Posts published in “Unmasking: An Autism Story”

Love often is an explosion of emotions — hearts racing, butterflies in the stomach, and grand romantic gestures. But for autistic individuals, love can look a little different.

As we know from the many, many weeks of articles in this column, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) combines differences in cognition and social interaction with fundamental aspects of perception, including the experience of time.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) finds more and more understanding as a condition that extends beyond neurological differences, frequently co-occurring with a range of chronic physical health challenges.

For many individuals on the autism spectrum, their differences aren’t limitations — they are unique strengths that can transform workplaces. These traits, often misunderstood, offer distinct advantages that employers can leverage, especially in roles requiring precision, creativity, and innovative problem-solving.

Autism is a multifaceted condition, and research increasingly reveals its profound connection with chronic physical illnesses. Far from being limited to neurological or sensory differences, autistic individuals face a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing a broad range of health conditions across all organ systems.

Autism and epilepsy, two distinct neurological conditions, often intersect in profound and perplexing ways. While researchers continue to unravel the complexities of their relationship, one thing is clear: individuals with autism are significantly more likely to experience seizures than the general population.

Autism is a complex interplay of symptoms that extend far beyond the diagnostic labels commonly associated with mental health conditions. From mood dysregulation and attentional challenges to trauma and anxiety, individuals with autism often present multifaceted symptom profiles that resist simple categorization.