Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that shapes how a person communicates, relates to others, and experiences the world. The CDC describes it as a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Signs start before age 3, the condition can continue through adulthood, and how it shows can change over time. One autistic person may speak very little and need daily help, while another holds a demanding job. In India, a 2018 PLOS Medicine survey of 3,964 children across five regions found autism in 1.0% of those aged 2 to 5 and 1.4% of those aged 6 to 9, about 1 in 100. Smaller studies report lower figures.
What are the signs of autism in children?
The signs of autism in children fall into two groups: differences in social communication, and repetitive or restricted behaviours. The CDC lists examples such as these:
- Does not respond to their name by 9 months
- Uses few or no gestures, such as waving, by 12 months
- Does not point to show you something interesting by 18 months
- Does not notice other children and join their play by age 3
- Lines up toys and becomes upset when the order changes
- Repeats words or phrases over and over
- Reacts in unusual ways to sounds, smells, tastes, or touch
Many children also have delayed speech, unusual sleep or eating habits, or constipation. Some lose skills they had gained by about 18 to 24 months. A child may show only a few of these signs, so a missing sign does not rule autism out.
What are the signs of autism in adults?
Autistic adults often find social situations tiring and prefer fixed routines. The NHS lists signs such as:
- Finding it hard to talk to people, or spending much more time alone
- Difficulty reading facial expressions, gestures, or tone of voice
- Taking phrases literally, such as “break a leg”
- Distress when routines change
- Repetitive movements such as rocking or hand flapping, called stimming
- Intense, specialised interests
- Strong sensitivity, or none at all, to light, sound, smell, taste, or texture
The NHS explains that many adults learn to mask, meaning they adapt their behaviour so signs are less visible, which can make daily life exhausting. Autistic women may be more likely to mask, copying others and seeming to cope well socially, though autistic men mask too. Anxiety, depression, or ADHD can blur the picture further.
How is autism diagnosed?
No blood test or other medical test can diagnose autism. Clinicians reach a diagnosis by reviewing a person’s developmental history and behaviour.
For children, the process runs in three steps. Developmental monitoring means parents and doctors track milestones over time. Developmental screening uses a short questionnaire, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends general screening at 9, 18, and 30 months and autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months. A screening result is not a diagnosis. If it raises concern, specialists such as a developmental paediatrician, child psychologist, or speech-language pathologist carry out a formal evaluation. The CDC says a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered reliable by age 2, yet many children are diagnosed much later.
Adults take a different route. The NHS advises seeing a primary care doctor, who can refer you for an autism assessment. Late diagnosis can be harder because some traits resemble ADHD or anxiety, according to Penn Medicine.
Specialists apply the DSM-5-TR criteria from the American Psychiatric Association: persistent difficulties in social communication and interaction, plus restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour or interests. Each area receives a support level: level 1 (requiring support), level 2 (requiring substantial support), or level 3 (requiring very substantial support).
What causes autism?
No single cause explains autism. The CDC says several factors appear to act together. Risk factors it names include having a sibling with autism, certain genetic conditions such as fragile X syndrome, complications at birth, and older parents. Parenting does not cause autism. WHO also states that extensive research shows the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine does not cause autism, and that other childhood vaccines do not raise the risk.
What support helps autistic children?
Support works best when it starts early and fits the child. The CDC reports that early intervention can greatly improve a child’s development. Common options include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, structured behavioural programmes such as applied behavior analysis, and classroom methods built on visual schedules. No medicine treats the core features of autism, though doctors may prescribe one for linked problems such as anxiety, sleep difficulty, or seizures.
At home, the NHS suggests keeping routines familiar, warning your child about changes early, reducing noise and bright light, and leaving time to rest. Tell the school what your child needs, such as a quiet space.
What support is available for autistic adults?
Autistic adults can get support that fits daily life, whether they were diagnosed young or late. Many also live with anxiety, depression, or ADHD. The CDC notes that cognitive behavioural therapy can help people cope with anxiety and depression, and social skills groups give a structured place to practise conversation. At work, changes such as a quieter area, more time working from home, or a chosen way of communicating with colleagues can help. The NHS calls these reasonable adjustments.
Need guidance on an autism assessment or care plan?
Sunshine Wellness Centre in Vasai East, near Mumbai, offers autism spectrum disorder care for children, adolescents, and adults. The team provides developmental assessment, psychiatric support for linked concerns such as anxiety or sleep, behavioural guidance, and guidance for parents and families.
To ask about an assessment or a care plan, contact the team or message on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the early signs of autism in children?
Early signs may include differences in communication, social interaction, gestures, repetitive behaviours, or responses to sensory input.
- Can autism be diagnosed in adults?
Yes, Adults can be diagnosed through a professional assessment that considers developmental history, behaviour, and current experiences.
- What causes autism spectrum disorder?
Autism is associated with genetic and developmental factors. There is no single known cause.
- Can autism be cured?
There is no established cure for autism, but individualised support and therapies can help improve daily functioning and quality of life.
- At what age can autism be diagnosed?
Autism can sometimes be identified by 18 months, although some children and adults receive a diagnosis much later.
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