Tag: What is autism

What is Autism?

June 22nd, 2022

Answering the question, what is autism and what is the autism spectrum?

There is not one type of autism. Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that there is a wide range of symptoms, severity, and functional level. People with autism may be high functioning, with mild symptoms, or low functioning, with severe symptoms. Some people with autism are nonverbal, while others speak fluently.

There are several different types of autism, each with its own set of symptoms. The most common form of autism is called autistic disorder, or classical ASD. This is the form of autism that most people are familiar with. People with autistic disorder usually have significant problems with social skills, communication, and repetitive behaviors.

Asperger’s syndrome is another form of autism. People with Asperger’s syndrome typically have fewer problems with social skills and communication than those with autistic disorder. However, they may still have difficulty understanding nonverbal cues such as body language and facial expressions. They may also engage in repetitive behaviors.

Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) is a diagnosis given to people who meet some but not all the criteria for autistic disorder or Asperger’s syndrome. Children with PDD-NOS may have milder symptoms than those with other forms of autism.

Rett syndrome is a rare form of autism that only affects girls. It is characterized by normal early development followed by a period of regression in which the child loses social and communication skills and begins to engage in repetitive behaviors.

Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) is another rare form of autism characterized by normal early development followed by a period of regression in which the child loses social and communication skills as well as motor skills such as walking and crawling.

Autism Spectrum

In the early years of autism research, the condition was thought to be a single disorder with a very specific set of symptoms. However, as more was learned about autism, it became clear that there was not one “type” of autism, but rather a spectrum of conditions, each with its own range of symptoms. This shift in thinking led to the current understanding of autism as a “spectrum” disorder.

The term “spectrum” reflects the wide range of symptoms, abilities, and levels of disability that can occur in people with ASD. Some people with ASD are severely disabled, unable to speak or care for themselves. Others have only mild symptoms and are able to live relatively normal lives.

The term “autism spectrum disorder” (ASD) is used to describe a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that are characterized by social deficits and communication difficulties. ASD includes conditions such as Asperger syndrome, autistic disorder (sometimes called “classic” autism), and pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).

People with ASD often have difficulty understanding and responding to social cues such as body language and facial expressions. They may also have trouble initiating and sustaining conversations. Many people with ASD have repetitive behaviors or interests such as hand-flapping or spinning objects. Some also have sensory processing issues which can make certain sounds, textures, or lights unbearable for them.

The cause of ASD is not fully understood, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Autism Sensory Difficulties

As autism spectrum disorder (ASD) becomes more understood, it is increasingly clear that many people with ASD have difficulties with sensory processing. Sensory processing difficulties can make everyday life a challenge, as simple tasks like getting dressed or going to the grocery store can become overwhelming.

There are a few theories as to why ASD and sensory difficulties so often go hand-in-hand. One theory is that people with ASD have difficulty filtering out information, which can lead to being overloaded by all the sights, sounds, and smells around them. Another theory is that people with ASD may have a different brain structure that causes them to process sensory information differently.

Whatever the cause, there are ways to help people with ASD manage their sensory difficulties. For some, accommodations like noise-canceling headphones or dimmer lights can make a big difference. Others may benefit from occupational therapy or other therapies that help them learn to better process and respond to sensory input.

With more and more people being diagnosed with ASD each year, it’s important to be aware of the challenges that come along with the condition – including sensory processing difficulties. By understanding these challenges and knowing what resources are available, we can help make life a little easier for those with ASD.

Autism Neurodiversity

Autism is part of the diversity of being human.

Autism, once considered a rare and debilitating disorder, is now understood to be a common and diverse neurodevelopmental condition. And, as our understanding of autism has grown, so too has the acceptance of autistic people – from medical professionals and researchers to family members and friends.

This increased understanding and acceptance is largely due to the advocacy of autistic people and their allies, who have worked tirelessly to educate the public about autism and neurodiversity.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects a person’s social interaction, communication, interests, and behaviors. ASD can be mild or severe, and symptoms can vary widely from person to person.

People with ASD often have difficulty understanding social cues and may not pick up on nonverbal communication like eye contact or body language. They may also have difficulty making friends or engaging in small talk. Some people with ASD prefer not to speak at all; others may speak fluently but still have difficulty with back-and-forth conversation.

ASD occurs in all ethnic groups and across all socioeconomic levels. It is estimated that 1 in 59 children are affected by ASD worldwide. And while ASD was once thought to be rare – affecting only about 1% of the population – we now know that it’s actually quite common. In fact, it’s estimated that 1 in every 68 children in the United States has some form of ASD.

The increased awareness of ASD is due in large part to better diagnostic tools and methods; however, it’s also likely that more people are being diagnosed with ASD because we are simply becoming more accepting of autistic people and their differences. This increased acceptance is thanks largely to the advocacy work of autistic people and their allies who have worked tirelessly to educate the public about autism spectrum disorder and neurodiversity.

Autistic people have always been here; we just haven’t always been recognized or accepted. But thanks to the efforts of those who champion autism acceptance, we are slowly but surely becoming more visible – and more included – in society at large.
Autism is a Spectrum

June 20th, 2022

When it comes to autism, there is no one size fits all. Each individual on the autism spectrum is unique and has their own set of strengths, weaknesses and challenges.

While there are some common symptoms and behaviors associated with autism, no two people with autism are exactly alike. This is what makes understanding and supporting individuals with autism so challenging.

What is Autism?

Autism is a neurological disorder that affects the way individuals process information. It is a spectrum disorder, which means that there is a wide range of symptoms and severity.

Some individuals with autism are highly functioning and only need minor accommodations, while others are nonverbal and require significant support.

Most people with autism have difficulty with social interaction, communication and repetitive behaviors. Many also have sensory processing issues and are particularly sensitive to noise, touch, lights and other stimuli.

What Causes Autism?

The cause of autism is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

There is no cure for autism, but with early intervention and support, most people with autism can lead happy, successful and fulfilling lives.

What are the Signs of Autism?

The signs of autism can vary greatly from one individual to the next. Some common signs include:

• Difficulty making eye contact

• Failure to respond to one’s name

• Lack of interest in other people

• Difficulty understanding and using gestures

• Repetitive behaviors

• Unusual interests or fixations

• hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to certain sounds, lights, smells, tastes, textures or temperatures

• Delayed or unusual development of speech and language skills

• Delayed or unusual development of motor skills

Not all people with autism will have all of these signs, and some people with autism may have other signs that are not listed here.

How is Autism Diagnosed?

There is no one test for autism. Diagnosis is usually based on observation of symptoms and behaviors.

Most children with autism are diagnosed by the age of three, though some are diagnosed as early as 18 months and others are not diagnosed until much later in life.

How is Autism Treated?

There is no “cure” for autism, but there are many treatments and interventions that can help people with autism live happy, successful and fulfilling lives.

Early intervention is critical for children with autism. The earlier autism is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin.

Treatment for autism typically includes behavioral therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and, in some cases, medication.

behavior therapy helps individuals with autism learn new skills and cope with challenges.

Speech therapy helps improve communication skills.

Occupational therapy helps individuals with autism develop the skills they need to live independently.

Medication can be used to treat some of the associated symptoms of autism, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, insomnia and seizures.

How Can I Support Someone with Autism?

If you know someone with autism, the best thing you can do is to educate yourself about the disorder and understand that no two people with autism are the same.

Be patient, be accepting and be understanding. If you don’t know what to say or do, just ask.

Most importantly, remember that people with autism are just like everyone else. They want to be treated with respect and dignity. Just because someone has autism doesn’t mean they are any less of a person.

Functional Labels

There are many different functional labels associated with autism. The most commonly used labels are: Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), and High-Functioning Autism (HFA). Each of these labels reflects a different type of functional impairment associated with autism.

Asperger’s Syndrome is considered to be on the milder end of the autism spectrum. Individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome typically have good verbal skills and average to above-average intelligence. However, they often have difficulty with social interaction and may exhibit repetitive behaviors or obsessive interests.

PDD-NOS is a catch-all diagnosis for individuals who display some, but not all, of the symptoms of autism. Individuals with PDD-NOS often have difficulty with social interaction and communication, but they may not exhibit the same level of repetitive behaviors or obsessive interests as those with Asperger’s Syndrome.

HFA is used to describe individuals who have more severe symptoms of autism, including difficulty with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Individuals with HFA may also have mental retardation or other developmental delays.

The different functional labels associated with autism reflect the wide range of symptoms and impairments that are associated with the condition. Autism is a complex condition that affects individuals in different ways. The label that is given to an individual with autism should be based on the specific symptoms and impairments that the individual exhibits.

The Controversy of Functional Labels

Most people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can and do learn functional skills and develop strong relationships with others. However, the use of the label “functional” to describe people with ASD has been controversial.

There are several reasons why the label “functional” is not appropriate in the context of ASD. First, it suggests that people with ASD who are not considered “functional” are somehow not as valuable or worthy of support and services. This is simply not true. All people with ASD are unique and have their own strengths and weaknesses.

Second, the label “functional” can be misleading. Just because someone with ASD can perform certain tasks, such as dressing themselves or going to the bathroom independently, does not mean they are “functioning” at the same level as their neurotypical peers. People with ASD often struggle with social skills, communication, and other areas of functioning.

Lastly, the use of the label “functional” implies that there is a goal or end point that people with ASD should strive for. But ASD is a lifelong condition, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to living with it. What works for one person with ASD may not work for another.

In short, the label “functional” is outdated, misleading, and harmful. It is important to remember that all people with ASD are deserving of respect, support, and services, regardless of their level of functioning.

Tag: What is autism

What is Autism?

Autism is a Spectrum