What is Autism?

ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It is a spectrum disorder, which means that it affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. Some people with autism may have difficulties with social interactions and communication, while others may have repetitive behaviors and intense interests in certain topics.

The symptoms of autism can vary widely, but some common signs include difficulty with social interaction, difficulty with communication, repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and sensory sensitivities.

Some people with autism also have intellectual disabilities or other mental health conditions, while others have average or above-average intelligence.

There is no known cure for autism, but early intervention and therapy can help improve outcomes and quality of life. Treatment approaches may include behavioral therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and medication to manage related conditions like anxiety.

The terms “autistic” and “non-autistic” are often used to distinguish between individuals who have been diagnosed with autism and those who have not. However, it’s important to note that these terms can be limiting and should be used with care.

People with autism have diverse experiences and abilities, and their strengths and challenges can vary widely. Additionally, many people who have not been diagnosed with autism may still exhibit some of the same traits and behaviors associated with the condition.

Some behavioral characteristics of autistics are shown below:

• Repetitive movements such as rocking back and forth, spinning around or clapping,
• Self-harming activities such as biting or hitting oneself on the head,
• The development of certain routines or rituals and great discomfort at the slightest change in them,
• Repeating movement patterns such as dropping things, constantly tripping, using awkward, stiff or exaggerated body language,
• Overly fascinated by the details of any object, such as the spinning wheels of a toy car, but unable to understand the overall purpose or function of that object,
• Unusually sensitive to light, sound or contact,
• Abnormal focus or fixation on an object or activity,
• Refusing certain types of food altogether or eating only certain foods,
• Walking on toes.