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Do social relationships often become difficult? Do you also have intense interests and difficulties coping with change? Or have you noticed similar problems in someone close to you? Then it could be autism.
What is autism?
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neuropsychiatric disability and diagnosis that affects social relationships, communication and behavior.
It is still not established what causes autism but a combination of genetic, neurological and environmental factors may play a role in the development of the disorder. Autism affects at least 1% of the Irish population, according to recent research from DCU.
There are different levels of severity depending on how much impact it has on one’s life but each individual with autism is also unique. Here you can learn more about what the diagnosis may mean for you.
What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!
Benedetta Osarenk
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Symptoms of autism
There are several different ways that autism can manifest itself and here is a list of how it can appear:
- Social difficulties: You may have difficulty understanding social cues, maintaining eye contact and developing close relationships.
- Communication difficulties: There may be communication problems, such as delayed speech development, limited use of gestures and misunderstandings.
- Repetitive behaviors: There are often repetitive or stereotyped behaviors, interests or activities.
- Sensory sensitivities: There may be a sensitivity to light, sound, touch, taste or smell. Some people with autism may be over-sensitive while others may be under-sensitive to certain stimuli.
- Rigidity with routines: You may have a strong preference for routines, with resistance to change. Unexpected changes can cause anxiety.
Autism, anxiety and depression
It is not uncommon for people with autism to have other problems such as social anxiety, depression and stress problems. Sleep problems are also common. These feelings can be exacerbated by the difficulties created by autism, such as social difficulties and sensory sensitivity.
Autism and concentration
People with autism often find it easy to concentrate on things they find interesting, and can become very absorbed in them in a way that can be tiring for those around them. You can often see details that others do not perceive, which can also be a strength. At the same time, too much sensory stimulation can make you tired and you need to work on your recovery. Lifestyle factors are important to consider if you have autism, such as exercising, eating regularly and managing your sleep.
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Relationships and autism
Autism is a disability that can greatly affect relationships. It may involve difficulties with social interaction, taking initiative and understanding others. This can lead to having few friends, but there can also be a lack of interest in relationships. Understanding how the diagnosis affects an individual can make a big difference to how relationships can develop.
Autism in children and adults
For children, in some cases the symptoms can be clear but it can differ between boys and girls. Boys have traditionally been more observant, perhaps thinking of a person with a special interest that is obvious, whereas for girls it may be different. Their interests may instead be things like makeup or animals. If you have autism, it is not uncommon to be bullied as a child because of social difficulties and there may be a need for more support at school.
In adults, the symptoms can also appear in social situations, such as having few friends or problems at work. If you have grown up with supportive parents, they may have compensated for the symptoms, which may become more apparent when you leave home. Many people who are high-functioning still manage quite well if they find a profession that suits them. This could be a special interest or a job with routines that they enjoy. Despite this, it may have been a great effort to cope with school and in adulthood they can often have stress-related problems due to their sensory sensitivity.
High-functioning autism or Level 1
Autism comes in different degrees of severity based on levels 1, 2 and 3. The level of impairment depends on how it affects your life and how much support you need. High-functioning autism used to be called Asperger’s syndrome, but now it is called level 1 autism, which is the mildest form. If you have high-functioning autism, you may have a job and relationships but still experience difficulties in functioning like others. You may be lucky enough to find a profession that suits you and relationships that are accepting. Despite this, you may feel that there may be misunderstandings and because of the sensory sensitivity you may get tired easily.
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Next steps for an autism assessment
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms that seem consistent with autism, it is important to contact a licensed psychologist or doctor to get a diagnosis and help with a possible treatment plan. A professional can help you understand yourself and your needs. It can facilitate acceptance, both by yourself and by those around you. Through knowledge and support, we can make the difficult things easier.
Do you have questions or concerns? Do not hesitate to contact us or book an appointment with one of our professional psychologists and therapists.
12 common questions and answers about autism
What is autism?
Autism is a neuropsychiatric disability. It is characterised by impairments in social relationships, sensory sensitivity and repetitive behaviour.
How is autism diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually made by psychologists and psychiatrists specialising in neuropsychiatry through a comprehensive assessment. This may include interviews and cognitive tests.
What are the symptoms of autism?
Common symptoms include social difficulties with understanding and communication, repetitive behaviors with special interests, and having a sensory sensitivity to things like sound and light.
Is there any treatment for autism?
You can receive treatment for autism, which often focuses on social skills training and managing thoughts, feelings and needs in different situations. You are also entitled to support measures such as schooling.
Is autism hereditary?
Research shows that there is a genetic component to autism. If one parent has the diagnosis, the risk of other family members having it increases.
Does autism affect school work?
Yes, because autism affects concentration and behavior, it can be a challenge in the school environment. However, special education support can make a big difference.
Can you have ADHD and autism at the same time?
Yes, it is not uncommon to have both. If you think you do, you can have a neuropsychiatric assessment.
What can I do if I think I or my child has autism?
If you suspect autism, contact your healthcare provider for an initial assessment. From there, you can proceed with an assessment and treatment.
Does autism differ between girls and boys?
Traditionally, boys have received more attention and there has been an underdiagnosis in girls.
Can you have other psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression at the same time as autism?
It is possible to have co-morbidity with other conditions and it is also possible to receive psychological treatment for them.
What rights do you have if you are diagnosed with autism?
If you are diagnosed, you have the right to support, for example during schooling and studies. You also have the right to support at home and interventions via habilitation or the Act on Support and Services for Certain Disabled Persons (LSS) based on your needs.
What should you do if you are a relative of someone with autism?
As a family member, you can apply to family associations or to the habilitation service, which often has services for those who are close to someone with the diagnosis.
How to do an autism assessment?
Taking the step to find out if you have a neuropsychiatric diagnosis can be an emotional experience, but it is also important to get the help you may need. With a simple and easy-to-understand guide, we want to make the hard part easier.
Step 1: Recognise the symptoms
Take note of the symptoms you are experiencing. These can include difficulties socially, routine and feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks.
Step 2: Consult a licensed healthcare provider
The first and most important step is to seek professional help. An autism diagnosis can only be made by a medical specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Step 3: The autism assessment
After an initial assessment interview, where it is determined that autism may be present, an assessment can be carried out. This may include interviews, cognitive testing and discussions with family members.
Step 4: Diagnosis
If you are diagnosed with autism, you will receive a written statement and the next step is to discuss interventions. These can vary from person to person, but usually include therapy and other support services.
Step 5: Psychotherapy and support
Talk therapy can help you develop skills to manage the symptoms of autism. This includes social skills training, cognitive behavioral therapy and stress management.
Step 6: Follow-up and adaptation
Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are essential to see how the treatment is working and if any adjustments need to be made.
Step 7: Support from organisations and loved ones
Having a support network is important. Talk to family and friends and explain your situation to get the support you need. There may also be family meetings and training courses if those close to you want to learn more.
As starting treatment can often seem daunting or challenging, the best step in the right direction can be just having a conversation with a psychologist or therapist. This is why we offer introductory sessions with our therapists where you can be seen over video for 20 or 45 minutes. So you can book a call just to feel how it feels, all to make the hard stuff easier.
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