Autism

What is autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that shapes how you communicate, process sensory information, and relate to other people. It’s present from early childhood, even when nobody recognizes it until much later.

The word spectrum matters here. Two people with autism can look nothing alike. One may need daily support, while another holds a demanding job and masks so effectively that coworkers never suspect anything. 

What does autism look like in teens and adults?

Autism presents differently depending on your age, your environment, and how much effort you put into blending in. Traits to pay attention to include:

• Difficulty reading tone, sarcasm, or facial expressions
• Reliance on routine, with a hard time when plans shift
• Deep, focused interests in specific subjects
• Sensitivity to noise, light, texture, or crowds
• Exhaustion after social events
• Trouble with eye contact or small talk
• Repetitive movements or self-soothing habits
• A lifelong sense of being out of step with other people

Girls and women often go undiagnosed longer, since many learn to imitate social behavior well enough to pass unnoticed.

Why does getting an autism diagnosis matter later in life?

A diagnosis gives you a framework for things you may have blamed yourself for over the years. It also opens doors to accommodations at work or school and connects you with a community of people who share your experience.

Just as importantly, an evaluation clarifies what else is going on. Anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) occur at high rates alongside autism, and treating those conditions becomes more effective once everyone understands the full picture.

What does autism treatment involve?

Tammie focuses on the symptoms causing you distress, which usually means treating co-occurring anxiety, depression, or ADHD through therapy, medication, or both.

She also helps with managing sensory overload, navigating workplace accommodations, and building routines that reduce daily strain. If you need formal diagnostic testing that the practice doesn’t perform, she connects you with a specialist and continues managing your care.

Adults and teens with autism deserve care that works with how their brain operates. Reach out to Mindful Mental Health today or schedule online.