A SIMPLE GUIDE

TO AUTISM
Hey there!

I’m glad you’ve picked up this ebook—thank you for that!

Over the past 40 years of working with kids & parents, I’ve gathered a ton of

experience, and I want you to get the most out of this in less than 20 pages.

My goal?

To answer 13 crucial questions that parents like you are always asking:

● So, what exactly is autism?

● OK, but what’s autism, scientifically speaking?
● Why do people with autism seem so different from each other?
● What are the levels of autism, and how do they help me understand
my kid?
● Does autism mean something’s wrong with my kid’s brain?
● So, there’s really a link between autism and being super smart?
● How do I help my autistic kid tap into their strengths and skills?
● Why did my child suddenly stop talking or using words they knew?
● These repetitive movements my kid's doing—could it be something
serious?
● Is it normal for autism to bring other conditions?
● Is autism more common now than before?
● As a parent of a child with autism, what should I be aware of?
● How do I keep going when I’m barely holding on?
 A Simple Guide to Autism 1

So, what exactly is autism?

In simple terms, autism is just a different way the brain works.

Your kid’s brain processes things like socialising, communication, and

understanding the world around them in its own special way. It’s not
something they’ll "grow out of" or something that needs to be "fixed."

It’s just who they are.

Some things might be harder for them, like understanding how others are
feeling or handling loud noises or bright lights. They may also get really
focused on one activity or topic (sometimes to the point where it’s hard to
get them to switch to something else).

But at the same time, they might be really great at noticing details or
remembering things others would forget.

However, autism is still misunderstood worldwide because society tends to

focus more on changing autistic behaviours than truly understanding what
it means to be autistic.

Remember—autism isn’t an illness, and it’s not caused by vaccines, food,

or anything you, as their parent, did. Your child is still capable of living a
full, happy life, but they might need some extra support along the way!
 A Simple Guide to Autism 2

OK, but what’s autism, scientifically

speaking?

● Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is considered a

neurodevelopmental disorder. That basically means it’s a condition
caused by differences in how the nervous system develops and
functions.

● Autism affects how the brain grows. Some kids with autism might
have certain parts of their brain grow larger (like, for example, the
hippocampus), while others might have a smaller amygdala, which
can make things like socialising more challenging.

● The way different parts of the brain “talk” to each other can be a
little unusual in people with autism. It’s like their brain has its own
unique wiring, which helps explain some of the challenges they face
with things that might seem simple or straightforward to others.

● As for why autism happens, scientists aren’t totally sure yet. They
think it’s a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Things like
having older parents or certain genetic conditions can increase the
chances of it, but autism isn’t caused by vaccines or parenting.

● Most kids don’t get diagnosed with autism until they’re around 4
years old, even though it can often be detected as early as age 2.
The thing is, the earlier you know, the better because it means you
can start helping them right away.

● What’s really interesting is that a lot of parents find out they’re on

the spectrum too when they’re getting their child checked. Turns
out, a little over 2% of adults in the US are autistic, so it’s not
surprising that some parents start to recognize those traits in
themselves once they start looking into it for their kids.
 A Simple Guide to Autism 3

Now, you might be thinking, "My kid doesn’t have all these traits!" But the
truth is… For every single trait of autism, I’ve met autistic people who
don’t have it, and non-autistic people who do. And let me tell you why.
 A Simple Guide to Autism 4

Why do people with autism seem so

different from each other?

Autism is not a one-size-fits-all condition. It’s actually a mix of different

symptoms that can come from many different genetic causes. Some
children may have autism due to rare genetic mutations, while others
have autism with no clear genetic cause.

This in itself makes autism incredibly diverse—some kids might struggle

with social interaction, while others have trouble communicating or
focusing intensely on certain activities. So, each child with autism has a
specific set of challenges and strengths, depending on the genes involved.

The word "spectrum" in Autism Spectrum Disorder can be confusing. A lot

of people think it means someone can be “a little autistic” or “really
autistic,” like it’s some kind of scale. But that’s not how it works.
 A Simple Guide to Autism 5

Instead, autism is more like a mix of traits that show up in different ways
for each person. So, it’s not about “how much autism someone has”—it’s
about which traits they have and how they affect them.

That’s why you might meet a kid who struggles with things like making
eye contact or communicating, and another kid who seems to blend in so
well that you’d never guess they’re autistic (unless they told you!).
 A Simple Guide to Autism 6

What are the levels of autism, and how do

they help me understand my kid?

In the past, autism was broken down into different subtypes. For
instance, Kanner’s Syndrome was the name for what we now call classic
autism, and Asperger’s was seen as a less severe form where people
didn’t usually have language delays but still struggled socially.

There were also types like Rett Syndrome, which mostly affects girls, and
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD), which had a later start but was
extremely rare.

Nowadays, doctors just use the term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for
all of these. That way, instead of focusing on what kind of autism
someone has, they look at how much help a person needs in daily life.
 A Simple Guide to Autism 7

The thing is, nobody can just assign a level to someone’s autism—not us,
and definitely not the person themselves. It’s way more complex than it
seems, and it needs to be done by a qualified professional.

In fact, many experts suggest getting reassessed throughout the child’s

life because things can change. So, if you’re unsure about their level or
where they stand, it’s a good idea to ask the right questions and get your
child reassessed by someone who really knows what they’re doing.

Another thing I’d like to point out is when you look at the chart comparing
Level 1 to Levels 2 and 3, it can seem like Level 1 is the mildest
version—”almost invisible to others on the surface and pretty similar to
ADHD”, as some might say.

But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

1) First of all, ADHD can often happen alongside autism,

complicating things even more.

2) On top of that, other conditions like anxiety, depression, or sensory

issues can hide the signs of autism, making it harder to spot
what’s really going on.

3) But what’s really important to remember is that Level 1 autistic kids

still face some pretty serious challenges. Just because it’s labelled
“mild” doesn’t mean it’s easy.
 A Simple Guide to Autism 8

Does autism mean something’s wrong with

my kid’s brain?

Absolutely not!

In fact, it’s the opposite. Let me show you with a real example—Dr.
Temple Grandin. If you don’t know her, she’s probably the most famous
person with autism and one of the first to share her experiences openly.

Her brain scan is mind-blowing. It lights up in vibrant colours, showing

just how unusually her brain is wired. There’s no damage here—just
differences that have led to some incredible abilities.

So no, autism doesn’t mean something’s wrong with your child’s brain. It
just means their brain works differently…

And with the right support, they can live an incredibly fulfilling life!

Brain scans on Dr. Temple Grandin at 63 years of age conducted by neuroscientist Walter Schneider, a
psychologist from the University of Pittsburgh
 A Simple Guide to Autism 9

So, there’s really a link between autism and

being super smart?

Autistic kids aren't all geniuses, but they often have these incredible,
laser-sharp abilities that can really shine when you least expect it.

Autistic children tend to focus intensely on things they love—and they’ll

absorb every single detail about those topics. It's like their brain is wired
to go full throttle when they're interested in something, and that intense
focus can lead to amazing knowledge and skills in those areas.

Now, some autistic kids have this phenomenal ability to remember details
long after others have forgotten them. This ability to store and recall
information can come in handy in so many fields!

Take Anthony Hopkins for example—even though he was diagnosed

with autism in his late 70s, his charisma and magnetic screen presence
have made him one of the greatest actors ever.

What about Greta Thunberg’s activism that led to the global "School
Strike for Climate," inspiring millions of students worldwide? Her speeches
at the United Nations have pushed governments to rethink climate
policies, earning her multiple Nobel Peace Prize nominations.

Then there’s Dr. Temple Grandin, whose visionary thinking has

completely transformed animal welfare. She didn’t just improve how we
treat livestock—she created groundbreaking, humane systems now used
worldwide!

It’s important to remember that every child has their own one-of-a-kind
strengths and abilities. Even if they don't develop genius-level talents,
your child is still filled with incredible potential. With love, support, and
patience, you might find them achieving more than you ever imagined!
 A Simple Guide to Autism 10

How do I help my autistic kid tap into their

strengths and skills?

So, you’ve noticed your kid has a talent, and now you don’t want to miss
the chance to nurture it. But at the same time, you don’t want to push
too hard or overwhelm them.

Here’s what you need to know: it’s really common for kids on the
spectrum to develop unevenly. So, for example, while they might be doing
advanced maths (hypernumeracy), they might simultaneously struggle
with dysgraphia (a disability that impairs a person’s ability to write).

If you want to help them work on their talents, make sure to offer them
activities that are just a little bit challenging—something slightly above
their current level. Keep an eye on their progress and let them go at their
own pace. This way, they’ll naturally develop without feeling too much
pressure.

To get an even clearer idea of where they’re at, identify three areas:

1. Strength - this is where they excel

2. Opportunity - tools and resources you can use to help them advance
3. Threat - things that might get in the way of opportunities
 A Simple Guide to Autism 11

But it’s also crucial to look at their weaknesses. You want to offer support
where it's really needed, especially when it comes to things like life skills.

The end goal is always the same for every parent—you just want to help
your kid become more independent and live a fulfilling life.

And while it’s true that their talents can sometimes help in other areas…
Actively working on those missing skills is, in fact, even more important!

You can use the same technique above to:

a) Identify their weak spot

b) Prepare for potential threats
c) Think of opportunities you can use to neutralise the threats

Autism changes over time, especially when you’re actively working with
your kid. You’ll see progress, but there can be setbacks too.

For example, they might still have some tough sensory issues, but they’ll
figure out how to handle them better. They might not space out as much
and start paying more attention to what’s happening around them.
Meltdowns might still happen, but less often.

This kind of shift, especially moving from level 2 to level 1, shows that
growth happens, even if some things stay the same.
 A Simple Guide to Autism 12

Why did my child suddenly stop talking or

using words they knew?

I remember a couple of years ago talking to a Mom whose two-year-old

daughter was hitting all the normal milestones—talking, making eye
contact, and engaging with people.

Then, within a few months, she suddenly stopped. The kid even stopped
responding when her Mom would come home from work. She felt so
frustrated because some experts claimed signs were always there…

But that didn’t match what she saw in her child.

Numerous other parents shared similar stories of regression. Another

Mom talked about her boy saying “Mama” and “Dada,” and then, out of
nowhere, those words disappeared. Another parent’s child was doing
simple tasks like pointing and waving, and that suddenly stopped.

And the hardest part for all of them was trying to get family and doctors
to understand that this isn’t just a speech delay—it's a real change.
 A Simple Guide to Autism 13

Now, regressive autism is a condition where a child who seemed to be

developing typically suddenly loses skills. This often happens between
15-30 months of age and can occur both rapidly or gradually.

No one’s entirely sure why regressive autism occurs, but here are some
possible explanations:

● Overstimulation: A common theory is that kids might hit their first

"autistic burnout" around this age because they’re overwhelmed by
too much sensory input. All the noise and activity can get too
intense, so they might stop doing things they used to enjoy, like
talking or playing with others.

● Synaptic pruning: Around this time, the brain goes through a big
change called synaptic pruning, where it gets rid of unused
connections. Some people think that for autistic kids, this process
might cut out important connections, like those used for speech,
which can look like regression.

● Focus shifts: Another idea is that as kids start developing new

skills like walking or exploring, they may temporarily put other
skills, like talking, aside. They’re busy focusing on movement and
sensory stuff, so speech might take a backseat for a while.

It’s important to act quickly— the sooner you do, the better chance your
child has to regain their skills. To help you stay ahead of it, follow this:

1) Document everything—take videos of your child’s behaviour and

note any changes. Track their progress and share with doctors.

2) If you see signs of regression, push for evaluations. A speech

therapist, paediatrician, or neurologist can help, and waitlists can be
long, so start early.

3) Many parents can sense when something is off. If you’re worried,

trust yourself and keep pushing, even if others downplay it.
 A Simple Guide to Autism 14

These repetitive movements my kid's

doing—could it be something serious?

These repetitive movements are actually called stimming, and it can

include things like:

● Hand-flapping, finger-flicking
● Clicking on the tongue with a rhythm
● Rocking back and forth
● Humming or whistling constantly
● Clenching and unclenching fists
● Head-banging
● Grinding teeth
● Biting the skin of fingers or lips
● Aligning objects or sorting by colour
● Eating for the texture (like raw pasta or candy)
● Turning lights on and off repeatedly
● Touching objects in passing (like walls or railings)
● Rubbing hands against clothing or other textures
● Smelling food before eating
● Swinging on swings or spinning in chairs
● Sucking on sleeves or nibbling on them

If you're wondering why your child is stimming, it could be for a few

reasons. They might do it because they enjoy it, or they could be seeking
sensory input, like rocking to help with balance or hand-flapping for visual
stimulation. It can also be a way to handle stress, anxiety, or uncertainty.

Obviously, you can let them be if the stimming is harmless and helps
them manage stress or enjoy themselves.

⚠️ But intervene immediately if it’s causing harm (like head-banging or

scratching). If what they’re doing is unsafe or making things difficult for
them, they will need your help to change or reduce the behaviour.
 A Simple Guide to Autism 15

Is it normal for autism to bring other

conditions?

The truth is, autism doesn’t usually show up by itself—it tends to come
with other diagnoses. I’m talking about things such as developmental
delays, medical conditions or even mental health issues like anxiety.

There was this big study on 8-year-old kids with autism where the
researchers found that about 83% of them had another developmental
issue. Around 10% had ADHD or anxiety, about 16% had a neurological
condition, and 4% had some genetic cause related to their autism.

This can get confusing for parents because a lot of these health conditions
can "mask" the signs of autism, making it harder to spot or diagnose.

Disclaimer: These are just some typical features of ADHD and autism. Every child is unique, and
both conditions can present in countless ways. What’s important is recognising that there’s a broad
range of experiences, and no two kids with ADHD or autism are the same.
A Simple Guide to Autism 16
 A Simple Guide to Autism 17

Is autism more common now than before?

According to the World Health Organization, about 1 in 100 kids

worldwide have autism. But the numbers aren't the same everywhere. In
places like🇰🇷 South Korea and 🇺🇸
California, the rates are actually higher.
This goes on to show how autism rates can vary depending on where you
are and how good the healthcare or diagnostic tools are in that area.

In places like New York and New Jersey, for example, autism diagnoses
have tripled over the past few years. It’s not just that there’s more
autism; we’re just getting better at spotting it, especially in kids with
higher IQs who might not have been diagnosed as easily before.

On top of that, a lot of lower-income countries don’t have the same data,
so we don’t fully know the global picture yet. As a society, we’re definitely
understanding autism better, however there’s still a lot more to figure out.
 A Simple Guide to Autism 18

As a parent of a child with autism, what

should I be aware of?

When I talk to parents, the #1 thing I always stress is this: as your

autistic child gets older, make sure they know you've always got their
back. Even if they struggle with everyday life skills, be clear that they’re
never going to be shamed. Let them know you’re always there for them.

You’ll notice that, more often than not, autistic kids have trouble
expressing what they feel, or they’re just so overwhelmed that it stays
bottled up. But as their parents, it’s so important for us to really tune in
and catch those unspoken signals.

We’re their main support system, and how we respond can make all the
difference. Over the years, I’ve noticed patterns in what many of these
kids wish their parents understood. So, here are 8 things autistic children
often want to share but may struggle to say:
 A Simple Guide to Autism 19

How do I keep going when I’m barely

holding on?

I get it; you're tired, and it feels like you’re carrying this weight alone.
But trust me, you’re stronger than you think, and just by showing up
every day, you're doing an incredible job.

Yes, the days can feel never-ending, and progress might look so different
than you expected, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there. It’s in the tiniest
of moments, those smiles, those looks, and even just getting through
another tough day. That matters, a lot.

I know you're exhausted, and you deserve a moment to breathe. So hear

me out. Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury; it’s necessary. Even if you
can only take 10 minutes after they fall asleep, use that time to recharge.

And please, don’t forget you’re not alone in this. Other parents get
it—those same sleepless nights, the constant worry, the isolation. It helps
to talk, to vent, or just be with people who truly understand.

It’s okay to feel drained, to cry, and to wish things were easier. But don't
forget, you’re raising a kid who loves you deeply, and that bond is so
much more powerful than any diagnosis.

You’re doing amazing, even if it doesn’t feel like it every day.

Keep going, keep breathing, and know that there’s hope and happiness
waiting in the smallest victories.

You’ve got this.

Marko Juhant,
StrategicParenting.com