Autism is characterized by differences in social interactions, nonverbal communication, and relationship style, as well as at least two of the following traits: repetitive movements, strong interests, sensory sensitivities, and/or differences in cognitive flexibility. Autism is a developmental disorder, and there must be evidence of some autistic traits from early childhood.
The subtle and less obvious presentations of autism are better understood. For example, some autistic people can mask or camouflage their traits more than others in daily life. Many people with autism engage in eye contact when interacting with others and can be exceptionally empathic, two behaviors that used to be thought to contraindicate autism.
The advocacy and pioneering work of many people with different presentations of autistic traits has gained the attention of practitioners and scientists. The field has a better understanding of the multitude of ways in which autism and autistic traits manifest. Data suggest these efforts are having an impact.
The identification of autism is increasing dramatically
For example, from 2011 to 2022, autism diagnoses increased by 175%, up to 6.3 per 1,000 persons (Grosvenor et al., 2024).
Increases were greater for female children (305%) than male children (185%) and greater in female adults (315%) than male adults (215%).
Autism rates increased more in adulthood (ages 25-34, 452%; ages 35-44, 338%)—and at the youngest ages (ages 0-4, 352% increase)—more than in children (ages 5-8, 207%; ages 9-12, 143%).
Autism was identified more in Black, Asian, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Hispanic children than in White children, but racial and ethnic disparities in Autism persisted in adult groups. For example, an autism diagnosis was more common in Whites than in Hispanic and Black adults.
The recognition of autism is predicted to grow
These data are eye-opening. Widespread implementation of neuro-affirmative care and practices is needed. Schools, health care offices, and workplaces can create environments where all children and adults feel safe and thrive.
Neuro-affirming practices involve a shift in framework and priorities to recognize behavior and communication, and to support self-regulation, autonomy, self-advocacy, and independence. Practical advice to achieve these goals is available for schools (e.g., Kircher-Morris and Morin, 2025), workplaces (Fitzell, 2025), and healthcare settings (Miral, 2025).
Small changes can make a big difference. Using neurodiversity-affirming language can be a powerful intervention and is characterized by neutrality, emphasizing strengths and abilities, and using less medicalized language (e.g., she had autistic traits versus autistic symptoms) (Kircher-Morris and Morin, 2025).
Universal design is a method for creating environments (e.g., buildings, schools) and products (e.g., software) that are accessible to as many people as possible (Kircher-Morris and Morin, 2025). Universal design removes barriers. The principle of universal design can help maximize the comfort and success of everyone and include equitable access, flexibility, simplicity, intuition, effective communication of information, tolerance for mistakes, low physical effort, and appropriate size and space.
Open-mindedness to functioning differently and better—in all aspects of society—is exciting and deserves attention. Greater accessibility of opportunity benefits everyone.
