What my Research Has Taught Me

According to the English Dictionary, autism is a developmental disorder of variable severity that is characterized by difficulty in social interaction and communication. It is also restricted or repetitive patterns of thought and behavior. Although this is true, it makes autism look black and white. I can assure you that autism is very gray.

After more research, I found better articles about what autism is.

If you’re looking for more visual cues, this is what they say,

Autism could look be:

Lack of or delay in spoken language

Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)

Little or no eye contact

Lack of interest in peer relationships

Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play

Persistent fixation on parts or objects.

The problem with both of these definitions is that each child is affected differently and it would be almost impossible to accurately describe each and every one.

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centres for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 58 children in the United States as of 2019.

We know that there is not one autism, but many subtypes, which are influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. But because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. The ways in which people with autism learn, think and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently.

Several factors may influence the development of autism, and it is often accompanied by sensory sensitivities and medical issues such as gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, seizures or sleep disorders, as well as mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and attention issues.

Indicators of autism usually appear by age 2 or 3. Some associated development delays can appear even earlier, and often it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Research shows that early intervention leads to positive outcomes later in life for people with autism.