What is autism?IN BRIEF
Autism is a difference, not a disease. It changes how a person perceives their environment and interacts with others. Every autistic person is unique, with varying needs. Autism impacts communication, social interactions, intense interests (sometimes akin to passions or collections), and the need for routines. Autistic people may also have unique gestures or express themselves differently. They can experience other neurological differences or challenges as well.
Definition of autism
Autism alters how a person interacts with their surroundings and with others. What is autism? It’s a neurodevelopmental difference. Autism is included in the DSM-5, the key reference manual in psychiatry. While the experience of autism varies from person to person, common traits include sensory differences and distinct communication styles. At its core, autism represents a difference in how the brain processes and responds to information. This can lead to challenges in accomplishing certain daily tasks.
Being autistic is not an illness—neither physical nor mental—and it is certainly not contagious. Autism is a lifelong condition; people are born autistic and remain so for life. Simply put, one cannot stop being autistic.
Further informationWhat is a Neurodevelopmental Difference?
A neurodevelopmental difference means that the brain functions differently from birth and throughout life.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ASD is the medical term for autism, short for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Why is it called a spectrum? Because the variety and differences among autistic people are so vast, it can be compared to the color spectrum. Some people describe themselves by saying, “I’m on the spectrum.” However, many autistic individuals prefer to avoid this wording, mainly because the word “disorder” carries negative connotations.
Autism Levels
Being autistic isn’t about being “a little,” “moderately,” or “very” autistic. One is either autistic or not. The three levels of autism describe the level of support a person requires:
- Requires support
- Requires substantial support
- Requires very substantial support
What is “Mild Autism”?
“Mild autism” refers to a situation where someone needs support but not substantial support. A person might need minimal support in one area, such as communication, but significant support in another, such as behavior. Thus, an individual’s level of support can vary across different aspects of their life.
Autism Traits
Difficulties in Social Interactions and Communication
Some autistic people are nonverbal and rely on alternative communication methods. Most autistic individuals can speak but may still face challenges in communication. For example, sustaining a conversation might be difficult, but the challenges extend further. Communication involves understanding subtle cues like expressions, body language, intonations, and subtext, which can be hard for autistic people to grasp.
There may be difficulties in initiating, maintaining, or concluding conversations, and interactions may come across as awkward or unconventional despite their best efforts. Social conventions can also be misunderstood, and recognizing emotions and intentions in others can be particularly challenging, often leading to social isolation.
Specific Interests
Autistic people often have intense and focused interests. Previously referred to as “restricted interests,” this term has evolved since individuals may have multiple interests that can change over time.
These interests can be highly beneficial, enabling some autistic people to develop expertise in a particular area. Others may find their interests to be purely enjoyable and motivating. However, in certain cases, interests can become overwhelming and interfere with daily life.
Interests are diverse, ranging from train schedules to animals, sciences, collections, games, or fictional elements. The possibilities are endless. Research indicates that about 90% of autistic people have specific interests.
Repetitive Behaviors
Movements
Repetitive movements include hand flapping, body rocking, or interacting with objects in unique ways.
Echolalia (Vocal Repetition)
Some autistic individuals repeat words or phrases. For some, echolalia constitutes their primary form of verbal communication.
Routines and Rituals
Routines and rituals can hold great importance for autistic individuals. Consistency in colors, patterns, or symmetry may also be significant to them.
Sensory Sensitivities
Although not a diagnostic criterion, sensory sensitivities—both heightened and diminished—are common among autistic individuals.
Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity refers to an amplified perception of certain senses. It’s not about having “super senses” but rather about the brain prioritizing certain sensory input, which can feel overwhelming.
Hyposensitivity
Hyposensitivity is when sensory input is perceived as less intense than average. It’s not about lacking senses entirely, but rather that the brain filters or minimizes sensory information, which can cause difficulties.
Co-Occurring Conditions
Autism rarely exists in isolation. It is often accompanied by other differences or challenges, which the medical community traditionally refers to as “associated disorders.” However, terms like “conditions” or “co-occurrences” are more respectful and better reflect the diversity of experiences associated with autism. These include intellectual disabilities, dyslexia, Tourette’s syndrome, epilepsy, ADHD, and more.
Notably, these traits and conditions can also be found in people who are not autistic.