Autism | Psychology Today United Kingdom

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en-GB" dir="ltr" prefix="og: https://ogp.me/ns#" itemscope="" itemtype="https://schema.org/FAQPage"> <head> <title>Autism | Psychology Today United Kingdom</title> <meta charset="utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html" /> <script>window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.dataLayer.push({"":"Psychology Today","entityLangcode":"en","page_type":"node","drupal_node_type":"reference","drupal_node_nid":"40997","drupal_node_title":"Autism","userUid":0,"event":"drupal_node_view","ContentWeb":"Basics"});</script> <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/gb/basics/autism" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="Psychology Today" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/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/2024-10/2024-11.png.jpg?itok=MK2t-Nce" /> <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": "2022-02-17T11:23:26-0500", "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/autism", "url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/autism", "name": "Autism", "alternateName": [ "Autism" ], "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Autism" }, "mainEntity": { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "inDefinedTermSet": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics", "name": "Autism", "url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/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.\r\n\r\nBecause 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.\r\n\r\nAutism 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.\r\n\r\nThere 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.\r\n" }, "relatedLink": [ "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/child-development", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/social-life", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/aspergers-syndrome", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/cognition", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/neurodiversity", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/conditions/aspergers", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/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/gb/docs/editorial-process" } } ] }</script><link rel="preload" as="image" 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data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> </div> </div> <div class="layout-container--grid layout-container--primary-left-rail"> <div class="layout-content-main"> <div> <div id="block-pt-content" class="block">       <article data-history-node-id="40997" role="article" 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="/gb/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><span><span><span><span><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></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><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/gb/basics/aspergers-syndrome" title="Psychology Today looks at Asperger's" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">Asperger's</a> syndrome refers to "high functioning" autism, but it’s no longer a formal diagnostic term.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><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></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><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></span></span></span></span></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 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" loading="lazy" /> </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/gb/basics/attachment" title="Psychology Today looks at attachment" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">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/gb/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.googletag && googletag.apiReady) { googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.display('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 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" loading="lazy" /> </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/gb/basics/genetics" title="Psychology Today looks at genetics" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">genetics</a> is a factor, because people who have a <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/family-dynamics" title="Psychology Today looks at sibling" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">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/gb/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 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" loading="lazy" /> </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/gb/basics/ssris" title="Psychology Today looks at antidepressants" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">antidepressants</a>, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/psychopharmacology" title="Psychology Today looks at antipsychotics" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">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/gb/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 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" loading="lazy" /> </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/gb/basics/adhd" title="Psychology Today looks at ADHD" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">ADHD</a>, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/anxiety" title="Psychology Today looks at anxiety" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">anxiety</a>, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/depression" title="Psychology Today looks at depression" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">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/gb/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/gb/basics/parenting" title="Psychology Today looks at Parenting" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">Parenting</a> a Child with Autism </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img 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" loading="lazy" /> </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/gb/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 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" loading="lazy" /> </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/gb/basics/education" title="Psychology Today looks at education" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">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/gb/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 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" loading="lazy" /> </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/gb/basics/gratitude" title="Psychology Today looks at grateful" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">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/gb/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 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" loading="lazy" /> </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/gb/basics/neurodiversity" title="Psychology Today looks at neurodiversity" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">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/gb/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 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" loading="lazy" /> </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/gb/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 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" loading="lazy" /> </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/gb/basics/psychosis" title="Psychology Today looks at psychosis" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">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/gb/basics/motivation" title="Psychology Today looks at motivation" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">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/gb/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="/gb/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-96cba6f7ad9669e855388681ec7bcb66d5bd1d40730357fcacd0f410714fbe3b"> <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="5026542"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/inspectrum/202410/new-study-reports-dramatic-increase-in-autism-prevalence"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/shutterstock_2205358799.jpg?itok=-_6f0AKC" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Tatiana Buzmakova/Shutterstock" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/inspectrum/202410/new-study-reports-dramatic-increase-in-autism-prevalence" title="What New Autism Findings Tell Us鈥攁nd What They Don't"> What New Autism Findings Tell Us鈥攁nd What They Don't </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> The elephant in the room: Why? </div> </div> </article> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5024836"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/along-the-care-path/202409/rethinking-the-gold-standard-for-autism-treatment"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-09/markus-spiske-AXc2uwl4Cik-unsplash.jpg?itok=dddi9xAm" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Markus Spiske/Unsplash" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/along-the-care-path/202409/rethinking-the-gold-standard-for-autism-treatment" title="Rethinking the Gold Standard for Autism Treatment"> Rethinking the Gold Standard for Autism Treatment </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> New research questions the necessity of high-hour interventions for children with autism, offering fresh insights into effective, personalized approaches. </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="5024652"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/psychology-meets-neurodiversity/202409/what-does-psychoanalysis-have-to-say-about-autism"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-09/Flashlight%20psychoanalysis%20image.jpeg.jpg?itok=oZADV9uR" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="undrey / Adobe Stock" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/psychology-meets-neurodiversity/202409/what-does-psychoanalysis-have-to-say-about-autism" title="What Does Psychoanalysis Have to Say About Autism?"> What Does Psychoanalysis Have to Say About Autism? </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Psychoanalysis has come a long way from blaming cold mothers to understanding autistic babies' development in the sensory and motor systems that affect intersubjectivity. </div> </div> </article> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5024126"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/spotlight-on-special-education/202408/why-autism-in-black-boys-is-often-missed"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-09/pexels-roman-odintsov-11025023.jpg?itok=6GGZWo5M" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="ROMAN ODINTSOV / Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/spotlight-on-special-education/202408/why-autism-in-black-boys-is-often-missed" title="Why Autism in Black Boys Is Often Missed"> Why Autism in Black Boys Is Often Missed </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Reducing biases that lead to the misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis of Black boys with autism can broaden our understanding of how autism presents itself within them. </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-26fa1754c43a9ee9bb222152f1a840ddf488d7465a85efdc6e49d923ccdbf461 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="5026399"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/the-helpful-brain/202410/do-we-make-better-choices-when-its-all-about-us"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-10/pexels-phil-mitchell-161192924-12780159.jpg?itok=q1eKVNwr" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Phil Mitchell / Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/the-helpful-brain/202410/do-we-make-better-choices-when-its-all-about-us" rel="bookmark">Do We Make Better Choices When It's All About Us?</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Every day we make choices that affect us and choices that affect others. New research using animal behaviour reveals which we are better at and how choices link to autistic traits. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Every day we make choices that affect us and choices that affect others. New research using animal behaviour reveals which we are better at and how choices link to autistic traits. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5027477"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/atypical-children-extraordinary-parenting/202411/identifying-amplifying-and-using-strengths"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/pexels-enginakyurt-2174625.jpg?itok=m29HvRNC" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Engin Akyurt/Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/atypical-children-extraordinary-parenting/202411/identifying-amplifying-and-using-strengths" rel="bookmark">Identifying, Amplifying, and Using Strengths and Resources </a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Solution-focused therapists focus on identifying and utilizing clients' strengths, resources, and exceptions. Solution-focused therapies fit well with neuroaffirmative approaches. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Solution-focused therapists focus on identifying and utilizing clients' strengths, resources, and exceptions. Solution-focused therapies fit well with neuroaffirmative approaches. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5026982"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/autism-love-and-science/202411/a-new-autism-study-may-not-say-what-you-think-it-says"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/evgeni-tcherkasski-SqsbTuo5jP0-unsplash.jpg?itok=fY-zyTP1" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Evgeni Tcherkasski / Unsplash" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/autism-love-and-science/202411/a-new-autism-study-may-not-say-what-you-think-it-says" rel="bookmark">A New Autism Study May Not Say What You Think It Says</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> A close examination of a recent paper about autism diagnosis in children and adults reveals powerful, surprising stories. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> A close examination of a recent paper about autism diagnosis in children and adults reveals powerful, surprising stories. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5027064"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/eating-disorders-among-gender-expansive-and-neurodivergent-individuals/202411/rethinking"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/tyson-GkE1i7Q4Xgc-unsplash.jpg?itok=wagJkJAw" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Tyson / Unsplash" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/eating-disorders-among-gender-expansive-and-neurodivergent-individuals/202411/rethinking" rel="bookmark">Rethinking Family-Based Treatment for Autistic Children</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Family-based therapy can be effective for autistic children with anorexia, but let's explore what accommodations can be made for it to be more supportive. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Family-based therapy can be effective for autistic children with anorexia, but let's explore what accommodations can be made for it to be more supportive. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5026988"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/all-families-are-not-alike/202411/thoughts-on-my-autistic-sons-birthday"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/cupcakes-380178_1280.jpg?itok=84yAUzoi" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="C B / Pixabay" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/all-families-are-not-alike/202411/thoughts-on-my-autistic-sons-birthday" rel="bookmark">Thoughts on My Autistic Son's Birthday</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> A Personal Perspective: I don't want to be asked what to get Nat, or to come up with a picture of Nat that people can relate to. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> A Personal Perspective: I don't want to be asked what to get Nat, or to come up with a picture of Nat that people can relate to. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5026649"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/living-neurodivergence/202411/gentle-parenting-helps-neurodivergent-kids"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/Juncala%20via%20Pixabay.jpg?itok=51m1yGRr" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Juncala / Pixabay" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/living-neurodivergence/202411/gentle-parenting-helps-neurodivergent-kids" rel="bookmark">"Gentle Parenting" Helps Neurodivergent Kids</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> A Personal Perspective: Gentle parenting often gets a bad rap as too permissive. But it can really help neurodivergent kids. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> A Personal Perspective: Gentle parenting often gets a bad rap as too permissive. But it can really help neurodivergent kids. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5026634"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/the-asymmetric-brain/202411/left-handedness-and-cognition-new-insights"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/shutterstock_715660549.jpg?itok=hkC2wWtf" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="apichon_tee/Shutterstock" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/the-asymmetric-brain/202411/left-handedness-and-cognition-new-insights" rel="bookmark">Left-Handedness and Cognition: New Insights</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Benefits of moderate handedness, challenges of asymmetry. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Benefits of moderate handedness, challenges of asymmetry. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5026615"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/the-right-side-of-40/202411/mentoring-neurodivergent-minds-with-confidence"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/pexels-divinetechygirl-1181722.jpg?itok=hOTsCQJQ" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Christina Morillo/Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/the-right-side-of-40/202411/mentoring-neurodivergent-minds-with-confidence" rel="bookmark">Mentoring Neurodivergent Minds With Confidence</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Unlock the power of mentorship for neurodivergent minds by employing strategies that inspire confidence and foster unique strengths. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Unlock the power of mentorship for neurodivergent minds by employing strategies that inspire confidence and foster unique strengths. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5026530"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/early-and-equitable-care/202410/keeping-kids-with-autism-and-developmental-conditions-safe"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-10/pexels-yankrukov-4965018.jpg?itok=JeZyfcDw" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Yan Krukau / Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/early-and-equitable-care/202410/keeping-kids-with-autism-and-developmental-conditions-safe" rel="bookmark">Keeping Kids With Autism and Developmental Conditions Safe</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Learn strategies to protect kids with autism and other developmental delays, from managing risks to using tech, empowering families to create safer environments. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Learn strategies to protect kids with autism and other developmental delays, from managing risks to using tech, empowering families to create safer environments. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5026335"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/experimentations/202410/updates-on-neurodiversity-in-couples"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-10/pexels-cottonbro-3692738.jpg?h=fb6e4df0&itok=x9fS3LkG" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="cottonbro studios/Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/experimentations/202410/updates-on-neurodiversity-in-couples" rel="bookmark">Updates on Neurodiversity in Couples </a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> For couples, neurodiversity presents unique challenges and rewards. Recent work on neurodiversity in couples provides useful approaches to enjoy greater relationship satisfaction. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> For couples, neurodiversity presents unique challenges and rewards. 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