Disability Resources > Autism Spectrum Disorder (Autism)
What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. Signs typically appear in early childhood, though they may be recognized at any age.
Autism is a spectrum—each person is affected differently. Some individuals need significant daily support, while others need minimal accommodations.
With appropriate supports, autistic individuals build skills, develop relationships, and lead fulfilling lives.
Autism Looks Different for Everyone
No two autistic individuals are alike. Each person has a unique combination of strengths, challenges, and ways of experiencing the world. Some may need support with communication or daily routines, while others thrive with minimal accommodations. Understanding each person as an individual is essential.
Autism is a difference in how a person’s brain develops. With the right support and understanding, people with autism thrive.
Common Signs and Characteristics of Autism
Common characteristics of autism include differences in social communication, behavior, and sensory processing. These traits typically present early in development.
Autism may involve differences in:
- Differences in verbal and nonverbal communication, including speech development, eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, or tone of voice
- Challenges with social reciprocity, such as initiating or maintaining conversations, sharing interests, or understanding social expectations
- Difficulty interpreting social cues, including body language, implied meaning, or perspective-taking
- Use of repetitive language or behaviors, such as echolalia, scripting, hand movements, or repetitive actions
- Strong or highly focused interests, often with intense attention to specific topics or activities
- Preference for routines and predictability, with distress during unexpected changes or transitions
- Differences in sensory processing, including heightened or reduced sensitivity to sound, light, textures, smells, or movement
- Variations in emotional regulation, such as difficulty identifying, expressing, or managing emotions
- Differences in play or imaginative behaviors, including limited pretend play or play that is repetitive or highly structured
Early recognition of these signs can help families better understand their child’s needs and connect with appropriate supports.
The Autism Spectrum
Autism is diagnosed using criteria from the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
Previously, related conditions were diagnosed separately. These included:
- Autistic Disorder
- Aspergers Disorder
- Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)
- Rett’s Disorder
- PDD – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
Today, all of these fall under the single diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Autism is not identified through a single test. Instead, a diagnosis is based on understanding patterns of development and behavior over time and across different environments.
Getting a diagnosis can help families better understand their child, access appropriate supports, and plan next steps. A diagnosis is not a label—it is a tool for understanding and support.
Autism Information, Resources, and Support
The Utah Parent Center provides autism-related information and connects families across Utah with support groups and organizations.
Get in Touch with the Utah Parent Center
Have questions about your child? The Utah Parent Center offers free, confidential support for families.
Autism Resource Lists
Call the Utah Parent Center at 801-272-1051 (Toll-Free: 1-800-468-1160) for current resources in your area.
Autism Across the Lifespan
Explore how autism impacts individuals at every stage of life, from childhood to adulthood.
ASPIRE informational webinars on all things ASD
Free, expert-led webinars covering a wide range of autism-related topics and support strategies.
Adult Services
Resources and services tailored for autistic adults, including housing, healthcare, and independence support.
Website Resources
A curated collection of trusted autism-related websites, tools, and guides for families and caregivers.
Autism Support Groups
Connect with others who understand. Find local and statewide groups for parents, caregivers, and individuals with autism.
Autism Assistive Technology
Learn about helpful tools and devices that support communication, learning, and daily routines.
Autism Early Intervention
Find early support options that help young children build communication, social, and developmental skills.
Autism Employment Resources
Support and guidance for teens and adults navigating job training, employment, and workplace success.
Socialization
Programs and tips to help individuals with autism build friendships and engage in social experiences.
Other Resources
Autism Council of Utah
The Autism Council of Utah (ACU) promotes access to resources and information for individuals and families affected by autism, supporting statewide partnerships for research and training. Watch our video!
AASPIRE – Academic Autistic Spectrum Partnership in Research and Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Is autism a disability?
Autism may be considered a disability when it significantly affects learning, communication, social interaction, or daily functioning. When autism impacts a child’s ability to access education without support, it can make them eligible for accommodations, services, or special education under federal and state law. Eligibility is based on how autism affects educational performance, not simply on having a diagnosis. Many individuals with autism benefit from supports that help remove barriers and promote participation and success.
What causes autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins early in life and is influenced by genetic and biological factors. Research shows that autism is not caused by parenting practices or environmental factors such as screen time or diet. While the exact causes are complex and continue to be studied, autism reflects differences in brain development rather than something a family did or did not do.
Can autism be diagnosed at any age?
Yes. Autism can be identified in early childhood, but many individuals are diagnosed later in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. Some traits may be less noticeable early on or may be masked as children adapt to their environments. A later diagnosis can still be meaningful and helpful by providing clarity, access to support, and a better understanding of personal strengths and challenges.
Does autism change over time?
Autism is a lifelong condition, but how it affects a person can change as they grow and move through different stages of life. Support needs may shift depending on environment, expectations, and individual development. With appropriate supports, many autistic individuals build skills that help them navigate school, work, relationships, and daily life more successfully.
Does being autistic mean someone can’t live independently?
No. Autistic individuals have a wide range of abilities, strengths, and support needs. Many live independently, work, attend school, form meaningful relationships, and contribute to their communities. Some may need accommodations or ongoing support, while others may need very little. Independence looks different for everyone and should be defined by the individual’s goals and needs.