Autism: What could that be?
So, what does it mean to have autism? When it is brought up, autism tends to be placed in a negative light. It is frequently used as an insult or is believed to be a consequence of vaccinations. But autism is not bad. It is not something that people suffer from. Just because a person is diagnosed with autism does not mean they and their families will be unable to enjoy life together!
Autism (officially known as autism spectrum disorder or ASD) is a condition that affects how people develop socially, emotionally, and academically. It is both a developmental and neurological disorder. A neurological disorder affects the person's brain, nerves, and spine. A developmental disorder affects the person's rate of growth physically, mentally, socially, and behaviorally.
Remember, the autism spectrum is just that: a spectrum. Some individuals with autism may be able to function mostly or entirely on their own, relying on personal support every once in a while. Others may always require significant help to navigate the world. No matter what, they are still human.
Autism spectrum disorder does not discriminate. Individuals from all cultural backgrounds, races, sexes, genders, and economic statuses can have it. That is why it is important that if you believe your loved one could possibly have ASD, you should seek a professional diagnosis. The sooner a person is diagnosed, the easier it will be for both the individual and their loved ones to learn how to adjust.
There are specific characteristics and signs that someone you know may be on the autism spectrum. These are from the official Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They are common characteristics and signs that those with autism spectrum disorder show. However, just because someone you know shows these does not mean they are autistic. Please make sure to speak with a professional.
Characteristics
- Struggles to communicate and interact with others
- Has a narrow set of interests
- Engages in repetitious behaviors
- Has difficulty functioning in various settings like work, school, play, and other environments
Signs of ASD can be split into two categories: Communication/social interaction and restrictive/repetitive behaviors.
Social signs may include:
- Very little or no eye contact
- Not looking or listening to those who are addressing them
- Talking frequently and at length about their interest(s) while not noticing signs of disinterest from the other party
- Being slow to respond to others speaking to them, if at all
- Being unable to imagine anyone else's point of view
- Struggling or being completely unable to understand the actions of others
- Making facial expressions or gestures that do not match what they or someone else is saying
- Finding an intense, lasting interest about a specific topic or topics
- Being highly disturbed by any alteration to a daily routine
- Finding it hard to deal with transitions like beginning school or starting a new job
- Having a high or low sensitivity to things like lights, textures, sounds, tastes, clothes, or temperature
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