Autism Spectrum
March 1st, 2024- Written by Dane Osborne, LPC
We hear about ASD or Autism frequently, but what is it? The diagnosis is complex and looks different for everyone. Autism spectrum disorder is characterized as a developmental disorder because it becomes apparent within the first 2 years of life. The development of cognitive, social physical and emotional functioning is delayed in some way.
The most noticeable patterns of behavior associated with autism are, from the diagnostic manual:
A. Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts. (Example: not picking up on sarcasm or social cues )
B. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.
(Notice that the language used in the diagnostic manual uses the word “deficits” to describe a lack of something and the words restricted which depending on the mood or viewpoint of an individual could be described as negative.)
However, there is another way to interpret these patterns of behavior.
It is simply a “difference” in communication styles or a different set of main interests. Humans have a long history of labeling anything that is not standard as negative or bad. In recent years that has started to change. One particular so-called “deficit” in some individuals with autism is that they may have difficulty with social cues or vague information. Instead preferring clear precise and direct communication. This might manifest as an individual with autism immediately telling their host a certain color is ugly or that they find the meal prepared disgusting. On the other hand, they can be very clear about what they want and need. Their supposed restrictive repetitive patterns of behavior allow them to become masters of a specific skill set or knowledge base that can sometimes be deeper than many professionals or experts.
“Normal" behavior sometimes sends mixed signals that can be confusing to those with autism.
While a lot of people often say that they do not enjoy small talk, yet, when an individual forgoes small talk people become uncomfortable and may even label the anti-small talk individual as awkward or strange.
You can imagine how confusing it must be for someone who prefers clear communication to hear these comments. Then the questions appear:
“Do they like small talk”
“Why would they lie?
“Does everyone just lie all the time?”
Recently there has been an increase in the use of the term autistic burnout to describe the toll it takes on an autistic person to mask and appear more typical in their behaviors. Masking becomes important because the current standard of communication at work and in public focuses on neurotypical behaviors. So when an autistic individual feels like they must contain or restrain themselves for fear of being rejected it can cause a drain of physical and emotional energy.
In recent years, there have been changes in how the autism community would like society to view and label autism spectrum disorder. Some still prefer or identify with the term Aspergers to describe individuals with less apparent autistic behaviors rather than be called “high functioning autistic”. Some groups are frustrated about how some organizations frame autism as a bad thing or a disaster and that a cure needs to be found. Each person needs to understand where they stand on these issues because having self-awareness of these beliefs leads to positive changes in how we interact with autistic individuals.
Autism affects a growing number of individuals each year. Awareness is increasing and understanding and acceptance are also increasing. By increasing efforts to include more individuals with autism in many different areas and sectors of society we increase the likelihood of greater innovations and ideas in the future. Is the world ready to allow a new perspective to take hold? Are family members friends and colleagues prepared to offer support and empathy to help elevate autistic thoughts ideas or beliefs? These are important questions to start asking ourselves.
At Dr. Pulianda & Associates, I use my background, training, and lived experiences to connect with my neurodiverse clients and make them feel safe, validated, and understood.
