What To Know About Autism
What is Autism?
Autism (ASD) is a developmental disorder, a disability, where the most common characteristics are shown through their difficulty in communication and interaction with others.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is the medical term to autism. The spectrum in ASD, points to the various levels of autism severity.
Categorising by how much support the autistic person needs, from little, or no support, to a lot of support.
Some people also use the term, ‘Autism Spectrum Condition’ (ASC).
Another term used is ‘Asperger’s’ or ‘Asperger Syndrome’ which is used to describe autistic people, with average or above average intelligence.
Autism Characteristics
Autistic individuals may find it difficult to:
- Interact and communicate with others
- Difficulty understanding others’ thoughts and feelings
- Uncomfortable or distressed by bright lights, or loud noises
- Feel anxiety when put into unfamiliar situations or places
- Takes more time to understand information
- Repeating the same actions or thoughts
Does Autism affect your life?
Though autism does impact their everyday life in some way, it does not stop them from having a fulfilling life; they just need that extra bit of support.
Being autistic does not mean you will never have a job, relationship, or friends, it just means that you will need the time and support to get there. It is possible.
Disorder, Not Disease
ASD is not considered an illness and there is no cure for it.
You cannot grow out of it, either.
Autism just means that your brain needs more time to react and develop at times.
It is something that you are either born with, or develops when you are incredibly young.
What are the Strengths?
Just as autism has its weaknesses, it also has its strengths. Some strengths are written below.
They are:
– Extremely Passionate
Any subject that catches their interest, is likely to be researched to the fullest.
– Straightforward, Direct and Honest
They say what they think. A person who will tell you their honest thoughts.
– Independent And Creative Thinker
They see the world differently, which allows for creativity to bloom.
– Do Not Judge, Bully, Nor Buckle Under Pressure
One of the most positive characteristics, is that they do not judge you. They do not feel the pressure to be like everyone else and so are unlikely to single others out, for their surface differences.
– Are Not Afraid to Be Themselves
Another Positive point of autistic people, is that they are true to themselves. They feel no need to prove themselves and are confident to be themselves.
– Are Smart
Some autistic people are smart on an average or above average scale. The preconceived notion that all autistic people have below average intelligence being false, may come as a surprise to some.
– Detail-oriented
Those with autism may pay attention to more specific details than an average person.
– Great Memory
Autistic people can retain their memories and the information learnt more thoroughly than the average person.