Autism and Camouflaging Strategies

Autism has been defined on the basis of communication and social problems and repetitive behaviors, which can vary in people along a continuum of severity [1]. In general, autism is understood to be a neurodevelopmental condition. The characteristic symptoms of autism can be distinguished from typical development as early as 18-24 months of age. Diagnosis most often occurs during childhood, but some individuals are being diagnosed later in adulthood [2]. As far as epidemiology is concerned, recent studies continue to report an increase in measured prevalence over time. The international community witnessed tremendous positive improvements in public awareness and public health response for autism, however, neither a cause nor a cure have been found so far. Thus, there is an urgent need for further investigation of this phenomenon.