What is Autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how people experience and navigate the world. It’s often described as a spectrum, not because there’s a range from “less Autistic” to “more Autistic,” but because Autistic people experience traits in unique combinations. These traits include differences in communication, sensory processing, and emotional regulation.

Importantly, Autism exists within the context of a person’s intersecting identities, such as race, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic background. For example, Black Autistic people are less likely to be diagnosed and are often misdiagnosed, while women and nonbinary Autistic people are often overlooked due to diagnostic criteria rooted in white, male experiences. Recognizing these disparities is critical to building equitable support systems.

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Common Autism Traits

1. Communication differences

Autistic people may prefer direct, literal communication and often struggle with unwritten social rules or expectations. For some, nonverbal communication—like making eye contact or reading facial expressions—feels unnatural or overwhelming. These differences are only a challenge when others fail to accommodate them, such as expecting a neurotypical style of interaction.

2. Sensory processing

Autistic people often experience heightened or reduced sensitivity to sensory inputs like light, sound, texture, or smell. For some, sensory overwhelm can create significant barriers, such as fluorescent lights or loud environments. However, sensory processing differences can also be a source of joy and unique perspective—for example, noticing patterns or details that others overlook.

3. Special interests and hyperfocus

Many Autistic people have intense, passionate interests that bring them joy and meaning. These “special interests” are often deep wells of knowledge or creativity. Hyperfocus, while not unique to Autism, allows Autistic people to become deeply immersed in a task or topic, often leading to exceptional outcomes.

4. Emotional regulation

Autistic people may feel emotions intensely or struggle with identifying and expressing their feelings, sometimes referred to as alexithymia. This doesn’t mean a lack of empathy—in fact, many Autistic people are deeply empathetic—but it highlights the need for accommodations that respect emotional processing differences.

5. Routine and predictability

Predictable routines often create a sense of safety for Autistic individuals in a world that can feel chaotic. When systems or schedules change unexpectedly, it can lead to distress, not because of inflexibility, but because of the time and energy required to adapt.