What Is Autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disability that affects how a person experiences the world, processes information, and interacts with others. But if you’re looking for a one-size-fits-all definition, you won’t find it—because autism isn’t just one thing. It’s a spectrum, meaning it looks different for everyone. Some autistic people are chatty, others are non-speaking. Some love bright lights and loud music, others find them unbearable. It’s not about being more or less autistic—it’s just different ways of being autistic.
Autism 101: The Basics
Autism (officially called Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD) is a lifelong condition that affects:
Communication – Some autistic people struggle with spoken language, while others might talk a lot but miss unspoken social rules (like when to stop talking about their latest hyperfixation).
Sensory Processing – The world can feel way too loud, too bright, too itchy, too everything. Or, sometimes, not enough—leading some autistic people to seek out certain textures, sounds, or movements.
Social Interaction – Reading between the lines in conversations or understanding facial expressions doesn’t always come naturally. This can make socializing exhausting, confusing, or just not that interesting.
Repetitive Behaviors & Routines – Stimming (like flapping hands, rocking, or repeating words) helps regulate emotions and sensory input. Routines provide stability in a world that often feels unpredictable.
Autism Is a Disability—But That’s Not a Bad Word
Autism is officially recognized as a disability because the world isn’t built with autistic people in mind. That’s not to say autistic people are “broken” or “less than”—it just means they experience barriers that neurotypical (non-autistic) people don’t.
Think of it this way: If a wheelchair user arrives at a building with stairs and no ramp, the problem isn’t the wheelchair—it’s the lack of accessibility. The same goes for autism. The struggles autistic people face often come from an environment that isn’t designed for them. With the right support and accommodations, autistic people can thrive.
Myths About Autism (That Need to Go Away)
“Autistic people don’t have empathy.” Nope. Many autistic people feel emotions deeply—sometimes too much—but might express them differently.
“Everyone’s a little autistic.” Not really. Many people relate to certain autistic traits, but autism is a distinct neurotype, not a quirky personality trait.
“Autism only affects kids.” Autistic kids grow up to be autistic adults. Shocking, right?
“Autism is caused by [insert debunked theory here].” No, vaccines don’t cause autism. Neither does bad parenting, diet, or screen time. Autism is just part of how some people are wired.
Why Understanding Autism Matters
Autistic people are everywhere. They’re your coworkers, classmates, friends, and family members. The more people understand autism, the easier it becomes to create a world where autistic individuals don’t have to constantly adapt to a system that wasn’t built for them.
So, what is autism? It’s a different way of experiencing the world—one that comes with challenges but also strengths. Autistic people aren’t a puzzle to be solved; they’re just people, living their lives, hoping for the same things as everyone else: acceptance, respect, and a little more understanding.
