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Understanding Autism

Date: 04/21/26

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a broad range of conditions that may cause people to behave, interact with others and learn in different ways from other people. Autism looks different for everyone, though.

Anyone can have ASD. It is usually diagnosed in early childhood, often around age 5. There is no single test for ASD. A medical provider learns about a person’s development, behavior, and talks with the person and their loved ones to make a diagnosis.

Because ASD is a spectrum, the amount of support people may need varies. People may need help in different areas of their life, such as:

  • Communication. Some people with ASD may be able to speak, but others may only be able to talk a little or are nonverbal.
  • Learning. People with ASD can have intellectual disabilities, or they may have no intellectual disabilities or little trouble with learning.
  • Daily activities. While some people with ASD may need a lot of help with daily tasks, others may need less support or can go through daily life on their own.
  • Social skills. Sometimes extra help is needed to help people with ASD engage with others and make friends.

No two people have the same experiences or challenges with ASD – that’s why supporting someone with ASD starts with understanding their specific needs.

For more information about ASD, visit the Superior HealthPlan Autism Help webpage or visit the resources below.