There isn't one specific word for the fear of autistic people (autophobia in general), but the fear experienced by autistic people is often called the "fear of being perceived", stemming from deep-seated internalized ableism, anxiety, and societal stigma, leading to discomfort with being watched, judged, or misunderstood as deficient. The broader societal fear or dislike of autism itself is sometimes termed autistiphobia or seen as a form of ableism, manifesting as discrimination or antipathy.
Types of Anxiety in Children with Autism
Phobias, or intense, irrational fears of specific things. In children with autism, such phobias can arise from heightened sensory stimulation such as loud noises (for example, fear of popping balloons at an early age can develop into a phobia).
Discussion. The present study reports on predictors of mortality over a 20-year period in a large community-based cohort of adolescents and adults with ASD. In this cohort, 6.4% died during the 20-year follow-up period, and the average age at death was 39 years.
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.
Strategies to consider include distraction, diversion, helping the person use calming strategies such as fiddle toys or listening to music, removing any potential triggers, and staying calm yourself.
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.
A shutdown has similar feelings as a meltdown however instead of being shown outwardly they are all trapped inside. A shutdown is the equivalent of the 'freeze' response when the brain chooses between fight, flight, or freeze.
Donald Triplett, autism's 'Case 1,' dies at 89. Triplett gained media attention for his autism later in life, and he became the face of the effort to research the lives of older adults with autism.
Autism prevalence. 1 in 31 children in the U.S. has autism, up from the previous rate of 1 in 36. 1 in 45 adults in the U.S. has autism. In the U.S., about 4 in 100 boys and 1 in 100 girls have autism.
Understanding the 6 stages of an autism meltdown can help parents, caregivers, and educators respond with empathy and support.
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.
The longest living autistic person known is Donald Gray Triplett, famously known as “Case 1,” who was the first person ever diagnosed with autism. He lived until 89 years old, passing away in 2023.
What NOT to Say to Someone with 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.
"Looping" in autism, often called "autism looping," is a non-clinical term for getting stuck in repetitive thought patterns, questions, or phrases, like a broken record, often due to anxiety, sensory overload, or a need for resolution, making it hard to switch focus and causing stress, overlapping with perseveration and rumination. It can manifest as replaying conversations, worrying intensely, or repeating sounds/words (echolalia) as a way to process or self-regulate.
Savant syndrome is a rare, but extraordinary, condition in which persons with serious mental disabilities, including autistic disorder, have some 'island of genius' which stands in marked, incongruous contrast to overall handicap.
Experts haven't found a single cause of autism. It's likely a combination of genetics and certain things related to pregnancy, labor and delivery. You might see these things described as “environmental factors” or “prenatal events.” These factors all interact to lead to the brain differences we see in autism.
An autism meltdown in adults happens when the brain can no longer process or regulate the stress it is under. It is not a behavior used to manipulate or gain attention. Instead, it is a full-body and emotional reaction to being overwhelmed. During an adult autistic meltdown, some people may cry, shout, or pace.
1 in 100 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder as of 2021. Autism prevalence has increased 178% since 2000. The country with the highest rate of diagnosed autism in the world is Qatar, and the country with the lowest rate is France.
The concept of autism was coined in 1911 by the German psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler to describe a symptom of the most severe cases of schizophrenia, a concept he had also created.
There is no cure for autism spectrum disorder, and there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Treatment seeks to support your child's learning, development and behavior.
Donald Triplett
As the first person ever diagnosed with autism, Donald's life story has helped researchers understand long-term aging with autism. Living until age 89, he far surpassed many statistical life expectancy estimates for autistic individuals.
Yelling at an autistic child can cause confusion, fear, and emotional distress that may last far longer than you'd expect. Because autistic kids often process language, tone, and emotions differently, loud voices can be overwhelming—sometimes even physically painful.
Brain Variances in Autistic Individuals
The gray matter, responsible for information processing, is found in reduced volumes in certain regions of the cerebral cortex in individuals with autism. This reduction may impact various cognitive functions, including social interactions, communication, and sensory processing.
Encouraging Mindfulness Techniques
Mindfulness techniques can be highly beneficial in managing overthinking. Encouraging these practices can help individuals with autism focus on the present moment, thereby reducing repetitive thought patterns.