Skip to main content

Autism

Autism is a feature of how the nervous system develops — not an illness, and not a result of upbringing.

Prescription request online

Prescription request online

A doctor will review your case and issue a prescription if medically appropriate.

Talk to a doctor online

Talk to a doctor online

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

Doctor
5.0(16)

Sergey Ilyasov

PsychiatryNeurology7 years of experience

Dr Sergey Ilyasov is an experienced neurologist and qualified psychiatrist who provides online consultations for adults and adolescents. Combining deep neurological expertise with a modern psychiatric approach, he ensures comprehensive diagnostics and effective treatment for a wide range of conditions affecting both physical and mental health.

Dr. Ilyasov helps patients in the following cases:

  • Chronic headaches (migraine, tension-type headache), back pain, neuropathic pain, dizziness, numbness in limbs, coordination disorders.
  • Anxiety disorders (panic attacks, generalized anxiety disorder), depression (including atypical and treatment-resistant forms), sleep disturbances (insomnia, hypersomnia, nightmares), stress, burnout.
  • Chronic pain syndromes and psychosomatic symptoms (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome related to stress, vegetative-vascular dystonia).
  • Behavioral disorders and concentration difficulties in adolescents (including ADHD, autism spectrum disorders), nervous tics.
  • Memory impairments, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), emotional swings, and support for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Thanks to his dual specialization in neurology and psychiatry, Dr Sergey Ilyasov offers integrated and evidence-based care for complex conditions requiring a multidisciplinary approach. His consultations focus on accurate diagnosis, development of an individualized treatment plan (including pharmacotherapy and psychotherapeutic methods), and long-term support adapted to each patient's unique needs.

Book an online consultation with Dr. Sergey Ilyasov to receive qualified assistance and improve your well-being today.

Book a video appointment
€106
This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

Autism is a feature of how the nervous system develops — not an illness, and not a result of upbringing. Autistic people perceive their surroundings differently, communicate differently and respond differently to sensory load: noise, light, touch. It stays with a person for life, shows up differently in everyone, and has no bearing on intelligence — autistic people include those who need constant support and those who live entirely independently.

How it shows in children

  • speech arrives later than usual, or the child repeats heard phrases instead of forming their own;
  • little eye contact, fewer pointing gestures and fewer attempts to share an interest with you;
  • the established order of things matters, and disrupting it is hard to bear;
  • repetitive movements: rocking, hand-flapping, lining objects up;
  • a deep, narrow interest in one subject;
  • a strong reaction to sounds, light or clothing labels — or, conversely, no reaction to pain and cold.

How it shows in adults

Many people learn they are autistic in adulthood, particularly those who taught themselves to mask their traits and appeared to be coping. Pointers include difficulty with the unwritten rules of social contact, exhaustion after time with people, a need for predictability, taking things literally, difficulty reading others' emotions and marked sensory sensitivity.

Women and girls deserve a separate mention: autism is identified later and less often in them, because masking tends to be better and outward signs subtler. An anxiety disorder or depression is frequently diagnosed first.

When to seek an assessment

  • a child's speech is noticeably delayed, or they have stopped using words they had already learned;
  • a child is struggling at nursery or school and the usual approaches are not working;
  • you recognise the traits described in yourself and they get in the way at work or in relationships;
  • anxiety, low mood or exhaustion are building on top of these traits.

How assessment works

Autism is not identified by a blood test or a scan. The diagnosis is made by a specialist on the basis of a detailed interview, observation and questionnaires — in children usually with parents involved and information about early development, in adults from life history and current difficulties. The assessment takes more than one appointment, and that is normal.

A diagnosis is not about a label. It opens access to support in education and at work, explains past difficulties, and makes it possible to choose what actually helps rather than trying to "fix" oneself.

What support works

Autism is not treated — it is lived with, and the point of support is to remove unnecessary load and build the skills that are needed:

  • work with speech and language and communication specialists, including alternative communication for people who do not speak;
  • adjusting the environment: predictable schedules, a quiet place to recover, less sensory load;
  • support at school or work — clear instructions, agreements in writing, the option not to attend noisy events;
  • treating what often comes alongside: anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, sleep and eating difficulties — all common and all responsive to treatment.

Common questions

Can a child grow out of autism? No. How it shows changes with age and experience, but the trait remains.

Do vaccines cause autism? No. This link has been examined in large studies and was not borne out.

Do autistic people not want company? They do, often very much. The difficulty concerns the form of communication, not the need for it.

Is a diagnosis worth it for an adult? Yes: it provides an explanation, access to support and grounds for arranging life on your own terms.

Online consultation

In an online appointment a doctor can go through your situation, consider the traits described, help work out whether a full assessment is needed and advise which specialist to approach. Anxiety, low mood and sleep problems that often accompany autism can be addressed at the same time.

This article is for general information and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.

Consult with a doctor about Autism

Consult with a doctor about Autism

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

Medically reviewed by

Andrei Popov
Andrei Popov
General medicineMedical License: 464628925

Reviewed on Aug 6, 2026

Online doctors for Autism

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Autism with a doctor online.

Doctor
5.0(16)

Sergey Ilyasov

PsychiatryNeurology7 years of experience

Dr Sergey Ilyasov is an experienced neurologist and qualified psychiatrist who provides online consultations for adults and adolescents. Combining deep neurological expertise with a modern psychiatric approach, he ensures comprehensive diagnostics and effective treatment for a wide range of conditions affecting both physical and mental health.

Dr. Ilyasov helps patients in the following cases:

  • Chronic headaches (migraine, tension-type headache), back pain, neuropathic pain, dizziness, numbness in limbs, coordination disorders.
  • Anxiety disorders (panic attacks, generalized anxiety disorder), depression (including atypical and treatment-resistant forms), sleep disturbances (insomnia, hypersomnia, nightmares), stress, burnout.
  • Chronic pain syndromes and psychosomatic symptoms (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome related to stress, vegetative-vascular dystonia).
  • Behavioral disorders and concentration difficulties in adolescents (including ADHD, autism spectrum disorders), nervous tics.
  • Memory impairments, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), emotional swings, and support for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Thanks to his dual specialization in neurology and psychiatry, Dr Sergey Ilyasov offers integrated and evidence-based care for complex conditions requiring a multidisciplinary approach. His consultations focus on accurate diagnosis, development of an individualized treatment plan (including pharmacotherapy and psychotherapeutic methods), and long-term support adapted to each patient's unique needs.

Book an online consultation with Dr. Sergey Ilyasov to receive qualified assistance and improve your well-being today.

Book a video appointment
€106
Doctor
5.0(24)

Taisiia Proida

Psychiatry7 years of experience
Licence no. 70352

Taisiia Proida is a general practitioner with a specialization in mental health and a cognitive behavioral therapist (CBT), a member of the European Psychiatric Association. She offers online consultations for adults aged 18 and over, combining evidence-based medicine with an individualised approach to mental health care. She specialises in consultations and ongoing support for a wide range of mental health concerns, including: 

  • Mood disorders: depression, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression.
  • Anxiety disorders: generalised anxiety, OCD, panic attacks, phobias.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD.
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Assessment is provided only after an initial psychiatric evaluation and during a follow-up appointment.
  • Personality disorders and emotional instability.
  • Cyclothymia and mood fluctuations.
  • Schizophrenia spectrum and related conditions.

Dr. Proida combines clinical expertise with an empathetic approach, offering structured support based on evidence-based practices. Her work integrates CBT techniques with medical management, with a focus on anxiety and depressive disorders. She works with clients from different countries and cultural backgrounds, adapting her communication style and recommendations to individual needs. With experience in international clinical trials (Pfizer, Merck), she values clarity, trust, and collaborative partnership in patient care.

Book a video appointment
€170
Doctor
5.0(7)

Anastasiia Hladkykh

Psychiatry15 years of experience

Dr Anastasiia Hladkykh is a physician-psychotherapist and psychologist with over 14 years of experience working with individuals struggling with various types of addictions and their families. She provides online consultations for adults, combining medical knowledge with deep psychological support and practical tools.

Key areas of expertise:

  • Addiction treatment: alcohol and drug dependence, gambling addiction, compulsive behaviours, codependent relationships.
  • Support for families of addicted individuals, behavioural correction within the family system, guidance for maintaining remission.
  • Mental health: depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, phobias, PTSD, generalised anxiety, emotional trauma, and the psychological impact of loss or emigration.
  • Psychoeducation: explaining complex mental health concepts in simple language, helping patients and their families understand diagnoses and treatment steps.
Therapeutic approach:
  • Client-centred, straightforward, and empathetic – focused on practical outcomes and emotional stabilisation.
  • Prescribes medications when needed, but always aims to minimise unnecessary pharmaceutical use.
  • Certified in multiple evidence-based methods: CBT, NLP (Master Practitioner), Ericksonian hypnosis, symbol drama, art therapy, and systemic therapy.
  • Each consultation results in a clear, structured plan – patients leave knowing exactly what to do next.
Experience and background:
  • Member of the German association Gesundheitpraktikerin and the NGO “Mit dem Sonne in jedem Herzen.”
  • More than 18 publications in international peer-reviewed journals, translated into several languages.
  • Volunteer work with Ukrainian refugees and military personnel at the University Clinic of Regensburg.
Book a video appointment
€156
Doctor
5.0(1)

Daria Portnova

Psychiatry31 years of experience

Dr Daria Portnova is a psychiatrist and psychotherapist with over 30 years of clinical experience. She works with adults and adolescents aged 14 and over, providing online psychiatric and psychotherapeutic consultations. In her practice, Dr Portnova supports patients facing the onset of mental health conditions, chronic psychiatric disorders, psychotic symptoms, trauma-related states, and complex emotional crises. Her work is structured and safety-focused, with an emphasis on stabilisation, accurate diagnosis, and long-term improvement in quality of life. Patients consult Dr Daria Portnova for the following concerns: 

  • existential crises and complex life situations;
  • loss, grief, and emotional exhaustion;
  • relationship difficulties, separation, and divorce;
  • psychological and psychiatric trauma, including complex PTSD (cPTSD);
  • anxiety disorders: generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder;
  • social anxiety and social phobia;
  • obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD);
  • sleep disorders;
  • depressive disorders;
  • bipolar affective disorder;
  • schizoaffective disorder;
  • schizophrenia;
  • personality disorders.

Dr Portnova combines psychiatric assessment with a psychotherapeutic approach. She works with evidence-based methods, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and third-wave approaches such as ACT, FACT, and CFT. Consultations are focused on clear clinical understanding, practical recommendations, and ongoing support over time.

Book a video appointment
€116
Doctor
5.0(1)

Pedro Alvarez Guerrero

Psychiatry8 years of experience
Licence no. 030856962

Dr. Alvarez Guerrero graduated in Medicine from the San Pablo CEU University in Madrid. He subsequently completed his specialization in Psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry at Hospital Sant Joan de Deu in Manresa (Barcelona), where over the course of four years he acquired solid training in the bio-psycho-social model, developing his expertise across the different areas of mental health.

During his residency, he undertook training placements at Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, where he trained for several months in the psychiatric consultation-liaison unit. He also completed another placement at Hospital de Cruces in Bilbao, in the first-episode psychosis unit.

Throughout his professional career, Dr. Alvarez Guerrero has sought to complement his medical training with psychotherapeutic tools that allow him to address mental health disorders from a comprehensive perspective. For this reason, he specialized in Brief Strategic Psychotherapy through the Spanish Society of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, an approach focused on targeted and effective interventions.

With the aim of deepening his knowledge and promoting the rational use of treatments, he also completed a Master’s Degree in Psychopharmacology at the University of Valencia, which has enabled him to rigorously integrate the most up-to-date scientific evidence into the clinical management of psychopharmacological treatments.

He has also shown a particular interest in the field of legal psychiatry, completing an Official Master’s Degree in Legal, Forensic and Criminological Psychopathology at the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya. This training has allowed him to acquire the necessary competencies for the preparation of psychiatric expert reports in judicial and medico-legal contexts, thereby broadening the scope of his professional activity.

Book a video appointment
€116
Doctor
0.0(0)

Elizaveta Marinicheva

Psychiatry5 years of experience

Elizaveta Marinicheva is a psychiatrist who has been practising since 2022. She received her medical degree from the University of Milan (Università degli Studi di Milano, UNIMI) and holds official authorisation to practise medicine in Italy (Abilitazione all'esercizio della professione medica). She is a member of the Milan Medical Association (Ordine dei Medici di Milano).

She is currently completing her specialist training in psychiatry at Sapienza University of Rome (Sapienza Università di Roma). She has also received additional training in psychoanalysis and has completed more than 500 hours of personal psychoanalytic therapy.

In her practice, Dr Marinicheva combines a modern medical approach to mental health with careful consideration of each patient's individual history and current condition. When pharmacotherapy is required, treatment decisions are based on the principles of evidence-based medicine and current international clinical guidelines, including NICE, APA, WFSBP and CANMAT.

Dr Marinicheva provides online psychiatry consultations for anxiety, low mood, emotional instability, sleep problems, chronic stress and other conditions affecting mental wellbeing and quality of life. During a consultation, she assesses the patient's symptoms and overall condition, discusses potential treatment approaches and, when clinically appropriate, recommends medication and an appropriate follow-up plan.

Book a video appointment
€166

Stay informed about Oladoctor

News about new services, product updates and useful information for patients.

Follow us on social media