A Guide to the Challenges in Autism [2026]

As someone who cares about autism, whether you are a caregiver, family member, educator, or someone on the autism spectrum, you’ve probably been worried about the challenges in autism:

• What are the real challenges in autism?
• How do these challenges affect daily life?
• What can we do to support autistic individuals better?

In this article, I’ll take you through a detailed, compassionate, and educational journey into the challenges of autism in everyday life. I’ll break down the key areas where autistic people often struggle, what these struggles look like day to day, and how you can understand them better.

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way a person thinks, communicates, and experiences the world. It is called a “spectrum” because no two autistic individuals are the same. Each person has unique strengths, needs, and challenges.

At the core of autism, people may face differences in social communication, sensory processing, behaviour, and learning, but how these show up can vary widely from person to person.

Social Communication Challenges

One of the most discussed challenges autistic people face involves communication and social interaction.

Autistic individuals often find it hard to:

• Understand social cues like facial expressions or tone of voice.
• Maintain eye contact comfortably.
• Take part in back-and-forth conversations.
• Interpret sarcasm or indirect speech.

Sometimes, a person may not speak at all. Others may have advanced speech but still struggle with the social rules of communication.

Why is it a challenge in everyday life

You might feel misunderstood or unable to express your own thoughts clearly. This can lead to frustration, social isolation, or anxiety, especially in group settings.

That doesn’t mean autistic people don’t want connection. It means the way they connect is different. Many communicate through alternative methods, gestures, pictures, technology, or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

Want to know more? Get in touch with us.

Sensory Processing: A Hidden Everyday Challenge

Another major set of challenges in autism involves sensory sensitivities. Many autistic individuals process sensory information differently from others.

This can include:

• Hypersensitivity — extreme sensitivity to lights, sounds, textures, or smells.
• Hyposensitivity — needing more intense sensory input to feel comfortable.

These sensory reactions are more than just preferences — they can deeply affect everyday life.

Imagine trying to concentrate when fluorescent lights make your head throb, or eating dinner when food textures feel unbearable. These are real struggles for many autistic people.

Challenges of autism in everyday life include:

• Overwhelm in crowded or noisy places.
• Avoiding certain foods because of how they feel.
• Difficulty wearing certain clothes due to texture sensitivity.

Sensory overload can also lead to shutdowns or meltdowns — intense reactions that are often misunderstood by others. These reactions are not “bad behaviour”; they are nervous system responses to overwhelming stimuli.

Routine, Change, and Predictability

Many autistic people prefer structure and routine. Predictability creates safety. Change can feel threatening or disorienting.

Imagine if your daily schedule suddenly changed — like missing your usual bus, or plans shifting at the last minute. For someone with autism, this can be far more stressful than it sounds.

Some common everyday challenges include:

• Anxiety when routines are interrupted.
• Stress about new environments or unfamiliar tasks.
• Resistance to change, even when the change is positive.

Routines help reduce anxiety and offer a sense of control. Without routine, the brain has to work harder to predict what will happen next — and that extra effort can be exhausting.

Executive Functioning and Daily Tasks

Executive functioning is a set of mental skills — like planning, organising, initiating tasks, and following through.

Many autistic individuals struggle with one or more of these skills. That can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming:

• Planning a schedule
• Organizing belongings
• Starting a task (even when you want to)
• Switching between tasks

This is another challenge in autism that often goes unnoticed because it affects thinking processes rather than outward behaviours.

For example, something as simple as cooking dinner can become stressful if planning, timing, and multi-step thinking are hard.

Behaviour Challenges in Autism

When we talk about behaviour challenges in autism, we’re not talking about “bad” behaviour. Rather, we’re talking about behaviours that arise from unmet needs or communication differences.

Behaviour challenges may include:

• Aggression or self-injury
• Repetitive behaviours (like rocking or hand-flapping)
• Difficulty regulating emotions
• Shutdowns or meltdowns when overwhelmed

These behaviours often occur because something else is triggering stress — sensory overload, anxiety, or difficulty expressing a need.

For example, a child may hit when they are overstimulated and unable to communicate that they need a quiet space.

Helpful strategies usually involve:

• Understanding the cause of the behaviour
• Building communication tools
• Creating predictable routines
• Teaching self-regulation skills

Behaviour challenges in autism are often a form of communication — a way of showing distress when words aren’t enough.

Want to know more? Get in touch with us.

Sleep and Biological Challenges

Sleep problems are very common among autistic individuals. Research indicates that up to 80% of autistic children experience sleep disturbances, compared to 25-40% in the general population.

These challenges can include:

• Trouble falling asleep
• Frequent nighttime waking
• Irregular sleep cycles

Poor sleep affects energy, emotion regulation, concentration, and behaviour the next day.

Sleep issues might occur due to sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or neurological differences. Addressing them often involves creating calming bedtime routines and sensory-friendly sleep environments.

Gastrointestinal and Eating Challenges

Many autistic people experience gastrointestinal (GI) problems such as constipation, stomach pain, or diarrhoea. Research suggests that GI symptoms can occur in nearly half to most autistic children.

Additionally, food refusal is common and is often linked to sensory sensitivities — certain textures, smells, or combinations may be intolerable.

In everyday life, this can make mealtime stressful or limited, affecting nutrition, family routines, and social eating situations.

Social Isolation and Misunderstanding

When you struggle with social communication and sensory processing, everyday environments — classrooms, workplaces, public places can feel intimidating.

Autistic people often experience:

• Misunderstandings in conversations
• Difficulty making or keeping friends
• Feeling left out or unseen

Many adults with autism report stress when navigating social cues that others take for granted.

Social differences are one of the hardest challenges autistic people face because they affect connection, something we all need.

Autism and Food Refusal

Food refusal, a significant concern for many families with autistic individuals, is often linked to sensory sensitivities, rigid eating habits, or gastrointestinal discomfort. In the Indian context, where traditional diets may differ significantly from the Western norm, addressing food-related challenges about autism and food refusal requires a culturally sensitive approach.

We work closely with nutritionists and behavioural therapists to develop personalised plans that accommodate sensory preferences while ensuring balanced nutrition. By promoting a nuanced understanding of food-related challenges, we aim to empower families to create nourishing environments for their autistic loved ones.

In India, where cultural nuances play a significant role in shaping behavioural expectations, we emphasise culturally competent approaches to autism and behaviour problems. By working with psychologists and behaviour analysts, we equip families and caregivers with tools to navigate and address challenging behaviours, fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.

Here is our guide on Autism Therapies at Home, which might help you address some of these challenges.

Conclusion

The challenges in autism — from behaviour challenges in autism to sensory sensitivities and communication differences — are real and impactful. But they are also understandable once we learn to see the world differently.

To improve everyday life for autistic individuals, we need:

• Awareness
• Patience
• Empathy
• Adapted support systems

Every person with autism has a story, a set of challenges, and enormous potential. With understanding and action, we can make life more inclusive — not just for autistic individuals, but for all of us who share this world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the most common challenges in autism?

The most common challenges in autism include difficulties with social communication, sensory sensitivities, emotional regulation, and adapting to change. Many autistic individuals also experience behaviour challenges in autism, such as meltdowns or repetitive behaviours, especially when they feel overwhelmed or unable to communicate their needs.

How do the challenges of autism affect everyday life?

The challenges of autism in everyday life can impact daily routines, school, work, and social interactions. Simple tasks like going to a crowded place, following an unpredictable schedule, or participating in conversations may feel stressful due to sensory overload, anxiety, or communication differences.

What behaviour challenges do autistic people commonly face?

Behaviour challenges in autism may include meltdowns, shutdowns, self-stimulating behaviours, aggression, or difficulty managing emotions. These behaviours are not intentional or negative; they are often a response to stress, sensory discomfort, or unmet communication needs.

Are the challenges autistic people face the same for everyone?

No, the challenges autistic people face vary widely because autism is a spectrum. Each person experiences different strengths and challenges depending on factors like age, environment, level of support, and individual sensory and communication needs.

For expert insights, support services, and inclusive learning initiatives, contact India Autism Center for more information.