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Living with Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder affects how individuals communicate, interact, and experience the world; each person is unique. At Easterseals South Florida, we provide personalized support to help children and adults with autism thrive at every stage of life.

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, and experiences the world around them. Because autism is a spectrum, it impacts people in different ways and to varying degrees—no two individuals are exactly alike.

Some individuals may require significant daily support, while others live more independently. While the cause of autism is still unknown, early intervention and tailored support can help individuals lead meaningful, fulfilling lives. A few examples:

Social Communication/ Interaction

Difficulty establishing or maintaining back-and-forth conversations and interactions
Inability to initiate an interaction
Difficulty with shared attention or sharing of emotions and interests with others
Atypical eye contact, posture, facial expressions, tone of voice, and gestures, as well as an inability to understand these
Lack of interest in other people
Difficulties in pretend play
Engaging in age-appropriate social activities
Challenges adjusting to different social expectations.

Restrictive/Repetitive Behavior

Stereotyped or repetitive speech, motor movements, or use of objects
Excessive adherence to routines
Ritualized patterns of verbal or nonverbal behavior
Excessive resistance to change
Highly restricted interests that are atypical in intensity or focus
Hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input or a unique interest in sensory aspects of the environment

It’s Important to Remember:

There is no single behavior or trait that defines autism, and no two people experience it the same way. At Easterseals South Florida, we celebrate these differences and provide support tailored to each person’s strengths, needs, and goals.