Autism and pathological demand avoidance (PDA): what's the link?
PDA affects 15–34% of autistic individuals, marked by extreme demand avoidance due to anxiety. Learn its link to autism, controversies, and management strategie
Examine the evidence →The questions people ask about autism
We start from the questions people actually ask — and examine what the research does and doesn't say, with sources cited and uncertainty flagged. Educational, not medical advice.
Autism vs social anxiety: what's the difference?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, while social anxiety is a mental health disorder. 40-50% of autistic people also have social anxiety, but the causes a
Examine the evidence →Autism and intellectual disability: how are they related?
30% of autistic individuals have co-occurring intellectual disability (CDC). Learn how these neurodevelopmental conditions differ and overlap.
Examine the evidence →Autism and gastrointestinal issues: what's the connection?
Children with autism are 4x more likely to have GI disorders like constipation and diarrhea. Research explores gut-brain links, behavioral impacts, and screenin
Examine the evidence →Autism and sleep problems: what's the link?
80% of autistic individuals experience sleep disturbances due to sensory, biological, and GI factors. Learn evidence-based treatments to improve sleep quality.
Examine the evidence →Autism and sensory processing disorder: how are they related?
75-90% of autistic individuals experience sensory processing differences, but SPD and autism are distinct conditions. Learn how they relate and impact daily lif
Examine the evidence →Autism and epilepsy: what's the connection?
20% of autistic individuals have epilepsy, and vice versa, due to shared genetic and neurological mechanisms. Learn about diagnosis, treatment, and research bre
Examine the evidence →Autism and OCD: how are they related?
17-37% of autistic individuals have OCD. Learn how their repetitive behaviors differ biologically and clinically, with sources from Cleveland Clinic and Princet
Examine the evidence →Autism and depression: what's the link?
40% of autistic adults experience depression due to social isolation and stigma—not autism itself. Learn evidence-based strategies for support and intervention.
Examine the evidence →Autism and anxiety: what's the connection?
20% of autistic individuals experience anxiety disorders due to biological and social factors. Learn about symptoms, causes, and evidence-based treatments.
Examine the evidence →Autism vs ADHD: what's the difference?
Autism involves social communication differences and repetitive behaviors, while ADHD centers on inattention/hyperactivity. 40% of autistic people also have ADH
Examine the evidence →Autism and ADHD: how are they related?
30-50% of autistic individuals also have ADHD. Learn how these neurodevelopmental conditions overlap biologically and clinically, with sources from UC Davis and
Examine the evidence →How can you support an autistic child during a meltdown?
Support autistic meltdowns by reducing sensory input, speaking calmly, and avoiding restraint. 70-80% of meltdowns stem from overload; validation and quiet spac
Examine the evidence →Does diet affect autism symptoms?
Research suggests diet may influence autism symptoms via gut-brain connections, with processed foods linked to worsened behaviors in some children. Learn the ev
Examine the evidence →Is ABA therapy effective?
ABA therapy shows moderate to high effectiveness for autism skills but remains controversial. Research supports benefits for communication and behavior, while c
Examine the evidence →What therapies help autism?
Evidence-based therapies for autism include ABA, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, recommended by the CDC. Learn which therapies work and which to avoid
Examine the evidence →Can autism be misdiagnosed as ADHD?
Yes, autism is often misdiagnosed as ADHD, especially in girls. 30% of ADHD-diagnosed children later receive autism diagnoses. Learn why overlaps occur.
Examine the evidence →At what age is autism diagnosed?
Autism is typically diagnosed by age 6, though many women receive diagnoses in adulthood. Learn how diagnosis ages vary by gender, genetics, and early signs.
Examine the evidence →How is autism diagnosed?
Autism is diagnosed through clinical evaluations of social communication and behaviors, with most children diagnosed by age 4. Girls and adults often face delay
Examine the evidence →What are the signs of autism in girls?
Autism in girls often presents differently than in boys, leading to underdiagnosis. Learn the signs, including masking behaviors and sensory sensitivities.
Examine the evidence →What are the signs of autism in adults?
Signs of autism in adults include social challenges, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities. 1 in 45 adults may be undiagnosed (Mayo Clinic Press, 2026
Examine the evidence →What is echolalia in autism?
Echolalia affects 75-85% of autistic children as a functional communication strategy. Learn why repetition occurs, developmental benefits, and evidence-based re
Examine the evidence →What are autism levels 1, 2, and 3?
Autism levels 1-3 classify support needs for social communication and behaviors, with 37% of cases being Level 1. Levels can change over time.
Examine the evidence →What is the autism spectrum?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting 1 in 36 U.S. children, with diverse social communication and behavioral symptoms.
Examine the evidence →What does autistic burnout feel like?
Autistic burnout involves severe exhaustion, sensory overload, and skill regression affecting 78% of autistic adults. Learn triggers, duration, and evidence-bas
Examine the evidence →What is stimming in autism?
Stimming refers to repetitive self-stimulatory behaviors used by 70-80% of autistic individuals to regulate emotions and sensory input. Learn its functions and
Examine the evidence →What is masking in autism?
Masking in autism involves suppressing traits to conform to social norms, reported by 80% of autistic employees. Learn about its mental health impacts and why i
Examine the evidence →What are the early signs of autism in toddlers?
Early signs of autism in toddlers include limited eye contact, speech delays, and repetitive behaviors, detectable in 80% of cases by age 2. Learn key markers a
Examine the evidence →Is autism linked to maternal age?
Advanced maternal age modestly increases autism risk (15-30% higher after 35), though paternal age has stronger effects. Teen mothers also show elevated rates.
Examine the evidence →Does screen time cause autism?
No, screen time doesn’t cause autism, but studies link excessive use to autism-like symptoms in toddlers. Learn the facts and expert recommendations.
Examine the evidence →Is autism linked to gut health?
Research suggests a link between gut health and autism, but evidence is mixed. Learn about the controversies, key findings, and what it means for families.
Examine the evidence →Can you develop autism later in life?
Autism cannot develop in adulthood. Late diagnoses reflect improved recognition of lifelong neurodevelopmental traits, especially in women who mask symptoms. Le
Examine the evidence →Is autism caused by parenting?
No, parenting does not cause autism. Decades of research disprove the 'refrigerator mother' theory, showing autism has strong genetic and biological causes.
Examine the evidence →Do vaccines cause autism?
No, vaccines do not cause autism. Over 20 major studies involving millions of children confirm no link between vaccines and autism spectrum disorder.
Examine the evidence →Is autism hereditary?
Autism is strongly hereditary, with 80% of cases linked to genetic factors. Research identifies 100+ risk genes shared across populations, though environment al
Examine the evidence →Is autism genetic?
Autism has a strong genetic component, with around 80% of cases linked to inherited mutations. Learn how hundreds of genes affect brain development pathways and
Examine the evidence →