Autism

What it is

Autism is a lifelong difference in how people communicate, sense the world and process information, diagnosed on a spectrum from people who need daily support to those who need none. Diagnoses have risen sharply over three decades, mostly through broader criteria and awareness, and it is strongly heritable. Health coverage spans early detection, co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, eating disorders and now parkinsonism in older autistic adults, and recurring political claims about causes that the evidence does not support.

Written by the Alivewire editors from the coverage below, 3d ago. Not medical advice; how the ratings work.