Did you know that the official autism diagnosis got an overhaul in 2013? Did you also know that autism now is more fully explained by varying degrees (referred to as levels) of support needs? Don't worry if you weren't aware because it seems that most people have no idea that the diagnosis changed. In this article, I'll explain what the different levels mean, how they're determined, and what each level might look like.

This article is not a replacement for medical care, diagnosis, or therapy. It is a layman's guide meant to support and encourage understanding for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) both among neurodivergent (people on the spectrum) and neurotypical (people not on the spectrum) readers. I encourage everyone to do their own research and come to their own conclusions.

Huh? Autism Comes in Levels Now?

Yes. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is now structured into three levels based on the amount of support an autistic individual might need. The levels are classed as Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Furthermore, a level is given to two items: social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors. For example, someone might be Level 1 when it comes to social communication but be a Level 2 for restricted, repetitive behaviors.

Many people aren't aware that the diagnosis of autism and how it is characterized got a near-complete overhaul in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, published in 2013 and commonly referred to as the DSM-V. The DSM is "the taxonomic and diagnostic tool published by the American Psychiatric Association." Think of it as the Bible of American psychology and psychiatry. Note that other nations may use other criteria, so please understand that I am speaking from a United States-based perspective.

Other Disorders Now Under the ASD Diagnosis

In addition to outlining levels of autism, other disorders and conditions that were once considered separate from autism that now fall under the umbrella of ASD. These other disorders and conditions include:

• Autistic Disorder

• Asperger's Syndrome/Asperger's Disorder

• Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

• Rett's Disorder

All of the aforementioned disorders now fall under the umbrella term of ASD which is part of the reason that rates of autism diagnosis are going up: there are more disorders that fall under the label. (If you want to learn more about why rates of autism diagnoses are on the rise, read my article "Why is Everyone Autistic Now?")

A Few Misconceptions

Before going into the levels, I think it's also important to briefly discuss some other criteria from the DSM-V regarding an autism diagnosis that people often get wrong. (To see some other common misconceptions, check out my article Misconceptions About Autism.)

1. Intellectual Impairment Not Necessary: Having an intellectual impairment is not a prerequisite to obtaining an autism diagnosis. Autistic people run the gamut from literal geniuses to those with "profound autism" — that is, having an intelligence quotient (IQ) of less than 50.

2. Language Impairment Not Necessary: Many, if not most autistic people can speak and communicate similarly to neurotypical people. The idea that all autistic people are non-verbal is outdated and incorrect.

Also, please note that the quoted language and diagnostic criteria listed below come from the DSM-V.

Level 1: "Requiring Support"

Level 1 autism is defined as the autistic person "requiring support." It's the least severe form of autism which is why many Level 1 autistics end up misdiagnosed or undiagnosed, even well into adulthood. Many are able to mask or camouflage enough that they seem neurotypical, even to close friends and family.

Issues with social communication in Level 1 autism might include having trouble initiating social interactions or decreased interest in social interactions.

Issues with restricted, repetitive behavior in Level 1 autism might include difficulty switching between activities and experiencing executive functioning troubles, like having trouble with organization or planning.

Level 1 ASD is sometimes compared to what was known as Asperger's Syndrome in that someone can be intelligent but still have a number of social difficulties as well as what are perceived as strange routines and behaviors.

Level 2: "Requiring Substantial Support"

Level 2 autism is defined as the autistic person "requiring substantial support" and has more severe impacts than Level 1 autism.

Issues with social communication in Level 2 autism might include marked deficits in social communication skills (verbal or nonverbal), limited initiation of social interactions, and strange or different responses to suggestions by others. Level 2 autistics might only interact with others in social settings if the topic is about one of the autistic person's special interests, and they might speak in a way that others find strange.

Issues with restricted, repetitive behavior in Level 2 autism might include an inflexibility in behavior, having a hard time with change, or having certain repetitive behaviors that interfere with daily functioning in different ways. Other people tend to notice the Level 2 autistic's restricted and repetitive behaviors.

Despite the problematic social interactions and repetitive behaviors, some Level 2 autistics also go undiagnosed into adulthood.

Level 3: "Requiring Very Substantial Support"

Level 3 autism is defined as the autistic person "requiring very substantial support" and is the most developmentally severe form of autism. Many Level 3 autistics are what others refer to as those with "profound autism," as discussed earlier in this article. Imagine someone who struggles to communicate either verbally or nonverbally, doesn't like or accept any change about any of their routines at all, and is potentially incapable of caring for themselves.

Issues with social communication in Level 3 autism include severe deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication (sometimes to the point that someone is nonverbal), extremely limited social interactions, and minimal response to social approaches.

Issues with restricted, repetitive behaviors in Level 3 autism include an inflexibility in behavior (wanting to do the exact same thing the exact same way every single day), extreme difficulty coping with change (having a shutdown or meltdown when something is different than they're used to), and routines that disrupt functioning.

Almost all, if not all those with Level 3 autism are unable to care for themselves and will require caretakers and support throughout their lives.

All Levels Require Support

The criteria for an ASD diagnosis is, by definition, someone who requires support, substantial support, or very substantial support. This means that every single autistic person requires some level of support in their lives. The idea that we autistics, especially those of us who present as "high-functioning" or "having low support needs," don't actually need help and are just lazy or have poor work ethics is fundamentally untrue. Many autistic people take issue with such terminology because it doesn't take into account the unseen daily struggles we face.

Autistic creator and YouTuber Mom on the Spectrum offered up a compelling analogy. Imagine a duck cruising along on a placid pond. The duck makes it look easy, seemingly riding the gentle breeze from one bank to the other. But beneath the surface, the duck's webbed feet are furiously working overtime to move through the water. That movement takes effort, even if you can't see it above the surface. And while some ducks are indeed able to seem to ride the breeze effortlessly, for others, the struggle is obvious.

"But you don't look like you're struggling!" someone might snap back in the comments. "No one even picked up that you were autistic until much later in your life, so you couldn't have struggled that much!"

For many late-diagnosed autistics, we've had to become masters of camouflaging and masking — that is, appearing to be normal. It's the only way we were able to survive. Some of us are able to do it well, and some of us can't, but all of us struggle. It's time we as a society stopped ignoring that inconvenient fact.

Thanks for Reading!

Thanks for taking time out of your busy day to spend some time with me! I encourage all of my readers to RISE (Reflect, Improve, Strengthen, & Evolve) with me because healing is a lifelong journey — it’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. You are loved, cherished, and valued. Don’t ever let anyone ever convince you otherwise.

My commitment to bringing you FREE, well-researched, and comprehensive content means I spend considerable time and effort writing each article or post without compensation.

Want to Support Me?

The simplest FREE way you can support me is by subscribing, sharing, or leaving a comment:

Subscribe now

Share New Autistic

Leave a comment

I believe in keeping my content accessible to everyone, without paywalls, because I know the work I do matters. For that reason, I’m beyond grateful for any financial support! If you'd like to support me and my work, check out my art website at AriesArtwork.com to bring home something unique or find a gift for that special someone in your life:

I’ll see you again when I’ve got a new info-dump for you, my Newtistics Crew!

—Skylar Aries

What are some of the potential signs that you or a loved one might be autistic? This article will act as a compilation of signs and symptoms that may be related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), along with the sources that back up those claims.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that this list is not to be used as a means of diagnosis. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose you, and this list is for informational purposes only. As I've said before, I am not a medical professional. Do your own research and come to your own conclusions, and if you suspect that you might be on the spectrum, consider reaching out to a mental health provider or your primary care doctor.

Explanation & Elucidation

Before I get to the list (which I intend to update regularly as new information comes to light), I want to remind you that if you've met one autistic person, you've met one autistic person. All of us are different, just like how all neurotypical people are different. That being said, there are a number of commonalities that can be found in people with autism, some of which are also found in the general population.

If you have a handful of symptoms on this list, congratulations! That means you're human! Almost all of us have some traits of many different medical diagnoses. You might have some traits of social anxiety, or some traits of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or some traits of bipolar disorder. Let me elucidate further:

• Are you sometimes hesitant to speak with others in social situations? That's a trait of social anxiety, but that doesn't mean you have social anxiety.

• Do you ever have intrusive thoughts, like jumping off a cliff or driving headlong into oncoming traffic? That's a trait of OCD, but that doesn't mean you have OCD.

• Do you ever have increased energy or activity levels? That's a trait of bipolar disorder, but that doesn't mean you have bipolar disorder.

Having a few traits or signs of a specific disorder doesn't mean that you therefore have that disorder. Autistic traits are human traits, and I can guarantee that everyone reading this — neurotypical people (those not on the spectrum) included — is going to identify with at least some of these traits, signs, and symptoms of autism.

Identifying with a handful of these traits does not mean you're autistic. However, if you find yourself identifying with more than 75 percent of them (especially those in the "Core Signs" and "Potential Signs" lists), you might want to consider doing more research into autism and speaking with a healthcare professional. Again, as a friendly reminder, this list is not meant for diagnostic purposes.

Core Signs, Symptoms, and Traits of Autism

These two points (repetitive behaviors and interests and difficulties with social communication) are considered core traits of autism.

Repetitive Behaviors and Interests

Autistic people crave structure, routine, and sameness. It's a way that they can manage stress because they won't be surprised if they're always doing the same thing. This might mean always taking the same route to and from work, always exercising at the same time of day, or perhaps eating the same thing every day. When their routines are disrupted, they may end up extremely emotionally dysregulated which can result in meltdowns or shutdowns.

Furthermore, while everyone has their own preferences and likes, autistic people take it to the next level. They have intense special interests that they tend to be very knowledgeable about, perhaps bordering on obsessive to other people (case in point: this website). Even the stereotype of autism is a boy who is obsessed with trains or technology. Autistic women also have special interests, but because they tend to be more socially acceptable topics (animals, art, literature, music, or celebrities), they often fly under the radar.

Difficulties with Social Communication

Autistic people have trouble communicating both verbally and nonverbally. They may not pick up on subtle cues, and they may have abnormal body language and avoid eye contact. They also may struggle to interpret facial expressions, gestures, tone, and body language. This can impede communication with others and make life much more difficult for autistic people.

Potential Signs, Symptoms, and Traits of Autism

This list includes some of the potential signs, symptoms, and traits that are also commonly found in autistic people.

Alexithymia

About half of people with autism also have alexithymia, which means that they have trouble identifying and expressing their own emotions, as well as recognizing emotions in others. Some other signs of alexithymia include:

• a limited ability to express their feelings to others

• difficulty recognizing and responding to the emotions of others

• the person might appear distant, unempathetic, or cold

Men in general are also more likely to have alexithymia than women: "Men were alexithymic almost twice (17%) as often as women (10%)."

Echolalia

About 75 percent of autistic people have echolalia—a repetitive or imitative speech pattern. Echolalia is common in children, as evidenced when they repeat words and phrases that they hear. They might repeat a line from their favorite TV show or mimic the tone and voice used when they're told something and repeat it back to their caretaker. It's believed to be a learning tool as they are practicing how to speak.

However, people with autism often continue these behaviors well past childhood. They might repeat phrases they've heard or mimic sounds they hear, like the beep on the microwave or the rumble of a motorcycle driving by outside. It's thought to be used as a means of communication or as a form of stress relief or self-regulation.

Emotional Dysregulation

People with autism tend to have more emotional dysregulation than neurotypical people -- that is, it's harder for them to regulate their emotions. They may seem to get flustered at insignificant things, or end up angry, upset, or frustrated if their routines are interrupted.

Executive Functioning Issues

Up to 80 percent of people with autism have trouble with executive function. This might include issues with time management, organization, working memory, and inhibitory or impulse control. This can make even simple tasks like brushing your teeth, planning a trip, or cleaning the house very difficult. (I touched on this a little bit in my blog post Life on Heroic: Living with Undiagnosed Neurodivergency.)

Hypersensitivities

Autistic people tend to have hypersensitivies (stronger sensitivities) to touch, lights, sounds, smells, tastes, temperatures, and/or textures than other people do. Understand that this sensitivity isn't just a dislike of something. For example, you might not like olives, but you probably aren't going to start dry heaving and puking if you accidentally eat one. People with autism can have extreme reactions to stimuli, up to and including seizures in cases of epilepsy (as epilepsy disproportionately affects autistic people compared to the general population).

Hyposensitivities

Along the same vein, autistics can also have hyposensitivities, meaning a lack of reaction to certain stimuli. Someone with hyposensitivity might have a lack of reaction to pain, not notice when they're hungry or full, or prefer deep-tissue massages to softer ones. Autistics with auditory hyposensitivity might not respond to their name being called or they may need verbal instructions to be repeated several times.

Scripting

Many people with autism use scripting to help them navigate social situations. They may preplan conversations in their head, or have a list of questions or statements to use in certain situations. For example, an autistic person might rehearse either aloud or in their head what they plan to say during an upcoming phone call or work meeting. This can help to reduce stress because autistic people already have trouble with social communication and by planning out what they're going to say in advance, they can ease some of that stress.

Stimming

Stimming is a form of self-regulatory behavior that autistic people engage in. It's often done repetitively and impulsively. Some examples of stims include (but are not limited to) cracking knuckles, plucking hair, picking at skin, twirling hair, flicking fingers, pacing back and forth, humming, flapping hands, spinning or tapping objects, jumping, listening to the same song on repeat, or rocking back and forth. Echolalia, which was discussed earlier, can also be a form of stimming.

Trouble with Eye Contact

As touched on briefly before, autistic people have trouble making and maintaining eye contact. This can be especially problematic in societies like the United States where eye contact is seen as a sign of respect. A 2022 study found that regions of the brain are less active during eye contact in autistic people compared to neurotypical people -- a finding that may contribute the reason to autistic people find making eye contact stressful.

Trouble Forming Relationships

Due in large part to autistics' trouble with social communication and knowing their own emotions, many autistic people have trouble forming relationships, both socially and romantically. That doesn't mean that they don't want relationships -- only that it's more difficult for autistic people to form and maintain them. There is also some evidence that people with autism prefer other neurodivergent people as friends and romantic partners.

Uneven Language Development

Some autistic people have delayed or uneven language development, perhaps not speaking at all for years as children (often referred to as being nonverbal). Some also may be able to speak and read, but not necessarily comprehend what they just read.

Lesser-Known Potential Signs, Symptoms, and Traits of Autism

These are some of the lesser-known potential signs, symptoms, and traits of autism.

Addiction Issues

People with autism are twice as likely to abuse substances compared to control groups, especially those with Level 1 ASD. Many autistic people use drugs and alcohol to try to fit into social situations and manage stress levels. (I discussed some of my own addiction struggles in my blog post A Knight in Shining Armor.)

Bullying

Were you bullied as a child? One study showed a high percentage of bullying against autistic children: 75 percent of autistic children were left out of activities by other children, 37 percent were teased, and 13 percent were physically bullied.

Colic

Did you have colic as an infant? There are some studies that suggest there may be a link between excessive crying and autism: "Persistent crying in infants (i.e. excessive crying with late onset and long duration) may be an early symptom of ASD."

Dyspraxia (Clumsiness)

Dyspraxia is a neurological condition that affects a person’s ability to plan and carry out coordinated movements. People with dyspraxia may have trouble with tasks that require fine motor skills (like writing, buttoning a shirt, or using utensils) or gross motor skills (like running, jumping, or riding a bike). There isn’t a cure for dyspraxia, but occupational therapy and practice can help people overcome it.

Studies show that dyspraxia is more commonly found in those with autism than control groups, although many of the studies had smaller sample sizes:

• “Whereas both children with ADHD and children with ASD show impairments in basic motor control, impairments in performance and recognition of skilled motor gestures, consistent with dyspraxia, appear to be specific to autism” (MacNeil & Mostofsky, 2012).

• “The ASD group continued to show significantly poorer praxis than controls after accounting for basic motor skill. Furthermore, praxis performance was a strong predictor of the defining features of autism, measured using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, and this correlation remained significant after accounting for basic motor skill” (Dzuik et al., 2007).

• “Although our sample size was somewhat small for examining correlations between measures, strong correlations were observed in the ASD group on measures of visual-motor integration and motor coordination with praxis” (Miller et al., 2014).

Eating Disorders

Many autistic people struggle with eating disorders, both eating too little (anorexia) and eating too much (binge eating), as well as avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). One study found that atypical eating behaviors affected 70.4 percent of children with autism, which is quite a jarring statistic compared to the 4.8 percent of neurotypical children who have eating disorders. Autistic females are also more likely to experience eating disorders. It's speculated that because autistic people have trouble with interoception (the process of perceiving senses inside the body like thirst, hunger, fullness, and pain), it's harder for them to eat intuitively.

Feeling Disliked By Others

Many autistic people complain that they feel that others judge them harshly or unfairly throughout their lives. "I feel like an alien" is a common refrain amongst autistics... and it's not just a feeling, either. There is mounting evidence that neurotypical people treat autistic people worse than non-autistics:

• A study conducted in 2021 showed that neurotypical people react less favorably toward autistic people, even if they don't know the person is autistic: "Nonautistic people were more likely to say they disliked the person in the video if they were autistic, even though they did not know the diagnosis” (Alkhaldi et al., 2021).

• A 2016 study in Nature found that neurotypical people are less willing to interact with those with autism: "We find that first impressions of individuals with ASD... are not only far less favorable across a range of trait judgments compared to controls, but also are associated with reduced intentions to pursue social interaction” (Sasson et al., 2016).

• A 2021 study suggested that autistic people are viewed as deceptive and lacking credibility, even when telling the truth: "Autistic individuals [are] perceived as more deceptive and less credible than neurotypical individuals when telling the truth" (Lim et al., 2021). However, this may be because of an autistic person's overall presentation, as the authors stated.

That being said, autistic people tend to have higher levels of rapport with other autistic or neurodivergent people. So, if you've got a bunch of autistic friends, you might want to do some more research and introspection.

Flat Affect

People with autism may have a flat affect and a monotone voice. This means that they may not react in ways that neurotypical people might expect, and the autistic person may be incorrectly viewed as apathetic, uncaring, or unkind. Also note that many autistic people often mask their flat affect and work hard to seem neurotypical.

Hyperlexia

About 6 to 14 percent of autistic people are hyperlexic, meaning they might have a wide vocabulary, prefer books and magnetic letters to other types of toys as children, and may have a knack for remembering dates and numbers.

Joint Hypermobility

Up to 80 percent of autistic people have overly flexible joints and muscles which can lead to chronic pain and injuries. Another study suggested that 51 percent of neurodivergent people have hypermobility. It's not clear why this is and more research needs to be done on the topic.

Left-Handedness

Did you know that people with autism have a higher rate of being left-handed as compared to the general population? According to HealthCentral: "People with ASD tend to have reduced leftward language lateralization, which could be why they also have a higher rate of being left-handed compared to the general population."

Literalism

Many autistic people fail to understand colloquialisms and/or take things literally. For example, when I say, "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush," do you imagine a bird in your hand and two in the bush? Or, like most people, do you innately understand that it means to value what you have?

Sleep Issues

Many autistic people struggle with issues related to insomnia, including waking up early, an inability to fall and stay asleep, and daytime drowsiness due to poor sleep patterns. Additionally, some autistic people experience sleep-related movement disorders and may end up either kicking in their sleep or engaging in other repetitive movements of the limbs, torso, or head. It's thought that these movements might resemble stimming behaviors.

Self-Medication

Autistics are more than three times more likely to use substances to manage their mental health symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.

Toe Walking

Many children walk on their toes, usually to about age three, but autistic children may continue to walk on their toes well past that age. One study found that 8.4 percent of autistic children had a diagnosis of persistent toe walking. Some speculate that toe walking may be the result of having tight heel cords or may be caused by a dysregulated vestibular or sensory system.

Victimization

Unfortunately, autistic people are more likely to be victimized and abused in a number of ways: "Participants with [autism] reported experiencing, as children, more overall victimization; specifically, more property crime, maltreatment, teasing/emotional bullying, and sexual assault by peers, compared to participants without [autism]."

Final Thoughts

I want to remind everyone that, even if you are autistic, you probably aren't going to have every sign, trait, or symptom on this list. Every autistic person is different. You can also have what are known as sub-clinical autistic traits—that is, you may have a number of autistic traits but you don't have enough (or they don't impact your life enough) to qualify for an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis.

If you think you or a loved one might have ASD, please see a qualified mental health professional.

Thanks for Reading!

Thanks for taking time out of your busy day to spend some time with me! I encourage all of my readers to RISE (Reflect, Improve, Strengthen, & Evolve) with me because healing is a lifelong journey — it’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. You are loved, cherished, and valued. Don’t ever let anyone ever convince you otherwise.

My commitment to bringing you FREE, well-researched, and comprehensive content means I spend considerable time and effort writing each article or post without compensation.

Want to Support Me?

The simplest FREE way you can support me is by subscribing, sharing, or leaving a comment:

Subscribe now

Share New Autistic

Leave a comment

I believe in keeping my content accessible to everyone, without paywalls, because I know the work I do matters. For that reason, I’m beyond grateful for any financial support! If you'd like to support me and my work, check out my art website at AriesArtwork.com to bring home something unique or find a gift for that special someone in your life:

I’ll see you again when I’ve got a new info-dump for you, my Newtistics Crew!

—Skylar Aries

It is impossible for autistic people to make eye contact? Can people with autism understand sarcasm? There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about autism out there, many of which I will discuss in this article. I'd also like to remind everyone that when you've met one autistic person, you've met one autistic person. Every autistic person is different, and this site is based off of my research, observations, and opinions. As always, I encourage everyone to do their own research and come to their own conclusions.

Terms to Know

In order to fully understand this article, having a basic knowledge of some common terms is helpful.

• DSM-V: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, which is the taxonomic and diagnostic manual published by the American Psychiatric Association.

• Neurotypicals: People who are not on the spectrum (those who do not have autism, ADHD, and/or another disorder).

• Neurodivergents: People who are on the spectrum (those who have autism, ADHD, and/or another disorder).

Now, let’s take a look at some common misconceptions…

Misconception: Autistic people can't make eye contact.

Although not being able to make eye contact is a common (and often well-deserved) stereotype of autism, many autistic people are able to do it well. Through masking and camouflaging, many of us are able to seem pretty neurotypical, although it can make us feel uncomfortable to do so. Additionally, for many of us, we actually listen better and are able to pay more attention when we aren't looking at someone in the eyes, which is part of the reason many of us look away. It's not to be rude; it's actually to try to listen to you better!

Misconception: You have to be intellectually disabled to have autism.

The DSM-V's diagnostic criteria for autism does not include intellectual disability for a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This is probably a misconception because intellectual disability is common comorbidity when it comes to ASD, although it is not necessary for a diagnosis. Additionally, those with obvious intellectual disabilities are probably more likely to be taken in for an autism assessment and diagnosis compared to those autistic people without intellectual disabilities, so it's sort of a self-perpetuating stereotype in that way.

Misconception: There is an autism epidemic and it's spreading.

I discuss this topic in far more detail in my article Why is Everyone Autistic Now, but the truth of the matter is that there isn't a lot of evidence that suggests rates of autism itself are on the rise. It seems more likely that people who previously went undiagnosed are now getting diagnosed, so the rates of people diagnosed with autism are indeed going up. That doesn't necessarily mean that more people are autistic -- only that more people are getting diagnosed now that they know the signs and symptoms to look for, especially since both the diagnostic criteria and ASD itself were overhauled in 2013.

That being said, it's also possible that rates of autism itself are going up (if more neurodivergent people are producing neurodivergent offspring), but certainly not at the exponential rates that the autism diagnoses are going up... unless there's some super-autism breeding facility somewhere. Someone in the know needs to fill me in!

Misconception: Autistic people don't have empathy.

Another common misconception is that autistic people don't have empathy. While it's true that some autistics seem almost devoid of empathy, there are plenty of us who are extremely empathic: "Some autistic individuals show typical cognitive empathy and some even report an excess of emotional empathy." It really depends on the person!

I will also say that I believe this stereotype is so prominent because a lot of autistic people also have alexithymia, a condition in which people have trouble identifying, describing, and expressing feelings in both themselves and others. Those with alexithymia may seem to have less empathy because they have a hard time processing their own emotions, thereby perpetuating the stereotype that autistic people are unempathetic.

Misconception: Autistic people don't have a sense of humor and can't understand sarcasm.

Ah, I see you haven't perused this website enough if you still believe this particular misconception. I think it largely stems from a time before the DSM-V came out and it was believed that autistic people were too stupid to understand any subtleties, but don't worry, because I'm here to let you know that autistic people absolutely can have senses of humor as well as a good understanding of sarcasm and facetiousness.

While it's true that we may have a harder time picking up on certain subtle social cues, that doesn't mean that we can't understand them when we are aware of them. There are even plenty of autistic stand-up comedians like Dan LaMorte, AJ Wilkerson, Joe Wells, and Fern Brady, so this misconception is quite outdated.

Misconception: Autistic people can't talk.

While there can be some overlap between autism and selective mutism or even mutism in general, it would be a real stretch to suggest that all autistic people are either bad at talking, don't like to talk, or can't talk. Of course, there are autistic people who can't or won't talk often, but most of us are able to talk, especially about our special interests. (This website is a perfect case in point.) In fact, I'd wager that some people wish we'd shut up once in a while.

Misconception: Vaccines cause autism.

I've intentionally not delved into this topic too much because of the explosive political rhetoric surrounding it, but I will state here that there is currently no viable evidence that points to the idea that vaccines cause autism. I may do a more in-depth article about this whole debacle at some point, though I will give a brief overview of it below.

The one study that purportedly found a "link" between the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism has been not only debunked but also retracted. Its primary author, Andrew Wakefield, failed to disclose a conflict of interest for the study's funding: "Wakefield had been funded by lawyers who had been engaged by parents in lawsuits against vaccine-producing companies." How convenient!

On top of that, data from Wakefield's study was also found not only to be inaccurate but also falsified and fraudulent. Some have even described Wakefield's study as "one of the most serious frauds in medical history."

But, if you're still not convinced, it's probably worth looking at the more nitty gritty of Wakefield's original study. He and his co-authors (of which all but two subsequently retracted their support of) used a group of 12 children to test their theory that the MMR vaccine might cause autism and purportedly found a link between the two. Again, this study was funded by lawyers looking to pursue lawsuits.

To confirm or deny his findings, subsequent studies have been conducted (as is the norm in the scientific community), including one in 2015 that studied over 95,000 children and how the MMR vaccine might impact rates of autism. The results of that study showed that "the MMR vaccine was not associated with increased risk of [autism spectrum disorder]." Another study examining over 1,000 children also found that exposure to vaccine antibodies do not increase risk for the development of autism.

Now, I'm not a mathematician by any stretch of the imagination, but I'd be more willing to accept the findings of a study that examined 95,000 subjects (or even 1,000 subjects) than one that only studied 12. Maybe that's just my logical autistic brain talking, though.

Misconception: Parenting styles cause autism.

This misconception stems from Bruno Bettelheim, author of the 1967 book The Empty Fortress: Infantile Autism and the Birth of the Self. Bettelheim's book suggested that the way in which people, mothers especially, parented their children resulted in the development of autism — a theory known as psychogenesis. This theory was examined and then largely discredited.

One obvious issue with Bettelheim's theory is that there are plenty of families in which one sibling is autistic and another is not. If the way in which both children were parented caused autism, why did only one sibling end up with the disorder?

Eventually, Bettelheim was accused of physically abusing the special needs children he'd worked with, and his professional accolades were also called into question, leading to his reputation being rather tarnished. Most scientists today do not believe that parenting styles can or do lead to the development of autism spectrum disorder, and there's no evidence to support this theory.

Misconception: We need a cure for autism.

This is another topic that I've somewhat avoided just because of how heated people can become about it. I think I can see this argument from both sides, but I'm also sure that some people will disagree with me, which is also fine.

For people like me where I am largely able to care for myself and function in society despite my autism, I wouldn't say I need a cure. If I weren't autistic, I certainly wouldn't be writing this now. My autism is part of what makes me me. Yes, there are drawbacks to being autistic, but there are a lot of good things about it, too.

Did you know that autistic people can be from 90 to 140 percent more productive than their neurotypical peers? And one study discussed in Harvard Business Review found that neurodiverse teams in organizations are 30 percent more productive than others.

That being said, I can see why parents and loved ones of those with so-called "profound autism" (in which someone is disabled to the point where they are unable to care for themselves) would want a cure. Indeed, "mental retardation" is a common comorbidity of autism, with about half of autistic children meeting the criteria for "mental retardation." No one wants to be a burden on their family, friends, and loved ones, and if there were a cure that could help those with profound autism function in society better, I am sure there are plenty of people who would support that.

Misconception: Every autistic person is either a savant or an imbecile.

Just like the wide range of intelligence levels one finds in neurotypical people, there is a similar spectrum when it comes to autistic people. Studies have found that "nearly half of individuals with [autism spectrum disorder] have average or higher IQ." So, some autistic people have very low levels of intelligence, especially when it comes to those with "profound autism" or "mental retardation." Other autistic people are considered geniuses and revolutionary thinkers, like Temple Grandin. Additionally, there is a whole swathe of autistic people who fall somewhere between the two extremes, so to say that every autistic person is either a savant or an imbecile would be incorrect.

Summarizing the Misconception Corrections

From the aforementioned misconception discussion, it’s clear that there are many misconceptions surrounding autism, and these myths can often lead to misunderstanding and stigma. However, as I’ve illustrated above, autism is a highly individual experience, and no two autistic people are the same. It’s important that we move beyond outdated stereotypes and embrace a more nuanced understanding of neurodiversity. Whether it’s about eye contact, empathy, or humor, it’s vital to remember that every autistic person brings something unique to the table.

Thanks for Reading!

Thanks for taking time out of your busy day to spend some time with me! I encourage all of my readers to RISE (Reflect, Improve, Strengthen, & Evolve) with me because healing is a lifelong journey — it’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. You are loved, cherished, and valued. Don’t ever let anyone ever convince you otherwise.

My commitment to bringing you FREE, well-researched, and comprehensive content means I spend considerable time and effort writing each article or post without compensation.

Want to Support Me?

The simplest FREE way you can support me is by subscribing, sharing, or leaving a comment:

Subscribe now

Share New Autistic

Leave a comment

I believe in keeping my content accessible to everyone, without paywalls, because I know the work I do matters. For that reason, I’m beyond grateful for any financial support! If you'd like to support me and my work, check out my art website at AriesArtwork.com to bring home something unique or find a gift for that special someone in your life:

I’ll see you again when I’ve got a new info-dump for you, my Newtistics Crew!

—Skylar Aries

Is calling someone autistic insensitive? What about referring to them as a person with autism? How about autist or aspie? There are so many terms out there, so which one is correct? I thought I'd write a page about how to address autistic people because there is so much information and many differing opinions out there.

As I'm sure I'll end up repeating at least a hundred times in writing for this website: When you've met one autistic person, you've met one autistic person. It's the same way in that when you've met one neurotypical person (someone not on the spectrum), you've met one neurotypical person. You wouldn't extrapolate that all other neurotypicals are the same way in appearance, demeanor, or personality from meeting one neurotypical person. Just like neurotypicals, all autistics are different as well.

From the previous paragraph, you might've gleaned what the answer is, but let me elucidate a bit more so that you might have a clearer understanding. On this website, I will use all of the non-pejorative terms interchangeably. If someone is offended by the terms I use, I apologize; no offense is meant.

Person-First Language: "Person with Autism"

Some people with autism prefer person-first terminology. That is, they don't want to be defined by their autism, so they prefer terms like "person with autism," which highlights their personhood first. Because autistic people have been historically poorly treated, many of us feel that our personhood has been denied. For this reason and many others, a good number of people with autism prefer this person-first language.

Characteristic Language: "Autistic"

Others prefer being called autistic, or perhaps they don't mind being referred to as an autistic. Personally, I prefer this terminology because it's easier to write than "a person with autism" and it also solidifies the fact that my autism cannot be removed from who I am as a person. I am the way I am because I am autistic.

Another way to think of it is that you typically refer to someone from Vietnam as Vietnamese. "He's Vietnamese and makes great pho!" is usually what someone would say, and not "He's a person from Vietnam and makes great pho!" Part of the reason this language appeals to me specifically is because in the same way you can't separate Vietnamese heritage from a person, you can't separate autism from a person, either.

Other Terminology: "Aspie" or "Autist"

Yet others prefer terms like aspie, which is short for the now-removed diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome. A term like aspie typically would refer to those autistics who are considered as having lower support needs (which is sometimes also referred to as high-functioning, but many autistic people take issue with the term), also known as those autistic people who are Level 1. (To read about what the different levels of autism mean, check out my appropriately-named article The Three Levels of Autism.)

I've also seen the term autist thrown around, typically when referring to someone famous with autism. For example, someone might say something like "the famous autist Anthony Hopkins was diagnosed with Asperger's in his 70s." However, I have also seen this term (among others) used in the pejorative sense, so some autistic people might not like it for the potential negative connotations.

The Answer: Whatever They Prefer

Ultimately, you should refer to someone in the way that they prefer to be referred to. If someone requests that you call them autistic, do that. If someone requests that you use person-first language and refer to them as a person with autism, do that. If they're okay with being called an autist or aspie, use those terms.

It's not difficult to refer to someone in the way in which they prefer, and it costs you little to nothing to do so (aside from perhaps the negligible mental effort of remembering). So, if you aren't sure, ask. Once they tell you, remember and utilize their preferred terminology. It'll go a long way toward making the autistic people in your life feel appreciated and understood.

Thanks for Reading!

Thanks for taking time out of your busy day to spend some time with me! I encourage all of my readers to RISE (Reflect, Improve, Strengthen, & Evolve) with me because healing is a lifelong journey — it’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. You are loved, cherished, and valued. Don’t ever let anyone ever convince you otherwise.

My commitment to bringing you FREE, well-researched, and comprehensive content means I spend considerable time and effort writing each article or post without compensation.

Want to Support Me?

The simplest FREE way you can support me is by subscribing, sharing, or leaving a comment:

Subscribe now

Share New Autistic

Leave a comment

I believe in keeping my content accessible to everyone, without paywalls, because I know the work I do matters. For that reason, I’m beyond grateful for any financial support! If you'd like to support me and my work, check out my art website at AriesArtwork.com to bring home something unique or find a gift for that special someone in your life:

I’ll see you again when I’ve got a new info-dump for you, my Newtistics Crew!

—Skylar Aries

Did you know that approximately 92 percent of children with autism meet the criteria for at least one non-autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis? Unfortunately, autism is a disorder that comes with a number of comorbidities, or co-occurring conditions. I addressed the overlap of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) here, but what are some of the other common comorbidities that we should be aware of?

In this article, I'll go through a number of comorbidities related to autism and provide evidence, statistics, and reputable sources to back up the information and claims made. As always, I encourage everyone to do their own research and come to their own conclusions. Note that the list below is in no particular order other than alphabetical, and that it may not be an exhaustive list of all comorbidities relating to autism (although I tried to be as exhaustive as I could).

Terms to Know

• ASD: Abbreviation for Autism Spectrum Disorder

• DSM: Abbreviation for The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the taxonomic and diagnostic tool published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA)

• Neurodivergent: People who are on the spectrum.

• Neurotypical: People who are not on the spectrum.

Alexithymia

Alexithymia is when someone has trouble identifying, experiencing, and expressing their emotions, as well as recognizing emotions in others. It's sometimes referred to "emotional blindness," and men are more likely to have alexithymia than women. Up to half of autistic people experience alexithymia, making it difficult for them to be in touch with their own emotions.

Scientists aren't sure why autistic people are more likely to be alexithymic, but some speculate that it could be due to the fact that autistic people have different brain structures than neurotypical people. Others speculate that it could be a distinctive personality trait related to autism.

Rates of Alexithymia in the General US Population: 4.89%

Estimated Rates of Alexithymia in Autistic People: Up to 49.9%

Here are some additional studies on the overlap of alexithymia and autism:

• "Alexithymia is common in ASD, both low and high-functioning... Most importantly however, there is also much trait overlap between alexithymia and ASD" (Poquerusse et al., 2018).

• "Alexithymia is known to be much more common in adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) compared with the typically developing (TD) adult population... We find that alexithymia is substantially elevated in ASD on both self- and parent-report measures" (Griffin et al., 2016).

• "There was also a higher prevalence of alexithymia in the ASD group (49.93% compared to 4.89%), with a significantly increased risk of alexithymia in autistic participants" (Kinnaird et al., 2019).

Anxiety/Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

General anxiety is quite common in autistic people, perhaps because they are "fully aware they’re struggling in ways their peers may not be, and that they have some sensitivities and issues that their peers may not," as clinical psychologist Dr. Jephtha Tausig put it. Anxiety may also manifest in many ways like phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and social anxiety -- all of which will be discussed later on in this article.

Rates of Anxiety Disorders in the General US Population: 2.7% to 19.1%

Estimated Rates of Anxiety Disorders in Autistic People: 20.1% to 56%

Here are some additional studies on the overlap of anxiety and autism:

• "Approximately 92% of children met criteria for at least one non-autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (78% attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, 58% oppositional defiant disorder, 56% anxiety, 30% mood)" (Brookman-Frazee et al., 2017).

• "Anxiety disorders were diagnosed in 20.1% of adults with ASD compared with 8.7% of controls (RR = 2.62 [95% CI 2.47–2.79]), with greatest risk for autistic people without intellectual disability" (Nimmo-Smith et al., 2020).

• "Across studies, 39.6% of young people with ASD had at least one comorbid DSM-IV anxiety disorder" (Steensel et al., 2011).

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

There is such a significant overlap between autism and ADHD that it gets its own page:

Chronic Pain Conditions

An increasing number of recent studies are showing that chronic pain conditions (including autoimmune disorders) are often comorbid with autism. On top of that, women and those assigned female at birth have higher rates of chronic pain than men or those assigned male at birth.

It's not clear why there is such an overlap between autism and chronic pain conditions, but some speculate that because many autistic people have hypo- and hyper-sensitivities (being under- or over-sensitive to certain stimuli), this can also impact their lives in other areas.

Rates of Chronic Pain Conditions in the General US Population: 21%

Estimated Rates of Chronic Pain Conditions in Autistic People: 55% to 76.6%

Here are some additional studies on the overlap of chronic pain conditions and autism:

• "Of the patients with autism, 55% presented to the clinic with widespread pain, 69% were assigned female at birth, and 17% identified as transgender or gender expansive" (Han et al., 2024).

• "A large majority of [women with ASD and/or ADHD] (76.6%) reported chronic pain. [Health-related quality of life] was low overall and lower still for those reporting chronic pain" (Asztély et al., 2019).

• "The prevalence of significant autistic traits, fibromyalgia and hypermobility were all much greater than expected at 63.4%, 40.6% and 43.7% respectively... Fibromyalgia was significantly associated with autistic traits" (Ryan et al., 2023).

Depression

Depression is extremely common among autistic adults, as people with autism are four times more likely to experience depression in their lifetime compared to neurotypical control groups. A survey by the National Autistic Society in the UK found that 83 percent of autistic people reported experiencing depression.

Reasons for high rates of depression among autistics may vary, but some scientists speculate that higher rates of being bullied during childhood and adolescence may play a role. Other studies suggest that "everyday discrimination, internalized stigma, and concealment [camouflage and masking]" may also contribute to higher rates of depression among autistics.

Rates of Depression in the General US Population: 6.7%

Estimated Rates of Depression in Autistic People: 14.4% to 28.5% (although including self-reported depressive issues can make that number rise to 48.6%)

Here are some additional studies on the overlap of depression and autism:

• "In conclusion, we found that the rates of depressive disorders are high among individuals with ASD. Compared to typically developing individuals, individuals with ASD are 4-times more likely to experience depression in their lifetime" (Hudson et al., 2019).

• "Individuals with ASD have increased rates of depression compared to the general population... Findings help pinpoint susceptibilities in ASD that may confer increased risk for depression" (Unruh et al., 2021).

• "In line with previous research, there are more autistic traits, more worries and less perceived control in those that are known with a history of depression. Moreover, there is, as expected, a direct relation between autism and depression" (van Heijst et al., 2019).

Eating Disorders

Many autistic people struggle with eating disorders, both eating too little (anorexia) and eating too much (binge eating), as well as avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). It's speculated that because autistic people have trouble with interoception (the process of perceiving senses inside the body like thirst, hunger, fullness, and pain), it's harder for them to eat intuitively.

Rates of Eating Disorders in the General US Population: 5%

Estimated Rates of Eating Disorders in Autistic People: Up to 70.4%

Here are some additional studies on the overlap of eating disorders and autism:

• "Atypical eating behaviors were significantly more common in autism (70.4%) than in children with other disorders (13.1%) and typical children (4.8%)" (Mayes & Zickgraf, 2019).

• "Greater autistic social traits in childhood could represent a risk factor for the development of disordered eating in adolescence" (Solmi et al., 2020).

• "We reported for the first time that not only [anorexia] but also [bulimia] and [binge eating disorder] patients show greater autistic traits compared to [control group]" (Gesi et. al, 2020).

• "Autistic traits or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be found in 4% to 52% of anorexic patients, which makes the treatment of these patients very challenging" (Tololeski et al., 2021).

Epilepsy and Seizures

We've known about the link between autism and epilepsy for a while now (the earliest study I could find dated back to 1971), but scientists still aren't quite sure why there is such an overlap. Some scientists speculate that it may be due to "genomic copy number variation or mutations in single genes" as both have been associated with autism and epilepsy.

Rates of Epilepsy in the General US Population: 1.2%

Estimated Rates of Epilepsy in Autistic People: Up to 46%

Here are some additional studies on the overlap of epilepsy and autism:

• "Based on a representative sample of children with ASD, the average prevalence of epilepsy is approximately 12% and reaches 26% by adolescence" (Viscidi et al., 2013).

• "...Our approach was to look at a range of severity factors relevant to ASD and to look for correlations between each severity factor and epilepsy, within two large samples of children with ASD. In summary, we found that each severity factor... independently predicted a small increased risk for epilepsy" (Ewen et al., 2019).

Gastrointestinal Issues

Most autistic people experience some degree of gastrointestinal issues (GI). The most commonly reported problems are constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Constipation has also found to be a common issue, with one study revealing that 85 percent of autistic children experience constipation. It's not clear why so many autistics suffer from GI, but some speculate it could be due to a different gut microbiome or the increased amount of stress and anxiety that autistic people live with.

Rates of Gastrointestinal Issues in the General US Population: 21%

Estimated Rates of Gastrointestinal Issues in Autistic People: 9% to 91%

Here are some additional studies on the overlap of gastrointestinal issues and autism:

• "Results indicate greater prevalence of [gastrointestinal] symptoms among children with ASD compared with control children" (McElhanon et al., 2014).

• "The prevalence of [gastrointestinal] symptoms in children with ASD varies from 9-91%. The most comprehensive meta-analysis to date revealed that children with ASD were more than four-fold more likely to develop GI problems than those without ASD and, further, that constipation, diarrhea and abdominal pain are reported most commonly" (Madra et al., 2020).

• "Functional constipation was the most common type of GID in children with ASD (85.0%)... Presence of GID in children with ASD was not associated with distinct dietary habits or medication status" (Gorrindo et al., 2012).

Insomnia and Sleep Troubles

Many autistic people experience insomnia and other sleep disturbances, including trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, waking up early, and daytime fatigue due to poor sleep. Worse yet, traditional sleep medications like melatonin and sedatives may not work as well in autistic people, according to one study: "Limited evidence exists regarding the use and efficacy of medications for the treatment of sleep disorders in [autistic children]."

Rates of Insomnia in the General US Population: 30%

Estimated Rates of Insomnia in Autistic People: 39% to 80%

Here are some additional studies on the overlap of insomnia and autism:

• "Approximately 50% to 80% of children and adolescents with ASD suffer from sleep problems in comparison to 20-30% in neurotypical (NT) children" (Xavier, 2021).

• "In line with the assumption that sleep problems in ASD are not limited to childhood but persist throughout development, the average [Insomnia Severity Index] score within the present sample was indicative of moderate insomnia" (Hohn et al., 2019).

• "Sleep problems are more than twice as common in young children with ASD and DD w/ASD" (Reynolds et al., 2019).

Intellectual Disabilities

Those with autism are more likely to have some form of intellectual disability compared to the average population. This typically means an individual has an intelligence quotient (IQ) of 70 to 75, although a score is no longer needed for a diagnosis of intellectual disability. Additionally, those autistic people with intellectual disabilities are much more likely to get diagnosed than those without (likely due to masking and compensating). It should be noted, however, that most autistic people still have an average to above average IQ, and remember that intellectual disability is not a requirement for an ASD diagnosis.

Rates of Intellectual Disabilities in the General US Population: 2.13%

Estimated Rates of Intellectual Disabilities in Autistic People: 31% to 37.9%

Here are some additional studies on the overlap of intellectual disabilities and autism:

• "Among the nine sites with sufficient data on intellectual ability, 31% of children with ASD were classified in the range of intellectual disability (intelligence quotient [IQ] <70), 25% were in the borderline range (IQ 71-85), and 44% had IQ scores in the average to above average range (i.e., IQ >85)" (Baio et al., 2018).

• "Among the 4,165 (66.7%) children with ASD with information on cognitive ability, 37.9% were classified as having an intellectual disability" (Maenner et al., 2020).

Mood Disorders

The term "mood disorders" refers to a wide range of disorders that unsurprisingly affect mood. This might include anxiety and depression, but could also refer to a number of other disorders. Autistic people who have no intellectual disability seem most prone to developing mood disorders. Some researchers speculate that since they are able to understand and be aware of their own impairments but not fix them, this leads to increased mental health troubles. Others suggest that accumulated stresses of living with autism can also contribute to mood disorders.

Rates of Mood Disorders in the General US Population: 21.4%

Estimated Rates of Mood Disorders in Autistic People: 30% to 91%

Here are some additional studies on the overlap of mood disorders and autism:

• "Approximately 92% of children met criteria for at least one non-autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (78% attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, 58% oppositional defiant disorder, 56% anxiety, 30% mood)" (Brookman-Frazee et al., 2017).

• "In our study group, 70% had experienced at least one episode of major depression, and 50% had suffered from recurrent depressive episodes. Anxiety disorders were seen in about 50%... In conclusion, young adults with autism spectrum disorders are at high risk for mood and anxiety disorders" (Lugnegard et al., 2011).

• "Ninety-one percent of children/adolescents [with ASD] and thirty-one percent of young adults [with ASD] were diagnosed with one or more co-occurring diagnoses using the [Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI)]" (Mosner et al., 2020).

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a long-lasting disorder in which a person experiences uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions), engages in repetitive behaviors (compulsions), or both. For that reason, it's perhaps not that surprising that a higher proportion of autistic people experience OCD as compared to the general population. In fact, studies have found that people in treatment for OCD often have a high number of autistic traits.

Rates of OCD in the General US Population: 0.47% to 2.3%

Estimated Rates of OCD in Autistic People: 3.43% to 17.4%

Here are some additional studies on the overlap of OCD and autism:

• "Across studies, 39.6% of young people with ASD had at least one comorbid DSM-IV anxiety disorder, the most frequent being specific phobia (29.8%) followed by OCD (17.4%) and social anxiety disorder (16.6%)" (van Steensel et al., 2011).

• "There is a high prevalence of previously undiagnosed ASD in patients with OCD. ASD traits are associated with greater OCD symptom-severity and poor insight" (Wikramanayake et al., 2018).

• "The high comorbidity, sequential risk, and shared familial risks between OCD and autism spectrum disorders are suggestive of partially shared etiological mechanisms between these severe mental disorders" (Meier et al., 2015).

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

The DSM-V describes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) as "a pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness lasting at least 6 months." ODD is a tricky disorder when it comes to autism because autistic people might have many of the symptoms of ODD, but not for the same reasons. For example, an autistic person might seem argumentative, but they're actually trying to understand the reasoning behind why a decision was made instead of deliberately trying to obstructive.

Rates of ODD in the General US Population: 2% to 11%

Estimated Rates of ODD in Autistic People: 28.1% to 58%

Here are some additional studies about the overlap between ODD and autism:

• "Approximately 92% of children met criteria for at least one non-autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (78% attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, 58% oppositional defiant disorder, 56% anxiety, 30% mood)" (Brookman-Frazee et al., 2017).

• "Seventy percent of [autistic study group] had at least one comorbid disorder and 41% had two or more. The most common diagnoses were social anxiety disorder (29.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI)] 13.2-45.1), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (28.2%, 95% CI 13.3-43.0), and oppositional defiant disorder (28.1%, 95% CI 13.9-42.2)" (Simonoff et al., 2008).

• "The DSM-5 tripartite model of ODD appears to be generalisable to ASD: for people with an autistic disorder, [angry and irritable symptoms], [argumentative and defiant behavior] and vindictive dimensions of oppositionality have distinct associations with concurrent psychopathology, suggesting the need to assess them as separate constructs" (Mandy et al., 2014).

Panic Disorders

People with panic disorder may have frequent and unexpected panic attacks characterized by a sudden wave of fear, discomfort, or a sense of losing control even when there is no clear danger or trigger. Women are more likely to develop panic disorders than men. People with autism are thought to have higher rates of panic disorders, although panic disorders also may be difficult to differentiate from meltdowns and shutdowns, which are common in autistics.

Rates of Panic Disorders in the General US Population: 2.7% to 4.7%

Estimated Rates of Panic Disorders in Autistic People: No concrete data available, although one study found that autistic people are about three times as likely as the general population to experience panic disorders.

• "In addition, social-phobic, obsessive-compulsive and panic-agoraphobic spectrum symptoms were always found to be higher in ASD subjects, second only to the group with a diagnosis matching the spectrum under investigation" (Amatori, 2023).

• "Adults with ASD without [intellectual disability] had higher adjusted risks of panic disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, PTSD, somatoform disorders and mixed anxiety and depression" (Nimmo-Smith, 2020).

Phobias

Phobias are uncontrollable, irrational, and persistent fears of something, often an object, situation, or activity. Like so many other conditions, autistic people seem to be disproportionately affected by phobias compared to the general population. This may have something to do with the prevalence of anxiety in autistic people (as anxiety can lead to the development of phobias), but we don't know for sure.

Rates of Phobias in the General US Population: 9.1% to 12.5%

Estimated Rates of Phobias in Autistic People: Up to 30%

Here are some additional studies on the overlap of phobias and autism:

• "Across studies, 39.6% of young people with ASD had at least one comorbid DSM-IV anxiety disorder, the most frequent being specific phobia (29.8%) followed by OCD (17.4%) and social anxiety disorder (16.6%)" (van Steensel et al., 2011).

• "Anxiety is common in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), with specific fears and phobias one of the most frequent subtypes. Specific fears and phobias can have a serious impact on young people with ASD and their families" (Maskey et al., 2014).

• A recent systematic review revealed that approximately 40% of patients with autism spectrum disorders are assigned at least one comorbid diagnosis of anxiety, the most frequent being specific phobia (30%)" (Meier et al., 2015).

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event like a sexual assault, car crash, natural disaster, or combat during warfare. It can lead to flashbacks, night terrors, anxiety, and substance abuse. Autistic adults are four times more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD than adults without ASD. Furthermore, although women are more likely to develop PTSD than men, in autistic populations, men are more likely to develop PTSD than women for reasons yet unknown.

Why autistic people are more likely to develop PTSD is unclear, although some researchers suggest that just being autistic in a neurotypical world is traumatic in and of itself, referring to it as "the experience of having autism and the trauma associated with that."

Rates of PTSD in the General US Population: 3.6% to 6.8%

Estimated Rates of PTSD in Autistic People: Up to 60%

Here are some additional studies about the overlap of PTSD and autism:

• "Adults with ASD without [intellectual disability] had higher adjusted risks of panic disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, PTSD, somatoform disorders and mixed anxiety and depression" (Nimmo-Smith, 2020).

• "Clinical and scientific data show a higher risk of adverse events and trauma in people with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD)... Adults with ASD are more than four times likely to be diagnosed with PTSD than adults without ASD" (Lobregt-van Buuren et al., 2021).

• "Autistic adults experienced a wide range of life events as traumatic, with over 40% showing probable PTSD within the last month and over 60% reporting probable PTSD at some point in their lifetime" (Rumball et al., 2020).

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a much more severe form of better-known premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Think of it as PMS on steroids, and not in a good way. While both PMS and PMDD may lead to bloating, headaches, breast tenderness, and irritability, PMDD tends to have more severe side effects, including panic attacks, extreme fatigue, feelings of overwhelm, and even suicidal ideation. Women with autism are far more likely than the general population to experience PMDD.

Reasons and causes for PMDD in general are unknown, although many researchers suggest that genetics, hormone sensitivity, and/or sensory sensitivity may play a role.

Rates of PMDD in the General US Population: 3%

Estimated Rates of PMDD in Autistic Women: 21% to 92%

Here are some additional studies on the overlap of PMDD and autism:

• "Using a premenstrual increase in DSM-IV symptoms of ≥ 30% as evidence of fulfilment of diagnostic criteria, the prevalence of late luteal phase dysphoric disorder [PMDD] was 92% in the autism group compared with 11% in the control group" (Obaydi & Puri, 2008).

• Seventy-nine percent of the adults with ASD have experienced any psychiatric disorder once in their lives... notable is the high percentage of females meeting criteria for a premenstrual dysphoric disorder (21%)" (Lever & Geurts, 2016).

Social Anxiety Disorder

It's well-known and probably unsurprising that many autistic people have trouble with social interactions. As I've touched on before, neurotypical people are less willing to interact with those with autism, neurotypical people react less favorably toward autistic people, and autistic people are viewed as deceptive and lacking credibility (even when telling the truth). For that reason, and more, it’s really no wonder that a good percentage of autistic folks develop social anxiety disorder.

Rates of Social Anxiety in the General US Population: 7% to 13%

Estimated Rates of Social Anxiety in Autistic People: 16.6% to 50% (some state that the upper number might be as high as 84%, but I can't find the study to back up that claim)

Here are some additional studies on the overlap of social anxiety and autism:

• "Adolescents with [high-functioning autism (HFA)/autism spectrum (AS)] scored higher than the community sample on all measures. Behavioural avoidance and evaluative social anxiety increased by age within the HFA/AS group, whereas behavioural avoidance decreased by age in control participants. Data support that HFA/AS in adolescents may be associated with clinically relevant social anxiety symptoms" (Kuusikko et al., 2008).

• "[Social anxiety (SA)], in individuals with ASD, was associated with poorer social skills and functioning, and reduced social motivation... These findings support the notion that there are links between core ASD characteristics and SA" (Spain et al., 2018).

• "A large subset (50%) of the adults with ASD met diagnostic criteria for [social anxiety disorder (SAD)]... Findings demonstrate that many adults with ASD are aware of their social difficulties and experience impairing social anxiety" (Maddox & White, 2015).

• "Seventy percent of [autistic study group] had at least one comorbid disorder and 41% had two or more. The most common diagnoses were social anxiety disorder (29.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI)] 13.2-45.1), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (28.2%, 95% CI 13.3-43.0), and oppositional defiant disorder (28.1%, 95% CI 13.9-42.2)" (Simonoff et al., 2008).

Substance Use Disorders/Addiction Problems

Autistic people are at greater risk for substance use disorders as compared to the general population. This may be because they use substances both as a way to self-medicate and to try to fit in better with their peers. It should be noted however that a 2021 study found that "autistic individuals might be less likely than non-autistic individuals to report engaging in substance misuse," so there seems to be some conflicting information out there.

I personally have had my own struggles with alcohol use disorder, which I discussed in my blog post A Knight in Shining Armor.

Rates of Substance Use Disorder in the General US Population: 16.7%

Estimated Rates of Substance Use Disorder in Autistic People: Up to 36%

Here are some additional studies on the overlap of substance abuse disorders/addiction problems and autism:

• "ASD, without diagnosed comorbidity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or intellectual disability, was related to a doubled risk of substance use-related problems. The risk of substance use-related problems was the highest among individuals with ASD and ADHD" (Butwicka et al., 2017).

• "Recent studies suggest that up to 36% of individuals with autism spectrum disorder may have a co-occurring issue with substance abuse" (Ressel et al., 2020).

• "These findings suggest that patients with ASD are vulnerable to the development of substance use disorder, and the use of psychotropic agents for autism is associated with a decreased risk of substance use disorder" (Huang et al., 2021).

Suicidal Ideation

Autistic people are much more likely to consider suicide compared to the general population with up to 66 percent of autistic adults experiencing suicidal ideation. Suicide is also one of the main reasons that autistic people have shorter life expectancies than the general population. Additionally, at least one study has found that autistic people with higher IQs are more likely to contemplate suicide.

It's believed that a number of factors relating to autism contribute to the increased percentage of suicidal ideation, including mental health problems, trauma, masking, camouflaging, and social isolation. If you are having suicidal thoughts yourself, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Unfortunately, I’ve had my own struggles with suicidal ideation, as touched on in my blog post A Knight in Shining Armor.

Rates of Suicidal Ideation in the General US Population: 4.3%

Estimated Rates of Suicidal Ideation in Autistic People: 19.7% to 66%

Here are some more studies on the overlap of suicidal ideation and autism:

• "Evidence of autism (10.8%) was significantly higher in those who died by suicide... Elevated autistic traits are significantly over-represented in those who die by suicide" (Cassidy et al., 2022).

• "Adults with [ASD] were significantly more likely to report lifetime experience of suicidal ideation than were individuals from a general UK population sample... Our findings lend support to anecdotal reports of increased rates of suicidal ideation in adults with [ASD], and depression as an important potential risk factor for suicidality in adults with this condition" (Cassidy et al., 2014).

• "These data suggest that suicidality in autistic people with ADHD may be partially related to perceived burdensomeness and to acquired suicide capability after exposure to painful and provocative events" (Moseley et al., 2024).

• "The findings suggest that high levels of autistic traits may frequently be present in adults who have attempted suicide, and that [autism quotient] scores are higher in those with a history of more than one suicide attempt" (Richards et al., 2019).

Summing it Up: The Complexity of Autism and Its Comorbidities

Understanding autism and its struggles means recognizing that it rarely exists in isolation. With an estimated 92% of autistic individuals experiencing at least one additional diagnosis, it’s clear that autism is often accompanied by a range of physical, neurological, and mental health conditions. These comorbidities — whether anxiety, ADHD, chronic pain, epilepsy, depression, or even suicidal ideation — add layers of complexity and difficulty to the autistic experience.

Rather than viewing autism as a singular condition, we must acknowledge the broad spectrum (pun intended) of challenges that come with it. Each autistic person’s experience is unique, shaped by the presence of other disorders that can impact their daily life, well-being, and quality of life. Recognizing these overlaps can lead to better healthcare, more effective treatment plans, and greater empathy from society as a whole.

Thanks for Reading!

Thanks for taking time out of your busy day to spend some time with me! I encourage all of my readers to RISE (Reflect, Improve, Strengthen, & Evolve) with me because healing is a lifelong journey — it’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. You are loved, cherished, and valued. Don’t ever let anyone ever convince you otherwise.

My commitment to bringing you FREE, well-researched, and comprehensive content means I spend considerable time and effort writing each article or post without compensation.

Want to Support Me?

The simplest FREE way you can support me is by subscribing, sharing, or leaving a comment:

Subscribe now

Share New Autistic

Leave a comment

I believe in keeping my content accessible to everyone, without paywalls, because I know the work I do matters. For that reason, I’m beyond grateful for any financial support! If you'd like to support me and my work, check out my art website at AriesArtwork.com to bring home something unique or find a gift for that special someone in your life:

I’ll see you again when I’ve got a new info-dump for you, my Newtistics Crew!

—Skylar Aries

Did you know that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are comorbid, or often found together? Essentially, if you have either autism or ADHD, you probably want to get evaluated for the other just because they are so often co-occurring. Having both is often referred to as being AuDHD — the combination of autism and ADHD.

"Autism is the order to ADHD's chaos." —Dr. Devon Price in Unmasking Autism

You Can Have Both?

Yes. When The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (commonly referred to as the DSM-V) was published in 2013, autism and ADHD were finally recognized as potentially co-existing conditions.

Before that, both conditions were not able to be diagnosed together. In fact, ASD was an exclusion criteria for ADHD in the DSM-IV (the previous edition of the DSM). However, even before the DSM was updated in 2013, there were studies done that suggested a correlation between ASD and ADHD. I've listed a number of these studies later in this article.

What's the Difference Between ADD and ADHD?

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is simply the old name for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADD was first added as a diagnosis in 1980 with the release of the DSM-III. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) changed the name to ADHD in 1987, and later added variations to the condition in the 1994 release of the DSM-IV: mostly hyperactive and impulsive, mostly inattentive, and a combined type that included all three symptoms.

Despite the many changes to the various editions of the DSM, some people still refer to ADHD as ADD, probably because they grew up using the latter term and are more familiar with it.

What Percentage of People Have Both ASD and ADHD?

That's the million-dollar question! The answer is that we're not entirely sure. Different studies have found a variety of percentages. There is a wide range of findings, although most of the evidence seems to point to a higher level of overlap than previously thought. Estimates range from around a 20 to 80 percent overlap in the diagnoses, which you can see evidence for in the next section.

Scientific Studies on the Comorbidity of Autism and ADHD

Interested in learning more about the overlap of autism and ADHD? Check out the following studies for more information, as well as the methodology and statistics used to come to those conclusions.

• "Evidence indicates both disorders co-occur with a high frequency, in 20-50% of children with ADHD meeting criteria for ASD and in 30-80% of ASD children meeting criteria for ADHD" (Rommelse et al., 2010).

• "According to the scientific literature, 50 to 70% of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) also present with comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)" (Hours et al., 2022).

• "This study aims to evaluate ADHD-like symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) based on single-item analysis, as well as the comparison of two ASD subsamples of children with ADHD (ASD+) and without ADHD (ASD-)... Of the sample, 53% [of children with ASD] fulfill DSM-IV criteria for ADHD" (Sinzig et al., 2009).

• "The aims of this systematic chart review were to determine the frequency of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a clinic sample of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD)... Of 83 children, 78% fulfilled Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) criteria for ADHD and exceeded the 93rd percentile norm for the ADHD RS" (Lee & Ousley, 2006).

• "Seventy percent of participants [children with ASD] had at least one comorbid disorder and 41% had two or more. The most common diagnoses were social anxiety disorder (29.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI)] 13.2-45.1), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (28.2%, 95% CI 13.3-43.0), and oppositional defiant disorder (28.1%, 95% CI 13.9-42.2)" (Simonoff et al., 2008).

Why are ASD and ADHD Found Together?

That's another great question that we don't exactly have answers for yet. There are a number of theories as to why there is such an overlap between the two, but there is no concrete or definitive reason that scientists can find yet. Some theories include:

• Genetics: Both ADHD and autism have a strong genetic component. More research is needed into how exactly genetics might play a role in this comorbidity.

• Neurodevelopmental Reasons: Since both ASD and ADHD are neurodevelopmental disorders, it's thought that brain development was somehow affected, leading to an overlap in the disorders.

• Brain Structure: We know that the structure of the autistic brain is different from the structure of a neurotypical brain, so it could be that simply having a different brain structure may make one more prone to having ADHD as well.

• Environmental Factors: Some theorize that prenatal or perinatal exposure to neurotoxic compounds like pesticides, insecticides, and phthalate esters (often used in the production of electronic, packaging, and children's toys) could affect brain development, leading to ASD or ADHD or both. A study released in 2024 suggested that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen to adverse neurodevelopment in humans and animals, including higher rates of ADHD.

Overlapping Symptoms

ASD and ADHD have a number of overlapping symptoms, making diagnosis and treatment a bit more complex. Both conditions commonly involve difficulties with attention, impulse control, emotional regulation, and social interactions. Both children and adults with either ASD or ADHD may struggle with following instructions, maintaining focus on tasks, and managing transitions between activities. Additionally, both groups can exhibit high levels of hyperactivity, restlessness, and difficulties with executive functioning, such as planning and organizing. Sensory sensitivities, often associated with autism, are also increasingly recognized in individuals with ADHD.

• Dyspraxia: Several studies have been conducted on dyspraxia (impaired basic motor control and difficulties with skilled gestures), revealing that both ASD and ADHD people struggle with this impairment.

• Shorter Lifespans: A 2025 study on life expectancy for over 9.5 million ADHD adults in the UK found that adults with diagnosed ADHD had a reduced life expectancy—6.78 years shorter for males and 8.64 years shorter for females—compared to the general population.

Conclusion: More Studies Needed

The overlap between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is more common than many realize, with a significant percentage of individuals diagnosed with one disorder also showing symptoms of the other. While the exact reasons for this comorbidity remain unclear, research suggests a variety of potential contributing factors, including genetics, neurodevelopmental differences, and environmental factors. Understanding the co-occurrence of ASD and ADHD (AuDHD), is essential for improving diagnosis, treatment, and support for individuals who experience both.

Thanks for Reading!

Thanks for taking time out of your busy day to spend some time with me! I encourage all of my readers to RISE (Reflect, Improve, Strengthen, & Evolve) with me because healing is a lifelong journey — it’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. You are loved, cherished, and valued. Don’t ever let anyone ever convince you otherwise.

My commitment to bringing you FREE, well-researched, and comprehensive content means I spend considerable time and effort writing each article or post without compensation.

Want to Support Me?

The simplest FREE way you can support me is by subscribing, sharing, or leaving a comment:

Subscribe now

Share New Autistic

Leave a comment

I believe in keeping my content accessible to everyone, without paywalls, because I know the work I do matters. For that reason, I’m beyond grateful for any financial support! If you'd like to support me and my work, check out my art website at AriesArtwork.com to bring home something unique or find a gift for that special someone in your life:

I’ll see you again when I’ve got a new info-dump for you, my Newtistics Crew!

—Skylar Aries

If you type “what is autism?” into Google or other search engines, you’ll come up with a number of different results, definitions, and descriptions — some outdated, some accurate, and some factually incorrect. It can be difficult to determine what is true and what isn’t, especially in this age of misinformation and disinformation. I’ve linked my findings below so you can see where the information I found came from. As always, I encourage you to do your own research and come to your own conclusions.

In addition, I will use the term autism interchangeably with the more formal terminology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for the sake of ease and understanding.

Etymology of the Word “Autism”

The word “autism” was first coined by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler in 1908. Bleuler used the term autism to describe schizophrenic patients who were withdrawn into their own worlds.

• aut: Derived from the Greek word autos, meaning “self.”

• ism: Referring to a condition, state of being, or manner of action or behavior characteristic of a specified person or thing.

Taken literally, autism was meant as a way to describe people who were lost or withdrawn within themselves. (As an aside, the Māori word for autism is takiwātanga, meaning “in his/her own time and space,” which I think defines autism very well.)

Descriptions of Autism

Throughout the years, there have been many different descriptions of autism — some academic and some rather derogatory (like wwhen autism was described as a “terminal illness,” which, although technically true, isn’t exactly an accurate portrayal of the condition).

Autism is terminal in the sense that it can’t be cured, but it’s not going to be the reason that someone ends up dead; other comorbid mental and physical health issues that go along with autism would be the main factors in such cases.

Now, let’s take a look at the ways in which autism has been described by medical and psychiatric associations and organizations.

American Psychiatric Association (APA): “Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition involving persistent challenges with social communication, restricted interests and repetitive behavior.”

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): “Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.”

WebMD: “Autism, also called autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complicated, lifelong condition that includes problems with communication and behavior.”

Cleveland Clinic: “Autism, now called autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder. ASD is a developmental disability caused by differences in your child’s brain. “

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): “Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain.”

Mayo Clinic: “Autism spectrum disorder is a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication.”

What Autism Isn’t

Now that we know what autism is, it’s time to also address some of the apocryphal beliefs about autism. Autism is not:

• an illness

• an intellectual disability (although some autistic people may have intellectual impairments, it’s not part of the diagnostic criteria)

• a speech impediment or selective mutism

• an intentional way someone behaves to be “difficult”

• just being socially awkward, quirky, or weird

• a monster seeking to break up marriages (as the Autism Speaks organization suggested in their problematic 2009 “I am Autism” video in which they state, “And if you’re happily married, [autism] will make sure that your marriage fails“)

• only restricted to children (autistic children grow into autistic adults; hard to believe, I know)

To learn more about other misconceptions about autism, read my article Misconceptions About Autism.

Putting it All Together

Okay, now that we have a better picture of what autism is, we can see that most reputable associations and organizations agree that autism:

• is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by differences in the brain

• is a spectrum disorder, with some individuals being more heavily impacted by it than others

• impacts people’s ability to interact with others in terms of communication and behavior

• impacts people’s lives in terms of restricted interests and repetitive behavior

In essence, autism is a different way of interacting with and perceiving the world. It exists on a spectrum, with some autistic people needing far more support than others. To learn more about the three levels of autism, check out my aptly-named article The Three Levels of Autism.

There is also a growing body of evidence that autistic and other neurodivergent peoples’ brains are structured differently from neurotypical brains (people not on the spectrum), which could explain many of the differences between neurodivergents and neurotypicals. I will write an in-depth article about this at some point.

Autism Defined

You now hopefully have a clearer image of what autism is and isn’t, but know that changes are almost inevitable. I am sure that there will be additional modifications to the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis and descriptors in future publications of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (often referred to as the DSM), as new research and findings are what push science and medicine forward.

That being said, now you know that autism is far more than just a label or a set of behaviors to be understood from a distance; it’s a complex, multifaceted condition that shapes how individuals interact with and perceive the world around them. Despite the growing body of research, there are still many misconceptions and outdated beliefs that cloud the true nature of autism. As we continue to better understand the neurological and developmental aspects of autism, it becomes clear that it is not something to be feared or stigmatized. Instead, autism should be embraced as another way of being, one that reflects the diversity of human experience.

Thanks for Reading!

Thanks for taking time out of your busy day to spend some time with me! I encourage all of my readers to RISE (Reflect, Improve, Strengthen, & Evolve) with me because healing is a lifelong journey — it’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. You are loved, cherished, and valued. Don’t ever let anyone ever convince you otherwise.

My commitment to bringing you FREE, well-researched, and comprehensive content means I spend considerable time and effort writing each article or post without compensation.

Want to Support Me?

The simplest FREE way you can support me is by subscribing, sharing, or leaving a comment:

Subscribe now

Share New Autistic

Leave a comment

I believe in keeping my content accessible to everyone, without paywalls, because I know the work I do matters. For that reason, I’m beyond grateful for any financial support! If you'd like to support me and my work, check out my art website at AriesArtwork.com to bring home something unique or find a gift for that special someone in your life:

I’ll see you again when I’ve got a new info-dump for you, my Newtistics Crew!

—Skylar Aries