Autism

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition affecting how individuals communicate and behave. You’ve likely heard the term, but do you know what “spectrum” truly means in this context? It refers to the wide range of symptoms and varying levels of severity among those diagnosed.

In the United States, ASD affects 1 in 54 children. While many diagnoses occur in early childhood, it’s not uncommon for individuals, particularly those who are higher-functioning, to receive a diagnosis later in elementary school, or even into adulthood. Regardless of when a diagnosis is made, it’s crucial to remember that every individual with ASD thinks and learns uniquely.

Developmental Milestones and Individual Differences

Pediatricians regularly screen children for ASD during wellness visits, tracking a series of developmental “milestones” that neurotypical children typically meet. However, autism is not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. There’s still so much to learn about how ASD impacts individuals and families differently. The spectrum is vast; some people experience more severe symptoms, while others are more high-functioning. It’s also worth noting that autism can present differently in males and females.

What Does Autism “Feel Like”?

While the experience of ASD is highly individual, there are common symptoms and behavioral traits. Individuals on the more severe end of the spectrum may exhibit many of these symptoms, while those who are moderately affected or “high-functioning” might communicate more effectively and live more independent lives.

Here are some common symptoms and behavioral traits associated with ASD:

Communication Challenges

• Difficulty understanding the intentions or emotions of others.
• Challenges in expressing their own emotions.
• General difficulties with verbal or non-verbal communication, which can vary greatly in severity.

Emotional Experiences

• Feeling overwhelmed in social situations.
• Experiencing anxiety or sadness.
• Seeking emotional safety from others, which can sometimes lead to codependency.
• A strong need to feel safe and secure.
• A need for personal space and appropriate social distance from others.

Behavioral Traits

• Eye contact differences: This can range from avoidance to extreme eye contact.
• Social struggles: Individuals may feel like they don’t “fit in” or, unfortunately, can become targets of bullying.
• Repetitive behaviors: These might include repetitive touching of an object or specific mannerisms.
• Heightened focus: Often involves intense concentration on particular tasks, like organizing objects, lining up toys in a specific order, or adhering to ritualized patterns of doing things.
• Narrow or extreme focus: An intense interest in specific subjects or objects.
• Sensory issues: Hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to light, sound, touch, pain, and other sensory input.
• Obsessive-compulsive tendencies.

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At Poppy Life Care, we believe in supporting every individual on their wellness journey. Understanding ASD is a vital step in fostering a more inclusive and compassionate community.