Skip to content 
Last Updated on September 24, 2025 by John Hookway
- More than half of children have the same level of symptoms.
- Almost 30% have fewer symptoms.
- About 17% experience a significant increase in symptoms.
Getting the right help is crucial. When you receive support tailored to your needs, you have a better chance of thriving and living independently.
Key Takeaways
- Autism does not get worse as people get older. Symptoms can change, but main traits usually stay the same. More than half of kids with autism keep the same symptoms as they grow up.
- Some kids may get better over time.
- Getting support that fits each person is very important. It helps people do well and become more independent. Big life changes, like starting school or work, can make autism symptoms stand out more. These changes can also make things harder. Getting help early can really help kids learn skills. It can also make problems smaller for kids with autism.
- Mental health problems, like anxiety and depression, can get worse as people get older. This makes getting help even more important. Learning to speak up for themselves helps people with autism share what they need. It also helps them have a better life.
- Good support from family and the community helps people cope. It also helps them feel better overall.
Autism Over Time
What Stays the Same
Some main traits of autism stay the same as you grow. Many people keep certain ways of thinking and talking.
They may also react to the world in similar ways. Research shows these main features do not change much over time. Here are some key points from studies:
- Some researchers say autism symptoms often stay steady, especially after early childhood.
- Many kids and adults show the same social and repetitive behaviors as they get older.
- Some adults get an autism diagnosis later, even if they did not have one as kids. This means autism can be there even if no one noticed it before.
You may always have special strengths and challenges. These can affect how you learn, work, and connect with others.
What Can Change
Some things stay the same, but other parts of autism can change as you age. You might notice changes in how strong some symptoms feel. You may also see changes in how you handle daily life.
Studies show:
| Group Type | Description | Percentage of Sample | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decreased Severity Group | Kids who had a drop of 2 or more ADOS CSS points. | 28.8% | Higher average IQ, better adaptive skills, more girls in this group. |
| Stable Severity Group | Kids with a change of 1 point or less. | 54.4% | Same number of boys and girls, IQ gains, steady adaptive skills. |
| Increased Severity Group | Kids whose severity went up by at least 2 points. | 16.8% | Lowest severity at first, highest later, fewer girls in this group. |
Some symptoms may get easier to handle, especially with help and learning new skills. For others, some challenges may become more clear, especially during big life changes.
This helps answer the question: can autism get worse with age? The answer is that autism itself does not get worse, but symptoms can look different.
Individual Differences
Every autistic person has their own path. Your symptoms may change because of your brain, your surroundings, or the help you get.
Some people learn good coping skills. Others may face new problems as they grow. Here are some things that can shape your experience:
- Brain growth and social rules can change how symptoms show up.
- Other conditions, like anxiety or ADHD, can affect your daily life.
- As you get older, you might notice social differences more, especially in your teen years or as an adult.
- You may find it harder to make friends or get a job. This can make you feel alone or worried.
Remember, your journey is unique. Support, understanding, and speaking up for yourself can help you do well at any age.
Can Autism Get Worse With Age
Symptom Changes
You might wonder if autism gets worse as you get older. Autism itself does not get worse, but symptoms can change.
Some symptoms may become easier to see, while others might fade away. Scientists have watched autistic people for many years to see how things change.
The table below shows what they learned:
| Study | Duration | Focus | Findings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Howlin et al. (2014) | 40 years | Cognitive development and social outcomes | Most people had better autism symptoms as they got older, but older adults had more trouble with social life than younger adults. |
| Billstedt et al. (2007) | 13-22 years | Social interaction and communication | Social problems stayed common, but talking got a bit easier; behavior problems were different for each person. |
| Seltzer et al. (2003) | N/A | Reciprocal social interaction | Teens got better at social skills, adults got better at handling certain behaviors, but talking problems stayed the same. |
You might get better at talking or handling certain behaviors. Social problems often stay, especially as you grow up. Your surroundings, support, and how you grow can change how symptoms show up.
When Challenges Increase
Big life changes can make autism symptoms feel stronger. You might wonder if autism gets worse when you start high school or a new job.
Many teens with autism face new social rules and schoolwork. These changes can make old symptoms harder to handle.
Here are some common problems:
- New social rules can make symptoms easier to notice.
- Teen social life can show traits that were hidden before.
- Many teens have trouble reading faces or understanding jokes.
- Loud sounds or bright lights at school can be too much.
- Strong feelings during teen years can make it hard to know or share emotions.
Some things can make challenges harder as you get older. Genes and getting older can mix together. Having fewer friends can make you feel alone or lead to bad habits.
You might have more trouble sleeping, feel anxious, or get sad. Being bullied or treated badly can make life more stressful. These things can make symptoms seem worse, even though autism itself does not change.
Getting help from family, friends, or experts can make things easier. You do not have to deal with these problems by yourself.
When Symptoms Improve
You can see good changes in symptoms if you get the right help. Getting help early and learning new skills can make you feel stronger.
Many people with autism do better with programs that teach talking, social skills, and daily life skills. The table below lists some ways that have helped people with autism live better lives:
| Intervention Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Early Intervention (EI) | EI helps kids get better at talking, social skills, and thinking if started early, even before a full diagnosis. |
| Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) | ABA helps people learn good behaviors and stop bad ones, teaching new skills for many situations. |
| Pivotal Response Training (PRT) | PRT helps people want to learn and talk by focusing on important skills that help them learn other things. |
| Discrete Trial Teaching | This way of teaching breaks learning into small steps, using hints and rewards that are slowly taken away. |
| Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) | ESDM works well for young kids, helping them do better on tests and with autism symptoms, especially when parents help. |
| Speech Therapy | Helps people get better at talking and sharing needs, often working with teachers and classmates. |
| Occupational Therapy (OT) | Helps with senses and life skills, making it easier to do daily things and join in activities. |
| Physical Therapy (PT) | Helps with big movements and senses, teaching things like walking and balance, and is often part of early help programs. |
You might see symptoms get better if you get help early or keep getting support. Learning new ways to cope and practicing social skills can help you feel braver.
Many people with autism do well when they get help that fits their needs. You can learn to do more on your own and have a happier life.
If you feel your symptoms are getting harder, ask for help. Getting support can really help you feel better.
What Affects Change
Environment and Support
Where you live can change your autism symptoms. Family, friends, and services help you every day. Good support makes you feel less worried and more sure of yourself.
Services teach you new skills and help with problems. You can join groups to learn social skills or job skills. These groups help you become more independent as you grow up.
- Families with strong support do better with daily problems.
- Doctors and community helpers guide you and lower stress.
- Support groups let you share stories and learn from others.
Getting healthcare is important for your health. Finding problems early and getting treatment helps you feel better and live longer. If your family and community know about autism, you feel included.
You get to join more activities and make friends. If people do not understand autism, you may feel alone or left out. You need help and changes as you grow and face new things.
Stay close to people who care about you. Ask for help when you need it. Support can really help you.
Co-occurring Conditions
Many autistic people have other problems like anxiety or ADHD. These problems can change how autism looks as you get older.
You might feel more grumpy or have trouble paying attention. Some kids with ADHD hurt themselves more. Anxiety can make you more sensitive to sounds, lights, or touch.
- ADHD can make you feel more grumpy and hurt yourself.
- Anxiety can make you more sensitive to things around you.
- Both ADHD and anxiety make it hard to control feelings and pay attention.
- Special help can make both autism and other problems easier.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps with anxiety in autistic kids.
Getting help for these problems can make your symptoms better. You need care that fits you. If you get help for both autism and other problems, you can handle things better and feel safer.
Life Transitions
Big life changes can affect your autism. Moving schools, starting work, or living alone can make symptoms stronger or easier.
You may ask, can autism get worse with age? Changes in life bring new problems, but you can learn and grow with help.
| Life Transition | Possible Impact on Autism Symptoms | Support Strategies |
|---|---|---|
| Starting school | New routines, social rules | Social skills training, peer support |
| Entering adolescence | Increased social awareness | Counseling, family involvement |
| Beginning employment | Stress, sensory overload | Job coaching, workplace adjustments |
| Moving out | Independence, daily living skills | Life skills programs, community support |
You need help to get used to new things. Family, friends, and helpers can teach you and make you feel braver. When things change, remember you can do well with the right help.
Every change is a chance to learn new things. You can do great when you have help and believe in yourself.
Social and Sensory Changes
Social Skills Over Time
Your social skills can change as you get older. Many autistic people get better at social skills from childhood to adulthood.
Some people start with strong social skills and get better fast. Others improve more slowly, but both groups can make progress.
Building social skills as a teen helps you make friends and get jobs later. These skills help you talk to others and feel sure of yourself in new places.
You can get better at social skills with practice and help. It may get easier to talk with others, notice social hints, or keep friends as you grow up. Everyone learns at their own speed, and your growth is important.
Sensory Sensitivities
Sensory experiences are different for each autistic person. Some sounds, lights, or textures might bother you more than others.
Research says sensory sensitivities usually stay the same as you get older. Many autistic adults still like certain sensory things, like touching soft stuff or listening to calm sounds. About 41% of autistic adults still enjoy sensory seeking activities.
Some studies show older autistic adults keep their sensitivities, even if their senses change. For example, your hearing or vision might change, but your reactions to sensory things stay the same. People assigned female at birth often say they have stronger sensory sensitivities than those assigned male at birth.
Your sensory needs are special to you. Notice what makes you feel good or stressed, so you can plan ahead.
Coping Strategies
You can use many ways to handle social and sensory changes. These tools help you stay calm and feel in control, especially in busy places.
Here are some helpful coping strategies:
- Stimming: Move your hands, rock, or repeat actions to calm down.
- Calming objects: Carry stress balls, weighted blankets, or soft things for comfort.
- Limit visual input: Wear sunglasses or look at one thing to avoid too much.
- Grounding techniques: Focus on your senses, like touching something cool or using the 5-4-3-2-1 method.
- Mindfulness: Try deep breathing or meditation to relax.
- Communication: Tell people about your sensory needs or use signals to ask for help.
- Environmental adaptation: Change your space by dimming lights or cleaning up.
- Sensory toolkit: Keep headphones, fidget toys, or other helpful things with you.
- Sensory breaks: Take short breaks to rest when things feel too much.
Try different ways to see what helps you most. You can use these tools at home, school, or work to fit your needs.
Mental Health and Well-Being
Common Concerns
Mental health problems often happen with autism. These problems can change as you get older. Kids with autism often have behavior problems. Anxiety and ADHD can start when you are young.
As you grow up, new problems may show up. Many autistic adults have more anxiety and depression. Some also have health problems like obesity. Almost half of preschool kids with autism have mental health issues. These numbers get higher in the teen years and as adults.
You might ask if autism gets worse with age. Autism does not get worse, but mental health problems can get bigger without help.
Here are some mental health problems for autistic people at different ages:
- Behavior problems in childhood
- Anxiety and ADHD when young
- Depression in teens and adults
- Obesity and other health problems in adulthood
- More health problems as you get older
You may feel these problems most during big changes. Moving schools or starting a job can be hard. Bad mental health can make life harder, so getting help early is important.
Autism Burnout
Autism burnout happens to many autistic adults. You might feel very tired and stressed by daily life. Burnout comes from too much stress and trying to fit in.
The world does not always understand you. Experts say 1-2% of autistic people have burnout. That means over a million people may have this problem.
Some things can cause autism burnout:
- Too much noise or bright lights
- Trying to hide autistic traits to fit in
- High pressure at school or work
- Not enough help from family or friends
- Big life changes like starting a new job
Burnout can make you feel tired, worried, and unable to cope. You may need more breaks or time alone. If you notice burnout early, you can find ways to feel better and protect your mental health.
Emotional Health
You can feel better with the right support. Programs that teach life and job skills help young autistic adults feel stronger.
Fun activities like sports or art can lower stress and help you make friends. Getting mental health care and special help makes a big difference.
The table below shows some helpful ways to support emotional health:
| Intervention Type | Description | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Behavioral Therapy | Changed for autistic youth with anxiety | Better results |
| Tailored Interventions | Made to fit autistic needs | More skill growth and engagement |
| Social Support Programs | Community support for mental health | Better health outcomes |
| Supported Employment Schemes | Helps young adults start working | More jobs, better life quality |
| Daily Life Skills Programs | Helps with daily living and fun activities | Less stress, better mental health |
You can also get help from care plans that cover both mental and physical health. Social support programs help you feel less alone. With the right help, you can handle stress and have a better life.
If you feel stressed, ask for help. You deserve care that helps you do your best.
Quality of Life
Independence
You might wonder how being independent changes as you get older. Many autistic teens and young adults think about living alone.
Some want their own place. Others feel safer living with family. Sharing help with others can make you feel stronger and more sure of yourself.
Studies show you may see your independence differently than your parents do. The table below shows how teens and parents think about independence:
| Aspect of Independence | Adolescents’ Self-Perception | Parents’ Perception |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Self-Care | High levels of independence | Lower than self-reported |
| Complex Activities | Moderate desire for autonomy | Underestimated capabilities |
| Social Participation | Moderate levels, lower than peers | N/A |
You might feel ready for some adult jobs but still need help with others. Some autistic teens say they need more time to grow up. Others feel grown up right after their teen years. This can make it confusing to know what independence should be. You may reach your goals more easily if you work on being independent and also get help from others.
Being independent does not mean you do everything alone. Asking for help and building support can make you stronger.
- Many autistic teens have different ideas about living alone or with family.
- Sharing help with others can make you feel safer and do better.
Employment
Getting a job is a big step toward being independent. You may have more trouble finding work than other people your age. Many autistic adults want jobs, but fewer have them compared to most people.
| Region | Employment Rate | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| General Population (UK) | 81.3% | 18.7% |
| Autistic Adults (UK) | 21.7% | 78.3% |
| Global (2015) | 20% employed | 80% unemployed |
Only about 1 in 5 autistic adults have jobs. Most other people work. This shows you may need extra help to find and keep a job. Job coaches, changes at work, and kind bosses can help you do well.
- Many autistic adults want jobs and have good skills.
- Help at work can help you reach your goals and feel proud.
Relationships
Relationships are important for happiness and feeling good. You may want close friends or romantic partners, just like anyone else. Many autistic people want strong social bonds, even if making or keeping friends is hard.
| Aspect | Autistic Individuals | Neurotypical Individuals | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Likelihood to Marry | ~50% less likely | ~50% | More challenges for autistic people |
| Divorce Rate | 2.8 times higher | N/A | Higher risk of divorce |
| Early Divorce (before 30) | ~30% | N/A | Many face early relationship issues |
You might have more trouble with relationships than other people. Social differences can make it harder to start or keep friendships and marriages. Still, many autistic people build strong relationships and families.
- You may want close relationships, even if you face special challenges.
- Help from friends, family, or counselors can teach you new social skills and help you feel more connected.
Building relationships takes time and practice. You can find people who care about you and support you.
Lifespan Support
Early Intervention
You can make a big difference in your future by starting support early. When you receive help as a toddler, you have a better chance to grow your skills and reduce challenges.
One well-known program, the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), gives children with autism therapy for more than 15 hours each week. Children who start ESDM between 18 and 30 months old often show strong gains in language and thinking skills.
These improvements last for years, even after the therapy ends. Many children keep getting better at talking and learning, and their autism symptoms become less noticeable over time.
Starting support as soon as you notice signs of autism—ideally before age 2 and a half—can help you build a strong foundation for learning and social life.
]If you notice early signs of autism, ask for help right away. Early support can give you the best chance to thrive.
Adapting Support
Your needs change as you grow. You might need different kinds of help in childhood, teen years, and adulthood. Many young people with autism face new challenges when they finish high school.
Services and support often decrease, which can feel like falling off a “service cliff.” You may need to learn new life skills to live on your own or handle a job.
Mental health support becomes more important as you get older, because stress and health changes can affect you in new ways.
- You may need to practice daily living skills, like cooking or managing money.
- You might need help finding a job or going to college.
- Support for your mental health can help you handle stress and changes.
- Learning to speak up for yourself becomes more important as you get older.
You can prepare for these changes by building skills early and staying connected to people who support you.
Self-Advocacy
Learning to speak up for yourself can improve your life in many ways. Self-advocacy means you know your needs and can ask for what helps you most.
Research shows that when you practice self-advocacy and self-determination, you do better in school and at work. You also make more friends and feel happier with your life. These skills help you become more independent and resilient.
| Self-Advocacy Skills | How They Help You |
|---|---|
| Knowing your needs | You can ask for the right support. |
| Setting goals | You can plan your future. |
| Speaking up | You can share your ideas and needs. |
| Making choices | You can control your own life. |
You have the right to ask for help and make choices about your life. Practicing self-advocacy can help you reach your goals and feel more confident every day.
Autism does not get worse as you get older. Your needs and challenges can change over time. Learning new things helps you grow and feel more independent. Getting support and care made for you can help your mental health and happiness.
| Support Area | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Individualized Plans | Better results at school and work |
| Mental Health Care | Less stress and more confidence |
You can get help from many groups:
- Association for Science in Autism Treatment
- Autism New Jersey
- Organization for Autism Research
- Autism Speaks
- Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation
- Aging with Autism
Hope and acceptance are important. You can do well and keep growing at every age.
FAQ
What is autism?
Autism is a developmental condition. You may notice differences in how you communicate, behave, or interact with others. Autism affects people in unique ways. You might have special strengths or face certain challenges.
Can autism symptoms change as you get older?
You may see changes in your symptoms as you age. Some symptoms become easier to manage. Others may feel stronger during big life changes. Support and learning new skills help you adapt.
Does autism get worse without support?
You might find challenges harder without support. Symptoms can feel stronger if you do not get help. Support from family, teachers, or therapists helps you handle daily life and feel better.
Can adults be diagnosed with autism?
Yes, you can get an autism diagnosis as an adult. Some people do not notice symptoms until later in life. Doctors use interviews and tests to help you understand your needs.
What therapies help with autism?
You can try speech therapy, occupational therapy, or behavioral programs. Early intervention helps children learn skills. Adults benefit from counseling, job coaching, and social groups.
Is autism linked to other health problems?
You may have other conditions like anxiety, ADHD, or depression. These can affect your daily life. Getting care for both autism and other health issues helps you feel healthier.
How can you support someone with autism?
You can listen, offer help, and respect their needs. Use clear language and give time for answers. Encourage strengths and celebrate progress. Support makes a big difference.
Can autistic people live independently?
Many autistic people live on their own. You may need help with daily tasks or social skills. Learning life skills and getting support helps you reach your goals.
