The Causes

The causes of autism remain something of a mystery, although it often runs in families, hinting at a possible genetic factor.

What we do know is that it's not :

• Caused by vaccines
• Due to bad parenting
• Linked to diet
• A contagious condition

So what could cause it?

• Autism often runs in families, suggesting a strong genetic component.
• Specific genes associated with brain development and function have been linked to autism.
• Advanced parental age (either parent) at the time of conception.
• Complications during pregnancy, such as exposure to toxins, infections, or medications.
• Exposure to certain environmental toxins (like pesticides or air pollutants) during pregnancy.

Recognising Autism in Adults

The way autism shows can vary greatly, but there are some common traits that many autistic adults share.

• Struggling to understand what others are feeling or thinking
• Experiencing high levels of anxiety in social settings
• Facing difficulties in making friends and a preference for solitude
• Unintentionally appearing blunt or disinterested in others
• Difficulty in expressing emotions verbally
• Taking words and expressions literally, such as not understanding idiomatic phrases or sarcasm
• Feeling distressed when daily routines are disrupted

You might also notice

• Ignorance of social norms like not interrupting people while they speak
• Averting eye contact during conversations
• Sensitivity to personal space, either by invading it or being uncomfortable when others do so
• Observing details, patterns, or sensations that most people overlook
• An intense focus on specific topics or activities
• A tendency to meticulously plan before taking action

Autism in girls

Autism can manifest differently between men and women. Let's look at signs in girls first:

• Mask autistic traits to blend into social norms
• Tend to be quieter and more reserved
• Seem to navigate social situations more effectively
• Display fewer repetitive behaviours
• Consequently, diagnosing autism in women can sometimes be more challenging.

Autism in Boys

Here are common signs in boys:

• Display more overt repetitive behaviours, such as hand-flapping or lining up objects.
• Show intense interest in specific topics or objects (e.g., trains, dinosaurs, technology).
• May struggle with verbal and non-verbal communication, such as maintaining eye contact.
• Difficulty understanding social cues or engaging in back-and-forth conversations.
• Exhibit noticeable sensory sensitivities (e.g., aversion to loud noises or bright lights).
• Behavioural signs may become apparent earlier in childhood, making diagnosis more common at a younger age.

Related Conditions That Often Co-Occur

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with ASD, it's worth being aware of other conditions that can sometimes go hand-in-hand. These aren't part of ASD itself but are often found alongside it.