How to Tell Autism from Mood Disorders

PostedNovember 12, 2025

UpdatedNovember 12, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Beatrice Holloway, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Distinguishing autism vs mood disorders can be challenging, especially in adults where emotional regulation and social behaviours often overlap. While both can include traits like withdrawal, low mood, and difficulty with change, their underlying causes and timelines differ, autism is lifelong and neurological, while mood disorders often develop in response to life events or internal psychological shifts.

One crucial difference lies in how consistent the traits are. Autism-related behaviours typically appear early in life and remain relatively stable, whereas mood disorder symptoms can fluctuate over time. A detailed clinical evaluation will consider these patterns, along with context like communication style and sensory processing.

How It Helps: Spotting the Differences

When looking at potential symptoms, consider their duration and root cause. Here are some key contrasts:

Consistent Routine-Based Distress

Autistic individuals may become distressed when routines change, not due to sadness or fear, but because of a need for predictability. Mood disorder sufferers, on the other hand, may react to changes based on emotional state.

Flat Affect vs Reactive Mood

Autistic people might display minimal facial expression due to neurological wiring, not emotional blunting. Mood disorders often cause low or unstable emotional expression due to internal mood shifts.

Social Communication Differences

Autistic traits may include literal thinking or difficulty understanding sarcasm, which doesn’t typically appear in mood disorders.

Accurate diagnosis relies on a full symptom history and appropriate diagnostic tools.

Visit providers like Autism Detect for personal consultations.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape,read our complete guide to misdiagnosis and differential diagnosis.

Beatrice Holloway, MSc

Author

Beatrice Holloway is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She specialises in CBT, psychological testing, and applied behaviour therapy, working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, and learning disabilities, as well as adults with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, OCD, and substance use disorders. Holloway creates personalised treatment plans to support emotional regulation, social skills, and academic progress in children, and delivers evidence-based therapy to improve mental health and well-being across all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.