Introduction
Ever found yourself humming the same tune for hours, or perhaps, stuck on a particular topic of all else? These are all regarded as mere quirks and easily dismissed.
But for many, these traits are not just habits– they are the windows of their brain into this beautiful world where the brain processes, perceives, and reacts distinctly.
Welcome to the spectrum of autism! Let us dive into this..
Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by indifferent social interaction, communication, and irregular patterns of behavior and interest— that are ‘restricted’ or basically ‘stereotyped’, or both.
The onset is usually prior to three years of age and can last throughout the life of an individual.
Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is interchangeably used.
It is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
Definitive diagnosis and comprehensive assessment is essential. An individual can self- diagnose but it is important to take a formal diagnostic assessment in order to have a better personalised approach.
Types of ASD
There are distinctively three different types of Autism Spectrum Disorders:
Autistic Disorder or Classic Autism: This is what most people think of when hearing the word “autism.” Individuals with autistic disorder have significant language delays, communication challenges, social interactive issues, unusual behaviors and interests.
Asperger Syndrome: Individuals with Asperger syndrome show relatively milder symptoms of autistic disorder. They face social challenges,communication issues, and have unique interests. They do not show language or intellectual disabilities.
Pervasive Developmental Disorder– Not Otherwise Specified (PDD- NOS) or Atypical Autism: Individuals who meet few/ some of the criteria for autistic disorders are diagnosed as PDD. The symptoms might be only social and communication challenges.
Rett’s syndrome: It is usually common in females. Usually related to loss of the ability to speak and process speech.
Core characteristics of Autism
The symptoms or the core characters can vary from individual to individual. The symptoms can cause an individual to need help in their daily life.
Some of the characteristics are quite common, others are typical and few are not necessarily experienced by all who are on the autism spectrum.
Strengths as“Being different is a superpower”:
Exceptional Sensory Sensitivity or Synesthesia (ability to perceive simultaneously with multiple senses)
Savant syndrome (rare condition and states autistic individuals as “island of genius” in a sea of deficits)
Exceptional interests in certain subjects or topics
Enhanced memory and attention to detail
Rational decision-making
Strong focus and good work ethic
Pattern recognition.
Every superhero has their Kryptonite; and some of our abilities have drawbacks, too!
We will subject the core characteristics or signs- symptoms for two different groups namely Child and Adults.
Child
1. Behavior
Lack of understanding reciprocal non- verbal communication
Low range of interest and hobbies
Have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings (they do not lack affection, love, and compassion)
Unprovoked aggressive behaviors
Shyness
Mood fluctuations
2. Communication
Not responding to the name, no pointing or waving by 12 months of age
Absence of speech at 18 months
Selective hearing (for instance responding to certain sounds but ignoring human voices)
Delayed speech and language skills (for instance, using words much later than siblings or fellow children or will not use words to communicate)
Repetitive speech (repeated phrases or words usage)
Language disorders (or may be poorly articulated, spare speech)
3. Cognition
Difficulty with theoretical thinking
Challenges in using learned skills to new situations
Uneven development of skills (exceptional in few areas and less advanced in few areas)
Faces complexity with planning, organization
Afraid of some sounds
Highly fascinated or mesmerised with moving objects
High tolerance towards temperature and pain
Use peripheral vision (ability to see objects out of the corner of the eye) to look at objects
Adults
1. Behavior
Anxiety
Expression difficulty
Unintended rudeness
Social isolation
Limited or repetitive patterns
Ignoring the dangers
2. Communication
Challenges in social interaction
Struggle in maintaining eye contact, picking on funny cues and so on
Misunderstanding social rules (might invade personal spaces while talking, and so on)
2. Cognitions
Overwhelmed by loud noises or strong lights
Hard Time with time management and organization
Limited understanding Emotional depth
Hyperactivity
Sleep problems
Lesser- known yet recognizable traits
Beyond all the well- known characteristic features, there are several lesser known traits that have increasingly recognised:
Gastrointestinal issues: About 45- 50% of the autistic individuals experience gastrointestinal problems. They face problems such as constipation, food sensitivities, imbalances in the gut health and so on.
Echolalia: This condition is about using repetitive words, phrases or noises; either immediately after hearing them or after a delay.
Improper posture or Gait: Few of the autistic individuals exhibit unusual postures or movements. For instance, toe- walking, dynamic gait, and so on.
Alexithymia: This is a condition which we already discussed as a symptom yet it is less known by the population. Autistic individuals find it quite difficult in identifying and describing one's emotions. This in turn affects social interaction and emotional regulation.
Montropism: This is a specific theory of autism that describes the focused attention to a particular interest or thing. Things outside the “attention tunnel” may get missed and will require more energy to focus.
Neurodiversity in Everyday Life: Spot the Similarities
We can actually acknowledge neurodiversity and celebrate the natural variation in the human brain.
Workplace: You might find an individual with autism excelling in tasks requiring attention to details, focus and so on.
Education: Students with autism might as well have a unique learning approach, good problem- solving dynamics.
Social Interactions: You might as well observe the posture, gait, communication skills and other factors to accept and accommodate them easily.
Conclusion
As Armstrong rightly said, “It’s not how smart you are, it's how you are smart.” Neurodivergence is not something to fear or shame . It is a fundamental part of human diversity.
Understanding autism, the signs, the strengths will aid in creating a world where all minds are valued for their unique contributions.
Many people with autism spectrum disorder are successfully living and working and contributing to the well-being of others in their local communities . This is most likely to happen when appropriate services are delivered during the child's educational years.
Do you know?
Research suggests that many creative individuals are exceptional in creative fields. For instance, famous renowned figures like Albert Einstein, Chloe Hayden, Greta Thunberg are people formally diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
An estimated 15- 20% of the world’s population exhibits some form of neurodivergence.
Hyperlexia (an ability to read above one’s age or grade level in schools) is quite common in autistic individuals.
What’s Next for You?
Want to learn more about embracing your unique brain?
Stay tuned Rachna Sahney Pargi Journey for Autistic Child Support, for more articles that dive deep into human diversity, mental health, and how to navigate life in a neurodiverse world.
References
- Ghaneshirazi, Zahra. (2018). Autism Spectrum Disorder. (PDF) Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Hodges H, Fealko C, Soares N. Autism spectrum disorder: definition, epidemiology, causes, and clinical evaluation. Transl Pediatr. 2020;9(Suppl 1):S55-S65. doi:10.21037/tp.2019.09.09
- Naji, Wafaa & Qasim Waheeb, Mohammed. (2020). Autism Spectrum Disorder: Review Article. Medico-Legal Update. 20. 324-329. (PDF) Autism Spectrum Disorder: Review Article
- Wikipedia. (n.d.). Autistic Masking. Retrieved from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autistic_masking]
- Adams, J. B., Johansen, L. J., Powell, L. D., Quig, D., & Rubin, R. A. (2011).Gastrointestinal flora and gastrointestinal status in children with autism – comparisons to typical children and correlation with autism severity. BMC Gastroenterology,11(1). doi:10.1186/1471-230x-11-22
