Autism and ASD in Adults

What Is Autism?

Speech Therapy can help teenagers and adults with Autism in a variety of speech and language related difficulties. Speech-language therapy for them is used to develop, recover, or maintain speech and language and social communication skills.

Individuals with Autism have challenges with communication and social skills. They often find it hard to have conversations and may not notice social cues. All people with Autism have some degree of challenge with communication (such as making friends or maintaining relationships at school or work).

People with Autism also have some type of restricted interests or repetitive behaviors. They may focus on one topic, like cars or a television show, or they may be attached to a certain object or activity. A person with Autism may not like changes in their schedule or changes in the way they do something.

Although the medical community uses the term “Autism” to refer to a disorder or a disability, many consider autistic people to be neurodiverse—that Autism is a difference, not a “disability.” It is important to respect the viewpoint of the person with Autism and/or their families regarding the type of services or care they want to receive.

When talking to or about someone with Autism, some people like to be called a “person with autism,” while others prefer to be called an “autistic person” or even “autistic.” Different people prefer different terms, and each individual should be allowed to be identified in the way that they prefer.

Sometimes, Autism runs in families. Autism can range from mild to severe, depending on how much these challenges affect everyday life.