Many adults with autism go years, even decades, without realizing they’re on the spectrum. I see this often in practice. They may have always felt “different,” struggled socially, or felt overwhelmed by sensory input, but never had the language or support to understand why. Why Autism Can Go Unrecognized in Adults For a long time,
Getting an autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Most parents walk out of that first appointment with more questions than answers. That’s completely normal. The right questions can help you understand your child, feel more confident, and take the next steps with clarity instead of fear. In my work as a BCBA, I see how powerful
At first glance, sensory-seeking and attention-seeking behaviors can look very similar. A child might be loud, constantly moving, or doing things that disrupt the room. But the reason behind the behavior matters. One is about meeting a sensory need. The other is about getting social connection. Understanding the difference helps you respond in the right,
Attention-seeking behavior doesn’t mean a child is being “bad” or manipulative. It usually means they’re trying to communicate a need the only way they know how. The goal isn’t to ignore the child—it’s to teach better ways to get attention in a healthy, respectful way. In my work as a BCBA, I remind families that
