There's a strong link between gut health and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with many autistic individuals experiencing gastrointestinal issues and showing different gut microbiomes, but research suggests this is often due to factors like picky eating rather than the microbiome directly causing autism; however, the gut-brain axis means gut imbalances can affect behavior, and interventions targeting gut health (like diet, probiotics, or fecal transplants) show promise for improving GI and some behavioral symptoms, though more research is needed to understand causality and best treatments.
There is not just one cause of ASD. Many different factors have been identified that may make a child more likely to have ASD, including environmental, biologic, and genetic factors.
Around 90% of autism cases are attributed to genetic factors, meaning autism is highly heritable, with many different genes contributing, rather than a single cause, often interacting with environmental influences during early brain development, though specific environmental factors don't cause it but can increase risk. Twin studies show strong genetic links, with concordance rates between 60-90% in identical twins, and research points to complex interactions of many genes and prenatal/perinatal factors.
The "6-second rule" for autism is a communication strategy where a speaker pauses for about six seconds after asking a question or giving information, giving the autistic person extra time to process it without feeling rushed, which helps reduce anxiety and allows for a more thoughtful response, reducing frustration for both parties. Instead of repeating or rephrasing, which can be confusing, you wait, and if needed, repeat the exact same words after the pause.
Common signs of autism in adults include:
Top 10 Calming Strategies for Autism
Chinning is a form of repetitive self-stimulatory behavior (stimming) that you may notice in children or adults with autism. It involves pressing, rubbing, or holding the chin against objects, surfaces, or even hands to gain sensory input or comfort.
Children with autism may exhibit rigidity, inflexibility and certain types of repetitive behavior such as: Insistence on following a specific routine. Having difficulty accepting changes in the schedule. A strong preoccupation with a particular interest.
In general, people who have an active lifestyle are much more emotionally resilient and focused. There also seems to be some evidence that physical exercise helps people with depression and ADHD, which are commonly co-occurring conditions with autism.
Why is autism on the rise? Autism prevalence has risen due to increased awareness of autism, broader diagnostic criteria for autism, improved screening tools and standardized screening processes. These factors have led to earlier detection and more diagnoses.
A: Both parents can carry genes associated with autism, even if they don't show any signs themselves. These genes can be passed down to children through either the mother, the father, or both.
Understanding the 6 stages of an autism meltdown can help parents, caregivers, and educators respond with empathy and support.
It's something you're born with. Signs of autism might be noticed when you're very young, or not until you're older. If you're autistic, you're autistic your whole life.
There's no single "best" treatment for autism worldwide; rather, effective approaches are individualized, with Behavioral Therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech, occupational, and educational therapies being the most evidence-based for skill-building, communication, and managing behaviors, alongside potential medication for associated symptoms. A comprehensive plan often combines therapies like ABA (focusing on positive reinforcement for skills), educational programs, speech/language support, occupational therapy (daily living), and family training, tailored to the person's unique needs to improve quality of life.
What NOT to Say to Someone with Autism
Reaching to one's own forehead in response to a marked mirror image has traditionally been conceptualized as an important, initial measure of self awareness (the mirror self recognition test, or MSR, e.g. Gallup, 1970) and it typically emerges between the ages of 18 and 24 months (Bertenthal and Fischer, 1978).
Seven key signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often involve challenges with social communication (like avoiding eye contact, not responding to names), restricted/repetitive behaviors (like repetitive movements or strict routines), sensory sensitivities (unusual reactions to sounds, lights, textures), and difficulties with emotional understanding or verbal expression, though signs vary greatly and appear differently across ages. Key indicators include limited gestures, delayed speech, intense focus on specific objects, difficulty with pretend play, and strong distress when routines change.
A number of studies have reported data on the timing of regression ranging anywhere from the second year of life to 81 months [19]. A recent meta-analysis found that across 28 studies, the average reported age of regression was around 20 months of age [20].
Babies with Autism Do Smile – Just Not Always How You Would Expect. A common misconception about autism is that babies with autism don't smile. They do — but their smiles may appear less frequently, come at unexpected moments, or not seem directly tied to social interaction.
Common Obsessions in Autism
One concept that has gained increasing attention is Cassandra Syndrome-a situation where one partner (often the neurotypical) feels unheard, unseen, or invalidated, especially when their struggles in the relationship are minimized or dismissed.
In autistic people this can result in a meltdown (the equivalent of the 'fight' response) which is often mistaken for a temper tantrum. Meltdowns can be expressed verbally (eg, shouting, growling, or crying), physically (eg, kicking or flapping) or a mixture of both ways.
A child with mild autism can ultimately lead a very “normal”, productive, and independent life. With early intervention, a child with autism can learn the skills needed for successful navigation in communication and social interaction with peers in school.