April is Autism Acceptance Month: Recognizing the signs, the importance of a diagnosis, and resources

April is Autism Acceptance Month, an annual observance dedicated to increasing understanding and acceptance of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The goal is to educate communities, promote early diagnosis and intervention, and create inclusive spaces for autistic individuals. Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning it manifests in diverse ways, affecting social interaction, communication, behavior, and sensory processing.

Despite increasing awareness, many people, particularly women and adults, remain undiagnosed due to differences in how symptoms present. Autism presents differently in every individual, but certain behavioral patterns and challenges are commonly associated with the condition.

Parents and caregivers should be mindful of the following early signs of autism, which often appear in infancy or early childhood:

• Delayed Speech or Language Regression – Children may develop language skills more slowly than peers or suddenly lose words they previously used.

• Limited Eye Contact – Avoiding or struggling to maintain eye contact, especially during conversations.

• Repetitive Behaviors (Stimming) – Hand-flapping, rocking, spinning objects, lining up toys, or repeating phrases (echolalia).

• Difficulty with Social Interaction – Preferring solitary play, avoiding group activities, or not engaging in back-and-forth conversations.

• Strong Need for Routine – Becoming upset or anxious when schedules or environments change.

• Sensory Processing Differences – Over- or under-reacting to loud sounds, bright lights, certain fabrics, or food textures.

• Unusual Interests – Showing intense focus on specific topics, such as dinosaurs, train schedules, or numbers, often with exceptional knowledge.

  Some uncommon symptoms include:

• "Monotone" or Unusual Speech Patterns – Speaking in a robotic, sing-song, or overly formal tone.

• Walking on Toes (Toe-Walking) – Frequently walking on tiptoes without a medical cause.

• Difficulty with Facial Recognition – Struggling to recognize familiar faces or emotions in others.

• Extreme Empathy or "Empathic Overload" – Feeling overwhelmed by others’ emotions but struggling to express their own.

Early intervention is crucial, as therapies can help children develop communication, social, and adaptive skills

.Autism in men is often easier to recognize due to classic symptoms like social challenges and repetitive behaviors. Common signs include:

• Difficulty Understanding Social Cues – Trouble interpreting facial expressions, tone of voice, or body language.

• Rigid Thinking and Black-and-White Reasoning – Struggling with ambiguity or multiple perspectives.

• Deep Special Interests – Becoming highly knowledgeable in niche topics, sometimes to the exclusion of other responsibilities.

• Preference for Solitude – Enjoying solo activities over social gatherings.

• Unusual Speech Patterns – Speaking in a very formal, factual, or monotone manner.

• Discomfort with Small Talk – Finding casual conversation pointless or difficult to navigate.

• Difficulties with Executive Functioning – Struggling with time management, organization, or multi-tasking.

• Hyperlexia – Advanced reading ability at an early age but difficulty understanding social context in stories.

• Unusual Pain Tolerance – Either not noticing injuries or overreacting to minor discomforts.

Women with autism often "mask" their symptoms to fit social norms, which leads to frequent misdiagnosis or late diagnosis. Many are initially diagnosed with anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder (BPD), or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) before realizing they are autistic. Common signs in women:

• Mimicking Social Behaviors – Studying and copying others’ social cues rather than naturally understanding them.

• Extreme Exhaustion ("Autistic Burnout") – Feeling drained from social interactions, often needing extended alone time to recover.

• High Sensitivity to Sensory Stimuli – Overwhelmed by strong smells, fabrics, certain foods, or loud environments.

• Deep Emotional Empathy with Limited Expression – Strongly feeling others’ emotions but struggling to express personal feelings.

• Special Interests that Align with Social Norms – Deeply focused on literature, psychology, animals, celebrities, or creative pursuits rather than traditionally "autistic" interests like math or trains.

• Difficulty Recognizing Manipulation or Deception – Taking statements literally and struggling to detect sarcasm or dishonesty.

• Late-Onset Social Anxiety – Developing severe social anxiety in adolescence or adulthood due to increased masking demands.

• Physical Clumsiness – Struggling with coordination, such as difficulty riding a bike, tripping frequently, or avoiding physical activities.

• Sensitivity to Conflict – Avoiding arguments and conflict at all costs, sometimes becoming a people-pleaser to fit in.

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Because autistic women often learn to adapt and hide their traits, they frequently go undiagnosed until adulthood.

With the rise of autism awareness on social media, many people are self-diagnosing based on online content. While self-reflection is important, a professional evaluation is crucial for: Accuracy – Many conditions (e.g., ADHD, anxiety, OCD, PTSD) share overlapping traits with autism. A formal diagnosis ensures the correct treatment plan; access to accommodations – diagnosed individuals may qualify for educational, workplace, and medical support; self-understanding – an official diagnosis helps individuals validate their experiences and find tailored coping strategies. Relying solely on self-diagnosis can lead to misinformation and may diminish the struggles of those who have undergone comprehensive evaluations. If you suspect you or a loved one is autistic, seek a licensed psychologist or neurologist for an official assessment.

Autism Awareness Month was first established in April 1970 by the Autism Society of America to increase public understanding of autism. In 2011, the Autism Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN) rebranded the initiative as Autism Acceptance Month, shifting the focus from mere awareness to genuine acceptance, inclusion, and support for autistic individuals. Throughout April, organizations host events, fundraisers, and advocacy campaigns to promote a more inclusive society.

There are several resources for children and families: Indiana Resource Center for Autism (iidc.indiana.edu); Autism Society of Indiana (autismsocietyofindiana.org).

Resources for adults with Autism include: Easterseals Crossroads (eastersealscrossroads.org); Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services (in.gov/fssa/ddrs/2636.htm)

Autism Awareness Month is about education, understanding, and acceptance. Whether you're a parent, educator, or an individual exploring a diagnosis, resources are available.