Autism for Indians: 5 common questions

Here are five questions which I think are important to raise awareness about Autism in Indian adults:

1. What is Autism?

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, and responds to certain stimuli or activities. People with autism may have unique ways of perceiving and processing the world around them, often showing repetitive behaviors, intense interests, or sensitivity to sensory input like sounds, lights, or textures.¹ The term “spectrum” highlights that autism affects each individual differently, with a wide range of traits and intensities. No two autistic individuals are exactly alike, everyone’s brain works uniquely.

In simple terms, autism is one type of neurodivergence, a way that some brains are naturally wired differently from the “neurotypical” brain, or the way most brains are structured. Psychologists avoid calling autism a “disability,” as it isn’t something “broken” that needs fixing. Instead, it’s a variation in how brains are wired, much like differences in personality or learning styles.

Autism is just one form of neurodivergence. Other types include ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and learning differences, which also fall under this neurodivergent umbrella. These conditions all reflect the diversity of human brains and how each one operates uniquely.

I am not an expert, this blog is intended only to raise awareness about Autism, I hope it helps. For any information please seek an actual psychologist/therapist.

2. What’s the chance that you might be on the “Spectrum”?

In India, access to mental health services and psychological assessments is limited, making autism diagnoses rare and often delayed. Many people go undiagnosed, which can lead to struggles with anxiety, depression, or a sense of not fully understanding themselves. This lack of diagnosis can prevent individuals from accessing the support and self-understanding they need to thrive.

One reason autism can be hard to detect is that it presents differently in each person. Traits of autism, like difficulty with social cues, sensory sensitivities, or intense interests, can vary widely in intensity and form. Some people mask or hide these traits, consciously or unconsciously, to fit in socially. As a result, their autism might not be noticed by others or even by themselves, especially in cultures with lower awareness of neurodiversity.

Statistics show that around 1 in 100 people have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), meaning that in any room full of people, there’s a good chance at least one person may be on the spectrum. Though this study is done extensively in western countries, there’s lack of good statistical study for Indian population. Given how varied autism can look, many may not realize they are autistic, particularly in environments where neurodiversity is not widely understood.

This prevalence suggests that you or someone you know may have autism, even if it hasn’t been formally recognized. Seeking an assessment can offer insights and open doors to better understanding oneself, whether for personal growth or simply to find supportive resources.

3. Why you might be interested in exploring an Autism assessment

Here are some common traits of high-functioning autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD):

1. Intense Focus on Specific Interests: You might have a subject, like trains, computers, or a hobby like drawing, that you know a lot about and enjoy spending hours on. For example, someone might read everything they can find about space exploration or play a specific game obsessively. This focus can be fulfilling but may make it harder to balance other activities.
2. Difficulty Understanding Social Cues: Social cues like body language, facial expressions, or tone of voice can be hard to interpret. For example, you might not realize someone is joking if they don’t laugh or may miss cues that others want to change the topic in a conversation.
3. Social Anxiety or Discomfort: Social settings can feel stressful, especially if you’re unsure how to act or what to say. You might feel nervous at a party or prefer to skip group activities. Eye contact, for instance, might feel uncomfortable, so you may look away during conversations.
4. Struggles with Relationships: Forming close bonds with friends or family can feel challenging. You might feel like people misunderstand you or find it hard to make new friends. For example, you might be very loyal to a few close friends but feel unsure around larger groups.
5. Strengths and Struggles in Different Areas: You might excel in some subjects, like math or art, while struggling in others. For instance, you might be great at math but find group projects or memory-based tasks, like history, more difficult.
6. Difficulty with Emotional Expression: Understanding and expressing your emotions might be challenging. For example, you may feel sad or angry but struggle to explain why. People might sometimes misinterpret you as distant or unfeeling, even if you care deeply.
7. Direct Communication Style: You might be very straightforward when speaking, sometimes coming across as blunt. For example, if you don’t like something, you may say it directly, not realizing it could hurt someone’s feelings.
8. Sensory Sensitivities: Certain sounds, lights, or textures might feel too intense or uncomfortable. For example, you might find bright lights in a store overwhelming or feel uncomfortable with certain clothing textures. Alternatively, some things that others notice, like background noise, might not bother you as much.
9. Organizational Challenges: Planning and organizing tasks can be difficult. For example, you might forget appointments, lose track of time easily, or need a very detailed routine to help stay organized and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
10. Need for Quiet Time: Busy or crowded places can feel overwhelming, and you may need alone time to recharge. For example, after a long day at work or school, you might prefer to spend time alone to unwind and recover from sensory and social stress.

For more info you may read this

4. What is “High-Functioning Autism,” and why is it hard to detect?

“High-functioning autism” (HFA) is a term used to describe people on the autism spectrum who have average or above-average intelligence and are generally able to manage daily tasks independently. While they may not need as much support with day-to-day routines, they still face unique challenges in social situations, communication, and sensory processing. Though “high-functioning” isn’t an official diagnosis, it captures the experience of individuals whose autism can often be overlooked or misunderstood. (It is to be noted that many people refrain using the word high/low functioning instead they might use low/high support)

One reason HFA can be hard to detect is that many people with it learn to “mask” their traits to fit in socially, making their autism less visible. For example, someone might practice making eye contact or memorize common responses to questions, so they appear more socially engaged than they truly feel. By observing and mimicking social behaviors, they try to blend in, which can lead others to think they’re naturally at ease in social situations, even if it’s mentally exhausting for them.

Traits like a strong need for routines or an intense focus on specific interests can also be seen as personality quirks rather than signs of autism. For instance, someone with HFA may insist on completing tasks in a particular order or spend hours exploring a niche hobby. To others, this might just seem like a personal preference or “being particular,” rather than a strategy for managing anxiety or sensory sensitivities.

Often, people with high-functioning autism excel in verbal skills or academic settings, which can further mask their challenges. They may be great at explaining topics they’re passionate about or giving presentations, which creates the impression of social confidence. However, they may still struggle with more spontaneous, unstructured social interactions or reading subtle social cues.

High-functioning autism also shares overlapping traits with conditions like ADHD or anxiety, which can lead to missed or incorrect diagnoses. For example, an individual might appear fidgety or distracted, which could be mistaken for ADHD, or they may seem withdrawn in social settings, which can be seen as social anxiety rather than part of the autism spectrum.

Finally, public awareness of autism’s more subtle forms remains limited, and people with HFA are often overlooked. They might be seen as “quirky” or “introverted,” without anyone realizing that these behaviors stem from autism. This combination of masking, subtle traits, overlapping symptoms, and low awareness makes high-functioning autism challenging to recognize, leaving many individuals without the support or understanding they might need.

5. How to get diagnosed for ASD in India?

The main way to get diagnosed is to reach out to a therapist or psychologist. Personally, I’d suggest starting with a therapist to discuss your struggles before pursuing a full diagnosis with a psychologist. This initial step can help you clarify what you’re experiencing and reduce the risk of self-assessment or misdiagnosis.

India’s healthcare system, compared to other countries, makes therapy relatively affordable. Therapy sessions are accessible for as low as ₹500–₹600 per session, and many platforms offer online sessions so you can connect with a therapist from the comfort of your home.

When moving forward with a diagnosis, the assessment process may involve multiple sessions, where the psychologist will likely ask about your personal history, behaviors, and experiences. The cost varies depending on the professional and the assessment type, usually falling between ₹5,000 and ₹20,000. Some professionals may also use tools like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) or structured interviews to reach a more comprehensive diagnosis.

It can help to research and choose professionals who specialize in ASD or neurodevelopmental disorders, as they’ll be more familiar with the latest diagnostic approaches. Connecting with support groups or online communities may also be helpful, as they can offer recommendations for reliable therapists or psychologists experienced in autism assessments.

Bonus:

6. What’s the benefit of getting a diagnosis for ASD as an Adult?

There are several ways that an ASD diagnosis can benefit you:

1. Understanding Why You’re Struggling: Struggling with emotions, social situations, or feeling “different” can be exhausting, especially when it’s unclear why. A diagnosis can provide a reason for these challenges, helping you work on strategies to manage them and reduce frustration.
2. Discovering a New Self-Image: For some, a diagnosis leads to a new understanding of themselves. It can explain behaviors and responses that were previously confusing, helping you realize it’s not your fault and allowing you to appreciate the strengths of your unique mind.
3. Validation from Family and Friends: A diagnosis can help those close to you understand why you experience and interact with the world differently. Ideally, it fosters more understanding and support from family and friends. (However, be cautious, as some people may still misunderstand or judge those with autism.)
4. Improving Quality of Life: Life is a journey of self-discovery, and understanding that ASD is part of who you are can be a meaningful step. ASD doesn’t define your entire identity; it’s just one aspect of your brain’s wiring. Knowing this can guide you toward resources and strategies for self-growth and better living, helping you explore and embrace your individuality.

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I hope you find this helpful. I want to emphasize that I’m not a psychologist, and I’m not sharing this to encourage self-diagnosis. Reading this might make you think, “Hey, I could have autism,” but my goal is actually to encourage you to seek a professional assessment if you’re experiencing struggles that resonate with what I’ve described.

I was diagnosed with autism in my late 20s, not too old, but not early either, and I sometimes wish I had known sooner. So, if you’re still reading this and wondering whether an assessment could make a difference in your life, I hope this gives you the push to explore it further.

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Thanks for reading 🙂

1. What is autism? ↩︎