Clinical insights into diagnosis, presentation, and ongoing care across Acadiana and beyond.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent differences in social communication, as well as restricted, repetitive behaviors, interests, or activities. Autism is considered a spectrum disorder because symptoms and severity can vary widely from person to person.
ASD typically emerges in early childhood, although it may not be diagnosed until later—particularly in individuals with subtle or masked symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with ASD, reflecting increasing awareness and diagnostic efforts.
Clinical Characteristics of Autism
According to the DSM-5, autism is diagnosed based on challenges in two key areas:
- Social Communication and Interaction:
- Difficulty with back-and-forth conversations
- Reduced eye contact or facial expressions
- Challenges with developing and maintaining relationships
- Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors:
- Repetitive movements, speech, or use of objects
- Insistence on sameness or inflexible routines
- Highly focused interests
- Sensory sensitivities (e.g., to noise, lights, or textures)
Symptoms must be present in early developmental periods and cause clinically significant impairments in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Intellectual ability and language skills may vary significantly among individuals with ASD.
High-Functioning Autism and Support Needs
The term “high-functioning autism” is not a formal clinical diagnosis but is sometimes used to describe individuals with ASD who have average or above-average intelligence and fewer observable support needs. However, this can be misleading, as individuals may still experience significant challenges with daily life, emotional regulation, and social functioning.
Autism exists on a continuum of support needs—ranging from individuals who live independently with minor accommodations to those who require full-time care. The focus in clinical care is now shifting toward individualized support rather than labels based on perceived “functioning.”
Autism in Women and Girls
Historically, autism has been underdiagnosed in women and girls due to gender-based diagnostic bias, cultural expectations, and differences in symptom presentation. Many females with ASD engage in social masking—consciously mimicking neurotypical behaviors to blend in. This masking can delay diagnosis and contribute to co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, or eating disorders.
Distinct Features in Females with ASD:
- More socially motivated but still struggle with deep connections
- Special interests may align with age-appropriate or socially accepted topics (e.g., animals, fiction characters, art)
- Higher rates of internalizing symptoms like anxiety
- Increased risk for being misdiagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) or ADHD
Clinicians are encouraged to use a gender-informed lens during evaluation, particularly when working with adolescent girls and adult women presenting with atypical symptoms.
Co-Occurring Conditions
Autism is often accompanied by other neurodevelopmental or mental health conditions, including:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Anxiety Disorders
- Depression
- Learning Disorders (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia)
- Sensory Processing Disorder
- Epilepsy or seizure disorders
Comprehensive psychological evaluation is essential to differentiate between autism and these overlapping conditions or to assess for dual diagnoses that may impact care.
Importance of a Multidisciplinary Evaluation
At Aucoin & Associates, we emphasize accurate, evidence-based assessments for ASD in both children and adults. Our evaluations include:
- Developmental and diagnostic interviews
- Standardized assessment tools (e.g., ADOS-2, SRS-2)
- Cognitive and adaptive functioning assessments
- Collaboration with family members, schools, or medical providers
Understanding each individual’s cognitive profile, communication skills, and social-emotional functioning allows us to provide recommendations for therapeutic support, educational planning, and accommodations.
Want to know how we help clients with ASD? Visit our Autism Counseling & Evaluations service page to learn more about our tailored support for adults and children across Acadiana.
Further Education
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5®).
Lai, M.C., Lombardo, M.V., & Baron-Cohen, S. (2015). Autism. The Lancet, 383(9920), 896–910.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Autism Spectrum Disorder – https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd
Hiller, R. M., Young, R. L., & Weber, N. (2014). Sex differences in autism spectrum disorder based on DSM-5 criteria: Evidence from clinician and teacher reporting. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 42, 1381–1393.
Genereux, E., & Farmer, C. (2022). Autism Spectrum Disorder in Girls and Women. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics, 31(3), 391–408.