What is Autism?

By Cat Salladin 

Autism is often described as existing as a spectrum. While this may bring to mind images of a two-dimensional line, with one end being “less autistic” and the other end being “more autistic”, in reality, the autism spectrum is better visualized as a pie graph of autistic traits, with each autistic person displaying each of those traits in varying degrees. This means that while all autistic people share certain characteristics, the way these traits manifest can vary widely from one person to another. The concept of the "autism spectrum" acknowledges this diversity, allowing for a wide range of experiences, abilities, and support needs.
 

The Autism Spectrum and Support Needs

The term "autism spectrum" was popularized to reflect the broad range of autistic experiences. Some individuals might have significant challenges with verbal communication, while others may have advanced language skills and could even be considered hyperverbal. Some might need substantial support in their daily lives, while others can live independently. And, these traits can fluctuate depending on stress levels, overstimulation, burnout, and more. The spectrum encompasses all these differences.

The idea of a spectrum helps to move away from outdated notions of "high-functioning" and "low-functioning" autism, which can be reductive and misleading. Instead, it’s more accurate to think of autism as a dynamic mix of traits, with each individual having their own unique profile of strengths and challenges. Some autistic individuals may require more support in their daily lives, known as “high support needs autistic”, while others may require less assistance, known as “low support needs.” Functioning labels can be problematic because they can erase autonomy for higher support needs individuals and prevent accommodations and support for low support needs individuals. It’s important to remember that high support needs autistic people deserve respect, autonomy, and to be listened to, while lower support needs and high masking autistic people deserve to be accommodated, supported, and to have their unique needs met. One person's experience of autism is just that—their experience—and it may look very different from someone else's.
 

Autism Spectrum Levels

To further clarify the needs of autistic individuals, some professionals use the concept of "levels" within the autism spectrum. These levels, often referred to as Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, are used to describe the amount of support an individual might require.
 

• Level 1: Individuals at this level may need minimal support. They might struggle with social interactions, overstimulation, and change but, with the help of accommodations, can often manage daily life. However, just because Level 1 autistic people might need less support, that doesn’t mean they need no support. These individuals are often high masking, especially high masking autistic women, which means that they can hide their autistic traits. That doesn’t make them less autistic, and that doesn’t mean that they aren’t disabled. For example, many Level 1 autistic people can hold jobs but struggle significantly with household chores, cooking, eating, and taking care of themselves due to the energy required at their jobs. 
   

• Level 2: People at this level often require more substantial support than Level 1s, particularly in social settings and with communication. They might also have more pronounced sensory sensitivities and might need help with routine activities or coping with changes in routine. Alternative forms of communication may be helpful for Level 2 autistic people who struggle with verbal shutdowns. Ensuring that there is plenty of time to rest, regulate the nervous system, and avoid sensory overload is crucial for many Level 2 autistic folks. Level 2 autistic individuals may also struggle with or be incapable of masking, which can make it more challenging for them to be accepted by society, employers, and communities.
   

• Level 3: Individuals at this level need significant support. They are unable to mask their autistic traits, which causes them to be at a higher risk of abuse, neglect, and discrimination. They often have pronounced difficulties with communication and daily activities that are accepted by neurotypical society. While they may be able to communicate with others in autistic forms of communication that feel authentic to them, such as with the use of AAC (augmentative and alternative communication), many neurotypical people do not accept these forms of communication so they are judged as being completely incapable of communication. Level 3 autistic folks may also have more obvious stims, special interests, and other autistic traits that are often masked or suppressed by Level 1 and Level 2 autistics. 
   

It’s important to note that these levels are not static. An individual’s needs can change over time, depending on factors like their environment, stress levels, and access to support. Additionally, the level system is not without its critics, as it can sometimes oversimplify the complex realities of being autistic. 
 

Is Autism Genetic?

Research has shown that autism has a strong genetic component. Studies of twins have provided compelling evidence: if one identical twin is autistic, the other twin has a significantly higher likelihood of being autistic as well. Additionally, certain genetic mutations and variations have been identified that may be associated with autism. However, no single gene causes autism. Instead, a combination of genetic factors is involved.
 

Inheritance and Family Patterns

Autism can run in families, although the way it is inherited is not straightforward. Sometimes, autism appears in a family with no previous history of the neurotype, while in other cases, there may be multiple family members across generations who are autistic or display autistic traits. The variability in how autism manifests, even among family members, further highlights the diversity within the spectrum. Oftentimes, adults who get diagnosed will reflect on their family members and recognize that they also display autistic traits, even if they don’t identify as autistic or have an uneducated view of what autism really is. 

For example, after I started learning about autism and realized that I am, in fact, autistic, I realized that my grandma has a lot of autistic traits and is likely autistic, too. My sister and brother are also likely autistic, and my dad, grandpa, and other grandma are ADHDers. Neurodivergence is definitely widespread in my family!
 

Asperger’s and Autism: Are They the Same?

The term “Asperger’s Syndrome” was once used to describe a specific profile of autism, often characterized by strong verbal abilities and intellectual interests, but challenges with social interactions. In the past, individuals with Asperger’s were thought to be “high-functioning” because they might not have the same behaviors seen in other autistic individuals. However, this distinction is increasingly viewed as outdated and unhelpful, not to mention the fact that Hans Asperger, the person who Asperger’s Syndrome was named after, was a very problematic Austrian doctor who worked with Nazis to protect autistic children with higher intellectual abilities, or those who would have been later diagnosed with “Asperger’s”, while allowing and supporting systemic murders of other autistic individuals in concentration camps. Thus, the 2013 decision to do away with the Aspergers diagnosis was a step forward in social justice and has led to further advocacy against “aspie supremacy”, which is a problematic belief still held among some individuals, autistic and allistic alike, that those previously diagnosed with Asperger’s are inherently better than other autistic people. 

Today, many people who were once diagnosed with Asperger’s identify simply as autistic, as many of them recognize the harm that this label has caused. They are part of the same diverse spectrum as others who might have been diagnosed differently. The emphasis is now on recognizing and respecting the varied ways autism can present, rather than labeling and dividing.
 

Signs of Autism in Adults: Recognizing the Traits

Autism is often diagnosed in childhood, but many people go through life without ever receiving a diagnosis, only discovering they are autistic later in adulthood. With the increased availability of information about autism, many more adults are identifying as autistic later in life and seeking formal diagnoses. This is particularly true for individuals who have developed strong masking strategies or whose traits were misunderstood as something else.
 

Common Signs of Autism in Adults

Adults who are autistic may experience a range of traits, many of which may have been present since childhood but were never recognized or understood as autistic traits. 
 

• Social Challenges: Difficulty understanding social cues, maintaining conversations, or forming close relationships can be signs of autism in adults. Some might feel like they are always “on the outside” of social groups or have trouble knowing how to fit in. For me, it was difficult to relate to other people. I never knew which “version” of myself to be in any given social situation. Now, I know this was part of masking my autistic traits. 
   

• Sensory Sensitivities: Many autistic adults are highly sensitive to sensory stimuli, such as bright lights, loud noises, or certain textures. These sensitivities can lead to discomfort or even pain in everyday situations. I really struggle with loud, unexpected, or high pitched noises. Now, I’m able to accommodate myself with headphones or earplugs, whereas in childhood I was just told to “suck it up” and was frequently seen as being dramatic.
   

• Routine and Structure: A preference for routine and predictability is common among autistic individuals. Changes in plans or unexpected events can be stressful, leading to anxiety or a sense of being overwhelmed. Many people, including myself, feel like we need to prepare ourselves for any given situation.
   

• Intense Interests: Autistic adults might have deep, intense interests in specific topics. These interests can be a source of joy and fulfillment, but they can also lead to difficulties if they become all-consuming or if others don’t share their enthusiasm.
   

• Communication Differences: Some autistic adults might struggle with understanding figurative language, such as metaphors or sarcasm. Others might find it challenging to articulate their thoughts in a way that others understand. I’ve always had issues understanding sarcasm and it wasn’t until I learned that I’m autistic that I understood why.
   

• Emotional Regulation: Difficulty managing emotions or responses to stress is another common trait. This can include feeling overwhelmed by strong emotions, having trouble identifying one’s feelings, or experiencing meltdowns or shutdowns in response to stress. For a while, I and various psychiatrists thought I could have bipolar disorder, BPD, panic disorder, and other mental disorders due to my difficulty regulating my emotions. Come to find out, all of my experiences can be explained by the fact that I am, in fact, autistic!
   

Misdiagnosis and Masking

Many autistic adults are misdiagnosed with conditions such as social anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. This is often because the traits of autism can overlap with those of other mental health conditions, and because many adults—especially women, trans, and non-binary individuals—develop masking behaviors.

Masking involves suppressing or hiding one’s autistic traits to fit in with societal expectations. This might include mimicking social behaviors, forcing oneself to make eye contact despite discomfort, or suppressing stimming behaviors. While masking can help individuals navigate social situations, it often comes at a high cost, leading to exhaustion, burnout, and a loss of self-identity.Recognizing and understanding these signs in adulthood can be life-changing. For many, learning that they are autistic brings a sense of relief and self-understanding. It can explain lifelong challenges and provide a framework for seeking support and accommodations. When I learned that I’m autistic, everything began to make sense and my whole understanding of my life fell into place. I grew up always wondering what was “wrong” with me. I was constantly searching for answers to why I felt like there was something inherently messed up inside of me. Once I learned that I was autistic, everything made sense and it gave me a new ability to have grace, understanding, and love for myself. 
 

Benefits of Identification: Why It Matters

Discovering that you are autistic as an adult can be an emotional and transformative experience. While the process of identification and self-discovery can be challenging, it can also offer numerous benefits.
 

Self-Understanding and Acceptance

One of the most significant benefits of identifying as autistic, especially in adulthood, is the deep sense of self-understanding it can bring. Many adults who receive a diagnosis or come to their own realization describe it as a “lightbulb moment”—a key that unlocks a lifetime of experiences and struggles. Understanding that you are autistic can help explain why you’ve felt different or why certain situations have always been challenging.

This self-understanding often leads to greater self-acceptance. Instead of viewing their traits as flaws or shortcomings, autistic adults can begin to see them as part of their unique neurotype. This shift in perspective can be incredibly empowering, building a sense of pride in one’s identity.
 

Access to Support and Accommodations

With identification comes the possibility of accessing support and accommodations for autism. This might include workplace adjustments, such as flexible hours or a quieter work environment, or support in daily life, such as tools to manage sensory sensitivities. Understanding your needs as an autistic person can help you advocate for the changes and resources that will help you thrive.
 

Building Community

Identifying as autistic also opens the door to connecting with others who share similar experiences. The autistic community is diverse and vibrant, offering a space where individuals can share their stories, support each other, and advocate for greater understanding and acceptance in society. For many, finding a community of people who “get it” is one of the most rewarding aspects of identification.
 

Conclusion

Autism is a unique, challenging, and rewarding way of existing in the world. It’s a neurotype that brings a different perspective, one that is just as valid and important as any other. Understanding autism as a spectrum allows us to appreciate the diversity within the autistic community, recognizing that each person’s experience is unique.

Whether you’re exploring the possibility that you might be autistic, supporting an autistic loved one, or simply seeking to broaden your understanding, it’s important to approach autism with an open mind and a commitment to affirming neurodiversity. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and supportive world for everyone, celebrating the complex variety of human neurology.