Top 10+ Questions Parents Ask About Autism
- Sounderic
- Nov 9, 2022
- 13 min read
Updated: Oct 29
If you’ve recently heard the word autism in connection with your child, you’re not alone, and you’re certainly not without support. Many parents find themselves wondering what autism really means, what causes it, and what they can do to help their child thrive.
In this article, we’ll answer some of the most common questions parents ask about autism, based on current research and years of professional experience working with children and families.
How does a child get Autism?
This could be answered as ‘the exact cause for Autism is not known', and that might be true as well. But several research studies have been conducted and are being conducted as you read this, that have at least made a few contributing factors for autism clearer, like
Initially, autism was thought to be a mood disorder, but now it is concluded that Autism is a neurological disorder that occurs due to developmental differences in the brain of the child.
Genetic predisposition is an important contributing factor to Autism, several researchers have concluded that the risk for Autism in twins increases by 90%, and in siblings, it is about 6-20%.
Environmental factors can act as triggers for genetically susceptible individuals. Pollution, drugs, and toxic exposure have been proven to increase the chances of autism in a genetically susceptible child.
Maternal factors like nutrition, alcohol intake, advanced parent age, and siblings born less than 1 year apart are a few causative factors for Autism.
Note for Parents
It’s important to remember that Autism is nobody’s fault — not the parents’, not the child’s. It’s a difference in how the brain develops and processes information.
Why is Autism increasing? Why is Autism more common now?
There can be many reasons for this, but a major reason is, increased awareness, availability of extensive screening tools, better diagnostic facilities, and improved data collection methods have led to an increased number of children diagnosed with Autism.
Other factors can be
The increasing age of parents during pregnancy has been observed to be an important cause leading to autism.
Better healthcare facilities have led to increased survival of premature or preterm babies, who are more susceptible to autism.
Increased pollution, drugs, and alcohol intake during pregnancy are predisposing factors for a child to develop Autism.
Can parenting style cause autism?
No. There is no evidence that parenting style causes Autism. That said, parental involvement is crucial in helping Autistic children grow and learn. A parent can help the child with Autism by altering the parenting style as follows:
By being more responsive, it has been proven that maternal responses to various gestures, actions, and interests of the child can be helpful in the development of the social and interactive skills of the child.
Directive parental behavior aims at shifting the child's focus of attention. For instance, if a child wants to play with a car, the parent can help the child say ‘want a car’.
Exposure to an increased quantity and variety of words can be helpful in the speech development of the child.
How can I handle meltdowns or aggressive behaviour?
Meltdowns aren’t bad behaviour. They’re your child’s way of saying, “I’m overwhelmed and don’t know how to cope.”
Stay calm and speak softly.
Reduce noise or lights if sensory overload is the trigger.
Offer comfort or space, depending on what your child prefers.
When things are calm, help them learn other ways to express frustration.
Can watching too much TV make a child Autistic?
Screen time or watching TV doesn’t really make a child Autistic, however, it can have both positive and negative impacts on a child with Autism.
The Cons of increased screen time are :
As the child with Autism has difficulty in social interaction, increased screen time can further hinder the development of social skills in the child.
In children with sensory sensitivities, as television can provide multitudes of stimuli, it can irritate the kids.
Too much screen time can hinder the physical activity of a child, and physical activities are very important for a child with autism for motor development.
Autistic children often present with sleep disturbances, and excess screen time can further hamper their sleep patterns of the child.
It can lower the attention span of a child.
The pros of screen time are :
It can be used as a tool to decrease anxiety in Autistics if they watch something calming.
It can aid them in social communication, as they can take their time to respond and they can be in an environment they feel safe.
It can help them learn new activities by providing audiovisual stimuli.
Screen time can also be used as a reward, for instance, if they complete an activity they get to watch TV for a certain duration of time, which can motivate them to learn newer activities.
Can autism be prevented? What should you avoid if your child has Autism?
Autism isn’t something you can prevent in a child but yes, you can practice certain things that can help you increase the chances of having a healthy baby. As a baby’s brain develops during pregnancy, taking certain precautions can help in the overall development of the baby.
Maternal nutrition is very important for the development of a baby, for instance, timely intake of folic acid supplements during pregnancy is very important for the development of a baby’s brain.
Spacing out pregnancies- It is suggested to have a space of 2 to 5 years between two consecutive pregnancies, the risk of autism increases to 50% if the children are conceived within 12 months.
Age of parents- The risk of genetic mutations increases as the parental age increases, leading to an increased risk of autism in the child, do consult your doctor before starting a family.
Avoid alcohol, smoking, and intake of certain drugs during pregnancy as they can severely affect the development of a child’s brain.
Regular checkups- It is of utmost importance to visit your doctor regularly as it will help you keep track of your health and your baby’s health.
The association of vaccines with Autism has been suggested, as few vaccines contain thimerosal, a derivative of mercury, as a preservative, however, there is no concrete proof for it.
How Effective is early intervention for Autism?
The earlier a child receives support, the better their chances for long-term progress. During the first few years of life, the brain is especially flexible; it learns and adapts rapidly. Hence, starting therapy early (ideally before age 3) can significantly improve:
Language and communication
Cognitive skills
Social interaction
Emotional regulation
Don't get me wrong. Early intervention isn’t about “fixing” a child. It’s about giving them the tools to express themselves, connect with others, and reach their potential.
Think of it as helping your child grow into their best version, not someone else’s idea of “normal.”
Can Autism Be Diagnosed Before Age Two?
Yes! Autism can often be reliably diagnosed before the age of two, though the timing depends on each child’s development and the expertise of the clinician.
Research shows that early signs of autism can appear as early as 12 to 18 months. These may include limited eye contact, delayed babbling or speech, reduced response to name, less interest in social play, or repetitive movements.
But, some children may not show clear signs until later, especially if symptoms are mild or masked by strong cognitive or social skills.
Early identification matters because intervention started before age two, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or parent-led developmental programs, can significantly improve communication, social, and learning outcomes for the child.
In short, while not every case is diagnosed early, autism can be identified before age two, and earlier support leads to better progress.
Do Autistic kids read early?
Usually, Autistic children have delayed language and communication skills development, but sometimes autism can be associated with hyperlexia. Hyperlexia is a condition in which the child reads at an age earlier than expected, without having an understanding of what they are reading.
It is often associated with type 2 autism- the children are often interested in words, numbers, and letter toys when compared to other toys. They also have good memory for numbers and dates.
However, these children present with other characteristic signs of autism-like avoiding eye contact and having delayed development of social skills.
Can a speech delay look like autism?
Yes, speech delay can be confused with autism as in both cases the child has a developmental delay, that can affect the language and speech development in the child.
However, there are a few differences in both conditions.
Even though in both conditions the child presents delayed speech, in speech delay the child will try communicating in nonverbal ways, and in autism, the child also has delayed social development, hence they will avoid communication.
A child with a speech delay is driven by social interests and seeks approval and appreciation, whereas, a child with autism will follow his/her own interest only.
A child with autism will not establish eye contact, and it's the opposite in the case of speech delay, the child will have no difficulty maintaining eye contact.
A child with speech delay will respond to their name being called in a verb or nonverbal manner, but a child with autism will seldom respond to their name being called.
When do autistic children start to talk?
Most children start speaking between 12 and 18 months, but in ASD, language development can vary widely. Some children may have few or no words, while others develop a rich vocabulary, often focusing on topics of interest. Girls may develop speech earlier than boys. Research shows that children with ASD who begin speaking by around five to six years often have stronger cognitive and have comparatively better social skills as adults.
Will my 3-year-old Autistic child ever talk?
Yes, a child with Autism might have delayed speech, but they do speak. Even a child with nonverbal Autism does speak a little, however, they may not be able to use language in a meaningful manner.
Scientists at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, in Baltimore, conducted research to counter the view that Autistic children don't develop speech after the age of 4 years. The research focused on 8 to 17-year-old children who had significant speech delay (ranging from not speaking at all, to using only single words or phrases) at the age of 4 years. They found that most of the children did develop speech skills, about half the children could speak fluently, and around 70% of children could use simple phrases. Speech therapy has been proven to show significant improvement in speech development in children with Autism.
Can children with Autism go to regular schools?
Many children with Autism attend mainstream or inclusive schools, often with additional support. The goal is to find a learning environment that matches your child’s needs. An Individualized Education Plan (IEP), classroom accommodations, and collaboration between teachers, therapists, and families help ensure success. Inclusion works best when everyone on the team communicates and shares goals.
What are the challenges for Autistic teens during puberty?
Puberty can be a big transition for any teen, and for Autistic teens, it can bring extra challenges for the parents.
Why?
Since hormonal changes can make emotions feel stronger and sensory sensitivities more intense, while social pressures like fitting in, making friends, and forming an identity can feel overwhelming. Anxiety, depression, and sleep problems may also increase during this time.
How can we help?
Parents and caregivers can help by providing consistent routines, teaching self-advocacy skills, supporting decision-making, and planning for changes in school or daily life. Open communication, understanding, and gentle guidance can make this period much smoother and help teens build confidence and independence.
What Types of Therapies or interventions are recommended for autistic children?
There's no one-size-fits-all solution; good therapists will tailor to your child’s needs. But research supports several evidence-based therapies:
Therapy Type | Purpose / What It Helps With |
Speech-Language Therapy | Helps with communication: both understanding and using language, nonverbal communication, social use of language. (Cleveland Clinic) |
Occupational Therapy (OT) | Supports sensory processing, fine motor skills, and daily living skills. (Autism Research Institute) |
Physical Therapy (PT) | Useful especially if gross motor delays or difficulties exist. (Autism Research Institute) |
Social Skills Training | For helping children understand and navigate social interactions, friendship, nonverbal cues. (Cleveland Clinic) |
Parent or Caregiver Training | Often essential – helping parents learn strategies to support the child at home, reinforce therapy, respond to behaviour and communication in helpful ways. (Cleveland Clinic) |
What should parents look for when choosing a therapist?
Look for someone who listens — not just to your child, but to you as well. Some questions to keep in mind when choosing a therapist are
Does the therapist use evidence-based methods?
Is the therapy individualized to your child’s strengths, challenges, and interests?
How qualified is the provider? (Trained in Autism, developmental disorders)
What outcomes do they measure? How will you track progress?
Is it feasible in your schedule, affordable, and acceptable to your family?
What is the plan for integrating therapy into daily life (home, school, routines)?
If a therapy promises a “quick cure,” that’s a red flag. Real progress takes time, patience, and consistency. It’s also important to remember that parents play a central role in their child’s progress. Cooperation, consistency, and active participation at home are crucial because children learn best from the people they trust and spend the most time with. A strong partnership between the therapist and family creates the foundation for meaningful, lasting growth.
Can a child be nonverbal and not Autistic?
Most often the first thought that pops into our heads when we hear a child being nonverbal is, it might be due to Autism. But apart from Autism, there is a wide range of factors that cause a child to be nonverbal, like
Hearing loss.
Cerebral palsy.
Learning disability.
Phonological disorder.
Difficulty in using muscles involved in speech.
Hence, it’s always a better idea to visit an expert and have the condition of the child assessed before jumping onto complications.
Do Autistic kids point?
Due to delayed social and interactive development, children with ASD may be unable to use gestures such as pointing at objects.
Heymann et al. (2018) found that ASD children were less likely to integrate joint attention behaviors (including gestures and eye gaze) and vocalization than typically developed children.
You can help the child learn gestures by incorporating them into the conversation, for instance, if the child is looking at a toy and crying, point to the toy and name it or if the child points at something in a book, do the same point at the object with them and name it. Several studies have suggested that the use of gestures is closely related to the development of language skills.
Can Autistic children talk early?
When we came across this question we had trouble finding much information regarding early speech in autism, and then we found this post ‘Actually It’s Crooked by By C.L. Bridge’, turns out there are many autistic individuals who developed speech early, and, were misdiagnosed or their diagnosis was delayed.
In some cases, a child with Autism may use speech earlier, the better term for it is precocious speech, it is often not a symptom under the list of characteristic symptoms of autism. Parents and teachers presume that a child with precocious speech will be interested in the things that challenge his brain, meaning things that are better suited as per his speech and language development. A big vocabulary doesn’t mean that the child is emotionally mature, the child still faces the same social challenges as other autistic kids, and they still have difficulty in putting their words together to form sentences to express themselves.
Therefore it is always best to motivate the child to use speech as much as possible, for instance, you can keep their favorite toy out of their reach, so they will have to ask for it, the goal here is to give the child a reason to use language to communicate.
Do Autistic children have sleep problems or gastrointestinal (GI) issues more often?
Yes, both are common. Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling or staying asleep, irregular sleep schedules) happen more often in Autistic children.
GI issues like constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach also occur more frequently.
Brain chemistry and melatonin differences: Some Autistic children produce less of the sleep hormone melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep at night.
Sensory sensitivities: Lights, sounds, textures, or even the feel of pajamas or bedding can feel overwhelming.
Stress and anxiety: Worries, excitement, or frustration during the day can make the brain too alert to relax at bedtime. It can affect the stomach and intestines, making constipation, diarrhea, or stomachaches more likely.
Routine changes: Even small shifts in schedule or bedtime habits can make it harder to settle down
Gut-brain connection differences: The digestive system and brain communicate closely, and in autism this connection may work differently, affecting digestion and comfort.
Selective eating: Many children prefer certain textures or foods, which can lead to low fiber or uneven nutrition.
Working with pediatricians to assess and treat these issues is important, as they can impact therapy outcomes.
Do Autistic children form friendships differently?
Yes, Autistic children do form friendships differently sometimes but that doesn’t mean they don’t want friends.
Some children may prefer one-on-one friendships; others may interact more with siblings, or show interest in peers but find social cues hard. Friendship may take more time and guidance, but it can happen. Practicing simple social scripts, turn-taking, or joint play can really help. Supporting social skills through structured opportunities (playgroups, guided peer interaction) can help.
Is there a cure for Autism? Does autism get worse with age?
There is no cure for Autism. It’s not something that needs "fixing"; rather, it is about supporting your child to reach their potential and live a fulfilling life. It doesn’t necessarily “worsen,” though certain challenges (anxiety, social expectations, sensory sensitivity) may become more noticeable or harder as demands increase. But with support, many Autistic people improve skills, adapt, and lead independent lives.
Can Autistic adults live on their own?
Many can, and they do! So what helps?
Strong life skills (daily living, self-care), supports where needed (therapy, accommodations, community services), planning, building social connections, managing co-occurring conditions. Independence looks different for different people; for some, living fully independently; for others, with supports (e.g., shared living, part-time caregiving).
How long do people with Autism live?
The oldest person with Autism alive is Donald Triplett, age 89 years. So the answer seems pretty clear here that there is no specific age till which Autistics will live. Individual with Autism can live a healthy and independent life, depending on the severity, and timely diagnosis and intervention of ASD.
Sounderic provides online speech therapy sessions for children with various communication disorders. We would love to help you. Get in touch with us on WhatsApp at +919644466635 or schedule a consultation with us at https://www.sounderic.com/service-page/speech-language-consultation-for-kids?referral=service_list_widget
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References:
Autism spectrum disorder- a complete guide to understanding autism. By- Chantel Sicile Kira
Handbook of parent-child interaction therapy for children on autism spectrum disorder. - Cheryl Bodiford McNeil Lauren Borduin Quetsch Cynthia M. Anderson
Age of first words predicts cognitive ability and adaptive skills in children with ASD- Jessica Mayo, Colby Chlebowski, Deborah A. Fein, and Inge-Marie Eigsti https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4386060/#:~:text=Although%20typically%20developing%20children%20generally,36%20months%20(Howlin%202003).
“Actually, It’s Crooked”: Autism and Precocious Speech By C.L. Bridge