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Autism explained: causes & symptoms

Autism NDIS

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Your questions on Autism answered

We often hear the term Autism. But what is it exactly, what are the symptoms, what causes it and how do you support those with Autism? This article answers these questions and more. 

What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviours or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention.


The first key component in understanding Autism is to know what the different types of Autism are. There are five major types of Autism which include Asperger's syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, Kanner's syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified.

Autism Symptoms

While every person with Autism is unique, common characteristics include effects on the five senses, social interactions, and emotional expression.

  • Problems with social interaction with others. This may include problems talking back and forth, working, or playing with others.
  • Unusual interest in objects
  • Need for consistency 
  • Great variation in abilities
  • Under or over reaction to one or more of the five senses: sight, touch, taste, smell, or hearing
  • Repeated actions or body movements
  • Unusual emotional reactions and expression

People with Autism often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviours or interests. People with Autism may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention.

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What causes Autism?

Autism affects approximately 1 in 160 individuals and is more common in males than females. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder which usually appears very early, before the age of 3 years.


Autism is very heterogeneous, both in which symptoms most affect a person, and the severity of symptoms. While Autism affects most people throughout their lifespan, the course can be quite different for different people, with some having significant improvement in symptoms as they get older, while other remaining unchanged or developing new problems such as seizures. People with Autism can also develop other mental health problems, such as depression.


While we do not know exactly what causes Autism, it likely comes about through a combination of genetic and environmental factors that affect the developing brain. Over a hundred different genes have been associated with the risk for Autism. The current name “Autism Spectrum Disorders” reflects the likelihood that what we call Autism probably represents a range of neurodevelopmental syndromes that may have different causes. One of the great challenges for research in Autism is to try to better understand how differences between individuals with Autism relate to how they respond to different kinds of interventions.

How does Autism affect social interactions?

People on the Autism spectrum may find social interaction difficult, which can impact their ability to: Start or hold a conversation. Understand non-verbal communication cues including body language and facial expressions that gives context to what is being said. Make and maintain eye contact.

 

While every child with ASD is unique, common characteristics include effects on the five senses, social interactions, and emotional expression.

  • Problems with social interaction with others. This may include problems talking back and forth, working, or playing with others.
  • Unusual interest in objects
  • Need for consistency 
  • Great variation in abilities
  • Under or over reaction to one or more of the five senses: sight, touch, taste, smell, or hearing
  • Repeated actions or body movements
  • Unusual emotional reactions and expression

How to support someone with Autism

Support your friend if they ask for help. Be sensitive to what they want and need, not just how you think they should improve or behave. Try not to talk over or about them when others are around. Help them work on social skills by trying to engage them in conversations with yourself and others.

While Autism is not something a person simply “grows out of,” there are many Autism treatments that can help children acquire new skills and overcome a wide variety of developmental challenges. From free government services to in-home behavioural therapy and school-based programs, assistance is available to meet your child’s special needs and help them learn, grow, and thrive in life.

Learn more about Autism Support Care

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