Two adults kneel on a green carpeted floor, each assisting a toddler in standing or walking. The children are exploring textured surfaces made of various materials. In the background, shelves contain bins and a wall displays photos.

FAMILIES &
CARE GIVERS

Several adults are gathered around a young girl, placing their hands gently on her shoulders in a supportive gesture. They seem to be outdoors, with trees and a small building visible in the background. The scene conveys a sense of care and community.

TEACHERS & 
EDUCATORS

A toddler, wearing a bright pink outfit, is joyfully walking with assistance from two adults holding their hands. The setting is an outdoor park with scattered fallen leaves and trees in the background. The adults appear to be smiling, and a stroller is visible on the side.

SCIENTIFIC
APPROACH

A. No—autism is not an illness; it is a neurodevelopmental condition and a form of human neurodiversity.

A. No—autism is lifelong; it begins in childhood but continues through adolescence and adulthood.

A. Because many people—especially adults, women, and immigrants—learn to mask autistic traits, were missed by outdated diagnostic criteria, or lacked access to informed evaluators, so their autism went unrecognized despite clear lifelong patterns.

A. You can start by learning about autism in adults, reflecting on your lifelong patterns, connecting with autistic communities, and—if it feels right—seeking an evaluation from a professional experienced in adult and late diagnosis, while remembering that self-understanding itself is already a valid and powerful step.

A. If you receive an autism diagnosis, focus on understanding your strengths and challenges, seek supportive resources (therapists, support groups, or coaches familiar with autism), explore accommodations at work or school if needed, connect with the autistic community, and use the diagnosis as a tool for self-awareness and self-advocacy rather than as a label that limits you.