Find a therapist to help with autism

There is a better understanding of the subtle and less obvious presentations of autism.

Autism has been identified more in girls and women in recent years.

Autism has been identified more often in children from underrepresented backgrounds in recent years.

Autism is characterized by differences in social interactions, nonverbal communication, and relationship style, as well as at least two of the following traits: repetitive movements, strong interests, sensory sensitivities, and/or differences in cognitive flexibility. Autism is a developmental disorder, and there must be evidence of some autistic traits from early childhood.

The subtle and less obvious presentations of autism are better understood. For example, some autistic people can mask or camouflage their traits more than others in daily life. Many people with autism engage in eye contact when interacting with others and can be exceptionally empathic, two behaviors that used to be thought to contraindicate autism.

The advocacy and pioneering work of many people with different presentations of autistic traits has gained the attention of practitioners and scientists. The........

© Psychology Today