Knowing this often helps people to forgive themselves for the differences they have. ASD is simply a different way of processing information, thinking and behaving, no better or worse than how neurotypical people behave. For many people, knowing they have ASD dispels their fear of being different.ASD affects everyone differently and each individual with ASD has individual strengths and weaknesses, just like everyone else, and we all benefit from knowing these. Although there are several traits that are typically associated with ASD, each person is unique.This translates, more directly, into greater awareness of your strengths and challenges, the problems you are likely to encounter, and the assets you have to deal with those problems. If it turns out that you meet the criteria for ASD, you will have gained a better understanding of what you do and why you do it. Understanding yourself better may be the most important reason to seek an evaluation.It is worth noting that everyone is somewhere on the continuum, some having more autistic traits than others, but it is the degree and pattern of impairment that leads to the identification of a ‘disorder’, as it is defined according to the diagnostic manuals. People with autism lie on the intersection of these two dimensions, meaning that they have to show sufficient features in both groups of symptoms in order to fulfil the diagnostic criteria for ASD. Repetitive/Restricted Behaviours (incorporating unusually intense or narrow interests and difficulties adapting to change) and Sensory Sensitivities.Social Interaction and Communication Deficits.Research has led to these features being brought together into the two domains of : Dislike of certain food or clothes textures.Over- or under-sensitivities to sensory stimuli such as:.They can become so engrossed in particular topics or activities that they neglect other aspects of their lives.Autistic people can become experts in their special interests and often like to share their knowledge, which can come across as excessive.Intense and highly focused interests, often from a fairly young age these can change over time or be lifelong.Engaging in repetitive actions or movements.Unusual specific interests which may amount to obsessions.Repetitive and restricted range of behaviour.Difficulty recognising, understanding and expressing their own emotions, as well as understanding and predicting other people’s behaviours or feelingsĪll of these features could make it more difficult to fit in socially.Difficulty with taking turns in a conversation.Differences in using and understanding body language, facial expressions, tone of voice.Difficulties imagining situations outside immediate or known events and behaviours.Social interaction and social communication, which may include:.People with ASD display traits in a number of areas: What is commonly referred to as Asperger’s Syndrome is also a condition on the autistic spectrum, but the label has been used less frequently by professionals in recent years, since it has been removed from the diagnostic manuals.ĪSD is known as a neurodevelopmental condition and is very closely related to and can co-exist alongside other neurodevelopmental conditions, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia etc. The term ‘spectrum’ is used because, while all people with autism share two main areas of difficulty, their condition affects them in different ways and to different degrees. Their causes are not fully understood, although it appears to be almost certain that genetic factors are involved. They are really the same thing, but we tend to refer to it as a condition because it is a different way of thinking and behaving, as well as a formally classified disorder according to international diagnostic classifications.Īn autistic spectrum disorder is diagnosed as a result of observation of a collection of neuro-developmental traits that seem to appear and develop in childhood. The broad continuum of autism is usually referred to as autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), or autistic spectrum condition (ASC). What is Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Condition (ASD/C)?
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |