If you’ve ever heard the saying, “If you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met one autistic person,” you already know the first golden rule: autism is not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. It’s more like a giant, beautiful quilt—full of different colors, patterns, and textures—stitched together with individuality. 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that affects how people experience the world and interact with others. It’s called a spectrum because people diagnosed with autism can have a huge range of strengths, challenges, and preferences. Think of it less like a straight line from “less autistic” to “more autistic” and more like a color wheel; each person has their own unique combination of traits. 

Common characteristics sometimes include: 

• Different communication styles: Some people are chatty, others prefer written words, and some use devices to communicate. 

• Sensory differences: Bright lights, certain textures, or loud noises might be overwhelming while soft fabrics, deep pressure, or a favorite song on repeat can be pure joy. 

• Special interests: These can be deep, passionate, and incredibly detailed (think PhD-level knowledge about dinosaurs at age 8). 

How Autism Is Diagnosed 

There’s no single blood test or brain scan that says, “Congratulations! You have autism!” But wouldn’t it be nice if doctors delivered the news this way? Diagnosing ASD usually involves a combination of observations, questionnaires, and interviews with parents, caregivers, or the individual themselves. 

For children, a pediatrician might first notice signs during developmental checkups, then refer to specialists like developmental pediatricians, child psychologists, or neurologists. Adults can also be diagnosed—often through neuropsychologists or clinicians experienced in adult autism assessment. 

A thorough evaluation usually looks at: 

• Social communication skills 

• Patterns of behavior or interests 

• Sensory responses 

• Developmental history 

The goal is to get enough clues to understand a unique brain. 

Therapies & Supports That Help 

Because autism is a spectrum, forms of support are highly individualized. The goal isn’t to cure autism (you can’t and shouldn’t), but to help people with autism thrive in a world that often isn’t designed for them. Some helpful approaches include: 

• Speech and language therapy: helps with communication skills—whether spoken, written, or device-based 

• Occupational therapy (OT): builds skills for daily life and helps manage sensory challenges 

• Social skills support: offers structured practice for navigating social situations while respecting the person’s authentic style 

• Behavioral support: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or other approaches, used thoughtfully and respectfully, can encourage independence and reduce distress 

• Sensory integration therapy: supports processing of sights, sounds, textures, and other sensory input 

• Community support: includes autism-friendly activities, peer groups, and safe spaces like designated low-sensory times to shop, go to an amusement park, or a movie  

These forms of support can make all the difference. 

Assumptions we can kindly correct: 

1. “All autistic people are the same.” Nope. There’s as much variety in people with autism as in any other group of humans. 

1. “Autistic people don’t have empathy.” Wrong again. Empathy can be expressed differently, but many people with autism feel deeply. 

1. “It’s caused by bad parenting.” Absolutely not. Science says autism is linked to differences in brain development and likely has a genetic component. 

Unique Perspectives: 

People with autism often pay extraordinary attention to detail, honesty (one of their best traits), creativity, and dedication to the things they love. Sure, the world isn’t always designed for accessibility, which can make some situations challenging—but that’s not a flaw in the person. It’s a design flaw in the world. 

The best thing we can do is create environments that are flexible, accepting, and celebrate neurodiversity. Because when people with autism get to be their authentic selves, they shine—and we all benefit from that light.  Inclusion, anyone? 

So next time you meet a person with autism, don’t focus on preconceived assumptions linked to a diagnosis. Get curious. Ask questions. Appreciate their perspective. Autism is a reminder that there’s more than one beautiful way to see and experience the world and that different doesn’t equal wrong.