the-myth-of-laziness" rel="bookmark">Neurodivergence and the Myth of Laziness</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Unpacking the myth of laziness, the reality of neurodivergent struggles, and how to work with your brain鈥攏ot against it. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Unpacking the myth of laziness, the reality of neurodivergent struggles, and how to work with your brain鈥攏ot against it. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5031274"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/promoting-empathy-with-your-teen/202502/is-your-teen-neurodiverse"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/AdobeStock_860041244.jpeg.jpg?itok=ovK1WWQX" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Syuzann q/Adobe Stock" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/promoting-empathy-with-your-teen/202502/is-your-teen-neurodiverse" rel="bookmark">Is Your Teen Neurodiverse? </a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Neurodivergent teens process the world differently. Early support, structure, and self-advocacy help them thrive in school and social life and improve their emotional well-being. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Neurodivergent teens process the world differently. Early support, structure, and self-advocacy help them thrive in school and social life and improve their emotional well-being. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5031236"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/freedom-of-mind/202502/cults-sex-and-neurodivergent-individuals"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/field_blog_entry_images/2025-02/ic.png.jpg?itok=ZgT0GcJ3" width="288" height="288" alt="The Influence Continuum" title="Steven Hassan" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/freedom-of-mind/202502/cults-sex-and-neurodivergent-individuals" rel="bookmark"> Cults, Sex, and Neurodivergent Individuals</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> The unique traits of autistic individuals can ease the path into harmful cults and, in turn, put individuals at risk of sexual exploitation. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> The unique traits of autistic individuals can ease the path into harmful cults and, in turn, put individuals at risk of sexual exploitation. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5030737"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/eating-disorders-among-gender-expansive-and-neurodivergent-individuals/202502/neurodiversity"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/harry-quan-G1iYCeCW2EI-unsplash.jpg?itok=z66WRML9" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Harry Quan/Unsplash " /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/eating-disorders-among-gender-expansive-and-neurodivergent-individuals/202502/neurodiversity" rel="bookmark">Neurodiversity Affirming Assessments for Autism and ADHD </a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> With the explosion of the neurodiversity movement, many autistic and ADHD adults are finally getting answers about themselves. Formal assessments can be an important piece of the puzzle. <br /> </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> With the explosion of the neurodiversity movement, many autistic and ADHD adults are finally getting answers about themselves. Formal assessments can be an important piece of the puzzle. <br /> </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5030857"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/divergent-minds/202502/why-neurodivergent-women-struggle-with-impostor-feelings"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/woman-suffering-from-body-dysmorphia.jpg?itok=ioUyT-pu" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Freepik/Freepik" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/divergent-minds/202502/why-neurodivergent-women-struggle-with-impostor-feelings" rel="bookmark">Why Neurodivergent Women Struggle With Impostor Feelings</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Many neurodivergent women face late diagnoses, masking, and self-doubt. Overcoming impostor feelings means embracing identity, rejecting stereotypes, and trusting lived experience. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Many neurodivergent women face late diagnoses, masking, and self-doubt. Overcoming impostor feelings means embracing identity, rejecting stereotypes, and trusting lived experience. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5030959"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/empowered-with-adhd/202502/lo-fi-music-for-focus-just-a-trend-or-a-game-changer"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/pexels-cottonbro-6864497.jpg?itok=psSbfKvW" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="cottonbro studio / Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/empowered-with-adhd/202502/lo-fi-music-for-focus-just-a-trend-or-a-game-changer" rel="bookmark">Lo-Fi Music for Focus: A Game-Changer or Just a Trend?</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Struggling to focus? Discover how lo-fi beats can help you concentrate, calm your mind, and boost productivity. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Struggling to focus? Discover how lo-fi beats can help you concentrate, calm your mind, and boost productivity. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5031003"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/atypical-children-extraordinary-parenting/202502/a-neurodiversity-affirmative-approach-for"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/pexels-rdne-7403028.jpg?itok=YhFrFx33" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="RDNE Stock Project / Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/atypical-children-extraordinary-parenting/202502/a-neurodiversity-affirmative-approach-for" rel="bookmark">A Neurodiversity Affirmative Approach for Professionals</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Neurodivergent brains and people are unique and awesome. It is recommended to take a neurodiversity affirmative approach and be awed, humble, and respectful toward them. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Neurodivergent brains and people are unique and awesome. It is recommended to take a neurodiversity affirmative approach and be awed, humble, and respectful toward them. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5029798"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/beyond-mental-health/202501/what-if-everyone-were-autistic"><img loading="lazy" src="/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/pexels-leeloothefirst-7304853.jpg?h=d569f5c2&itok=bNjHTNoq" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Leeloo The First / Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/beyond-mental-health/202501/what-if-everyone-were-autistic" rel="bookmark">What if Everyone Were Autistic?</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> A Personal Perspective: With so many initiatives to help autistic people adjust to a neurotypical world, I sometimes wonder what the world might look like if roles were reversed. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> A Personal Perspective: With so many initiatives to help autistic people adjust to a neurotypical world, I sometimes wonder what the world might look like if roles were reversed. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="117733"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/raising-resilient-children/201302/early-autism-detection-through-eye-tracking"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/boys-future-ZurijetaShutterstock_131957264.jpg?itok=25krE9i5" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Zurijeta Shutterstock" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/raising-resilient-children/201302/early-autism-detection-through-eye-tracking" rel="bookmark">Early Autism Detection Through Eye-Tracking</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Early autism detection via eye-tracking tools offers objective assessments, allowing timely interventions that enhance developmental outcomes and access to care. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Early autism detection via eye-tracking tools offers objective assessments, allowing timely interventions that enhance developmental outcomes and access to care. </p> </article> </div> <nav role="navigation" aria-label="Pagination"> <ul class="js-pager__items pagination"> <li class="page-item active"> <span class="page-link">1</span> </li> <li class="page-item"> <a class="page-link" href="/sg/basics/autism?page=2" title="Go to next page" rel="next"> 2 </a> </li> <li class="page-item"> <a class="page-link next" 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