What is Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. ASD is a spectrum disorder, meaning symptoms can range from mild to severe. The effects of ASD and the severity of symptoms are different in each person.
There is no known cause of Autism, and there is no blood test to diagnose it. Autism occurs across all economic, ethnic, cultural, and educational environments. A 2020 study by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that 2.2% of American adults have an Autism spectrum condition. That adds up to 5.4 million people aged 18 and older, or about 1 in 45 adults (Fox, 2020).
Often, profound forms of Autism are diagnosed in the first two years of a child’s life based upon missed developmental milestones, but for individuals who achieved the traditional walking, talking, and intellectual ability milestones – especially those born before the year 2000 – Autism may not be diagnosed until much later in life.
“I got an Autism diagnosis as an adult. I lived in a rural community growing up with no supports or Autism programs. Getting diagnosed with Autism was a life-changing diagnosis because I had so many communication challenges and terrible meltdowns, and no one ever linked them to Autism. I always loved art growing up, and now, I make all kinds of pieces. I never realized art could help me communicate. Now, I use art to communicate my goals.” – AH, age 34
