Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. Many parents and individuals believe that you can outgrow autism because some children show improvements in their symptoms over time. However, autism is a lifelong condition, though its presentation can change as a person grows.
According to the research of NICHD, a small percentage of children diagnosed with autism before age 3 no longer meet the diagnostic criteria by adolescence. However, experts emphasize that this does not mean autism disappears. Instead, many individuals develop coping strategies, receive early interventions, or learn to mask their symptoms in social settings.
Can You Outgrow Autism?
Autism is not a disease that can be cured or outgrown. It is a neurological difference present from birth, and while therapy and interventions can help manage symptoms, the core traits of autism remain.
Some children diagnosed with autism early in life may appear to no longer meet the diagnostic criteria later, leading to the misconception that they have “grown out of” autism. In reality, this change is usually due to effective support, therapy, and learned coping mechanisms rather than the actual disappearance of autism.
Factors That Influence Improvement
Research indicates that some children diagnosed with autism at a young age may show significant improvements in their abilities. Such progress is often the result of early intervention, personalized therapies, and educational support. Some factors that contribute to improvement include:
Early and Intensive Therapy
Behavioral therapies, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy, can help children develop communication, social, and daily living skills.
Maturity and Brain Development
As children grow, their brains continue to develop, which may lead to improved cognitive abilities and social skills.
Environmental Adaptation
Children who receive strong family and community support often develop strategies to navigate social situations more effectively.
While some individuals may require less support over time, it does not mean people grow out of autism. Instead, they have adapted and learned skills that help them function better daily.
Can Autism Disappear Completely?
There is no scientific evidence that autism can go away. Autism is a lifelong condition, though its impact on daily life can change. Studies have shown that some people lose their initial diagnosis as they age, typically due to the development of skills that reduce the severity of their symptoms.
A 2023 study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that a small percentage of children diagnosed with autism in early childhood no longer met the diagnostic criteria in later years. However, many of these children still had other developmental challenges, such as anxiety or ADHD. This suggests that while their autism symptoms became less visible, they still faced neurodevelopmental differences.
Changes That Happen Over Time
Although adults or kids can’t grow out of autism, many continue to grow and develop throughout life. As they transition into adulthood, they may find strategies to manage challenges effectively. Some areas where autistic individuals may improve over time include:
Communication Skills
Some autistic people become better at understanding and using verbal and nonverbal communication.
Social Adaptation
With experience and support, they may learn how to navigate social situations more comfortably.
Independent Living
Many autistic adults live independently, hold jobs, and build meaningful relationships.
However, the need for support does not completely vanish. Even if autism symptoms become less noticeable, challenges related to sensory processing, executive functioning, or social interactions may persist.
Why Some People Seem to “Lose” Their Diagnosis
In some cases, individuals who were once diagnosed with autism may no longer meet the criteria for ASD in adulthood. This could be due to:
Misdiagnosis
Some children are misdiagnosed with autism when they have other conditions, such as speech delays or ADHD.
Effective Therapy
Intensive intervention can help individuals develop coping strategies that mask autistic traits.
Camouflaging
Some autistic people learn to hide their symptoms in social situations, but this can be mentally exhausting and lead to burnout.
The Importance of Support Across All Life Stages
Even if someone shows fewer signs of autism as they grow older, they may still need accommodations and support. Autism is a spectrum, meaning it affects individuals differently. Some people require lifelong assistance, while others can live independently with minimal support. Recognizing this diversity is essential in understanding autism.