Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that influences how individuals interact, communicate, learn, and behave. It is characterized by differences in social communication and interaction, along with restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. These characteristics are present from early childhood, though they may not always be immediately apparent. Autism is considered a spectrum condition because its symptoms and severity vary widely among individuals.
Is Autism a Progressive Condition?
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition, not a progressive or degenerative disease that worsens over time. Individuals are born with autism, and it does not develop or worsen after birth. While autistic traits can change throughout a person’s life, the underlying neurological differences remain. Support and therapies for autism aim to help individuals manage challenges and leverage their strengths.
Changes in Autistic Traits Over the Lifespan
The perception of someone “getting more autistic” often stems from changes in how autistic traits are expressed over time. Individuals on the spectrum may develop coping mechanisms and social skills. These strategies can sometimes lead to a reduction in outwardly visible traits during certain periods.
Many autistic individuals learn to mask or camouflage their characteristics to better fit into social environments. This involves suppressing natural behaviors and mimicking neurotypical ones. Sustaining this masking can be incredibly draining, often leading to exhaustion or “autistic burnout.” When masking is reduced or ceased, perhaps due to burnout or feeling safe enough to be authentic, previously managed traits can become more apparent, creating the impression of increased autistic traits.
Autistic burnout is a state of intense physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion from chronic stress and continuous effort to cope with an unaccommodating world. This burnout can lead to a significant decline in daily functioning, making previously manageable tasks overwhelming. During burnout, the intensity of autistic traits may increase, and the ability to mask them can decrease, making them more visible.
Major life transitions, such as starting a new job, relationship changes, or experiencing loss, can challenge coping resources. Increased stress from these circumstances can lead to a temporary increase in autistic trait intensity. Additionally, co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are common in autistic individuals. These conditions can exacerbate or mimic autistic traits, making them appear more pronounced or challenging to manage.
Aging and Autism
The aging process can introduce unique challenges for autistic individuals, potentially impacting how autistic traits present. Age-related changes, such as shifts in sensory processing, cognitive function, and physical health, can affect autistic people differently. For instance, some autistic adults may experience increased sensory sensitivities, finding noisy or chaotic environments more difficult to tolerate.
Changes in routines, such as retirement or loss of support networks, can disrupt an autistic person’s coping strategies. This disruption can lead to increased stress and make existing autistic traits more pronounced. Autistic adults tend to have a higher prevalence of physical and mental health problems. These health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, or dementia, may contribute to a perceived increase in trait visibility as overall well-being is impacted.
Understanding Later Diagnoses
The rising number of adult autism diagnoses contributes to the perception of people “getting more autistic” with age. Many adults, particularly women and those with less obvious support needs, were historically undiagnosed due to limited awareness and diagnostic criteria often based on male presentations. These individuals have always been autistic, but their condition was recognized later in life.
A late diagnosis is not an indication that autism developed or worsened; it provides a formal understanding of lifelong traits. Receiving a diagnosis in adulthood brings relief and validation, helping individuals understand past experiences and challenges through an autistic lens. This understanding empowers individuals to reduce masking and access appropriate support, leading to a more authentic presentation of their autistic self.