One of a kind
Autistic people are often viewed as less capable, and the disorder does make living in the neurotypical world more difficult. At the same time, autistic people have some unique advantages. Autistic people live with a neurodevelopmental condition that changes the way in which they perceive the world, communicate, and interact with others. Autism usually manifests in early childhood and is present throughout adult life.
The condition is always assessed on a “spectrum” as specified in DSM-5 because the characteristics and severity of symptoms differ from one individual to another. While some autistic individuals may require significant support in daily life, others demonstrate special talents and become leaders in their fields.
Why is Autism diagnosed on a Spectrum?
People with autism can differ in:
- Severity of symptoms: mild to severe
- Communication ability: non-verbal to highly articulate
- Intellectual functioning: intellectual disability to above-average intelligence
- Support needs: low support to very high support
Symptoms of Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
The symptoms of autism, as defined by the DSM-5 5 are broadly classified into two main areas:
- Difficulties in social communication and interaction, and
- Restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities.
Let’s attempt to understand these areas further.
1. Social Communication and Interaction Difficulties
Individuals with autism often find social interaction challenging. They can find it hard to maintain eye contact, comprehend simple social cues such as facial expressions, gestures, or tone of voice. Some individuals may speak very little or not at all, while others, even though fluent with speech, may struggle to understand social rules such as turn-taking or fail to grasp subtle verbal signs such as sarcasm or mockery. These differences can be noticeable or completely invisible to conversation partners.
2. Restricted or repetitive behaviors
Repetitive behaviours are a significant marker of autism. These can be obvious, such as hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning objects, or they can be subtle movements that are barely noticeable to others. Autistic clients also tend to prefer strict routines and become upset when their routines are disrupted, sometimes even by a minor change.
Moreover, clients on the autism spectrum have intense interests, often showing fascination with particular topics. Stereotypically, these include numbers, trains, maps, or mechanical systems, but they can extend to any topic, including human behavior or autism itself.
Individuals diagnosed with autism struggle with sensory overload, ranging from being overly sensitive to being under-responsive to sounds, lights, textures, smells, or pain. For example, loud noises or bright lights may cause significant discomfort.
Other conditions that may co-exist on the spectrum along with autism are intellectual disability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, or epilepsy. Simultaneously, individuals on the spectrum commonly demonstrate talent in domains like memory, mathematics, music, art, or other areas.
For instance, Anthony Hopkins has been candid about his struggles with social communication and his unusual ability to focus deeply on his work. Climate activist Greta Thunberg hails her autism as her superpower, highlighting her intense focus, honesty, and strong sense of justice. Some researchers have a theory that Mozart may have been on the spectrum because of his repetitive behaviours, sensory sensitivity, and extraordinary musical talent.
Must read: How Autism Affects Daily Life
Causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Research-backed evidence suggests that autism is a by-product of the complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors that affect brain development.
Here are some factors responsible for the condition:
1. Genetics
Studies of twins and families have revealed that autism tends to run in families, and certain genetic mutations increase the chances of developing autism. These mutations may affect the development of certain neurons and the way they connect or communicate within the brain. There is, however, no single deviant gene; rather, multiple genes, which together play a role in contributing to the development of the condition.
2. Neurological Factors
The brains of autistic individuals are often differently wired, presenting anomalies in brain structure and functioning. Parts of the brain directing social behaviour, language, and sensory processing may develop differently. Differences in neural connectivity — either excessive or insufficient connections — may explain difficulties in communication and emotional regulation, and different styles of information processing.
3. Prenatal and Environmental Factors
Prenatal factors that have been found to increase the chance of autism are advanced parental age, complications during pregnancy or birth, exposure to infections, and poor maternal health. Environmental influences alone do not contribute to the condition but rather act in conjunction with genetic predispositions.
Also read: Teletherapy vs In-Person: Which Is Right for You?
A common misconception
Contrary to popular belief, vaccines do not cause autism. Extensive scientific research has consistently denied any associations between childhood vaccinations and autism.
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