Understanding Autism: What It Is and What It Isn’t
Autism is complex and sometimes misunderstood. Myths and misinformation associated with autism can harm the autism community and perpetuate health disparities. Understanding autism starts with defining what it is—and what it isn’t.
Learn the facts from our experts Suzannah J. Iadarola, PhD, director of the Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities and associate professor of Pediatrics, and Emily Knight, MD, PhD, a clinician scientist in the Departments of Pediatrics, Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, and Neuroscience.
What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental difference that affects how people may perceive, experience, and interact with the world around them.
While experiences vary widely, common characteristics include:
- Differences in social interaction and communication.
- Repetitive behaviors and focused interests.
- Sensory differences, including heightened sensitivities to sounds, lights, or textures; intense interest in sensory input; or both.
Is Autism a Mental Illness?
No, autism is not a mental illness—it is not an illness at all. Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that primarily affects how a person thinks, perceives, and interacts with others.
It is important to know that some people with autism may experience co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. These are separate from autism but are common within the neurodiverse community.
What Causes Autism? Is it Genetic?
Experts continue to learn more about the causes of autism through research. Current research suggests that autism arises from a combination of factors. These may include gene changes and differences in brain structure or chemistry. Boys are approximately four times more likely than girls to have autism, and family history and other medical conditions can also increase the likelihood of autism.
- Autism is not an illness. Autism is a variation in neurodevelopment. Many people with autism view it as an important part of their identity.
- Vaccines do NOT cause autism. Autism is not linked to any vaccines given to children.
- Parenting styles do not cause autism. Autism is not a result of how a child is raised.
The Reality of Autism and Communication
Ongoing Research
The University of Rochester's Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics division has collaborated with national partners on programs and services to support communication. A recent publication highlighted that programs using both structured teaching of cognitive/academic skills and play-based, child-directed learning resulted in increased vocal and nonverbal communication.
People with autism communicate in diverse ways. They may communicate through words, gestures, pointing to pictures, or using other actions. It is essential to respect and support each person’s preferred communication methods.
Alternative communication methods that are scientifically supported include:
- Speech-generating devices
- Sign language
- Other adaptive communication strategies tailored to individual needs
Autism in the News
Recent headlines, such as the Telepathy Tapes, have sparked conversation and controversy about the idea of telepathy in nonverbal autistic individuals. Some claim that certain autistic individuals can communicate through extrasensory perception.
Growing in IDD Research and Care
In June 2024, we announced a $50 million gift from Tom Golisano to build the Golisano Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Institute at URMC. It will provide solutions to the health and quality of life issues that affect people with IDDs.
The new world-class transdisciplinary center is built on decades of research and care for people with IDDs. The Medical Center is one of eight institutions in the country with the trifecta of federal awards—UCEDD, LEND, and IDDRC—related to IDD, giving a nod to its research, training, care, and community partnerships.
However, the idea that autistic individuals have telepathic abilities is a myth that is not supported by scientific evidence.
Researchers continue to explore the unique cognitive, sensory processing, and communication differences in people with autism. Many people in the autism community have expressed interest in better understanding these parts of themselves.
At the University of Rochester Medical Center, we also conduct detailed studies to understand the best evidence-based ways to support people with autism in our community.
Recent research from the Golisano Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Institute discovered that children with autism may process body language differently due to variations in brain activity. Understanding these differences could help improve communication strategies and support for individuals with autism.
“Being able to read and respond to someone’s body language is important in our daily interactions with others,” said Dr. Knight.
Diagnosing and Treating Autism
UR Medicine’s Levine Autism Clinic provides comprehensive and coordinated care to children with autism. Our team of experts monitors developmental progress, treats health problems associated with autism, assesses, and supports behavior concerns. We also make sure families have needed resources and connections to community support.
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