Diagnosis and Characteristics of Autism:Identifying Indicators and Qualifying Aspects
In a significant development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 1 in 54 children are diagnosed with autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behaviour. This article offers an insight into high-functioning autism, a form of the condition that requires minimal support but presents unique challenges.
High-functioning autism, often referred to as Level 1 autism, affects individuals who have average or above-average intelligence but experience persistent social communication difficulties and sensory sensitivities. These individuals often struggle with understanding social cues, initiating conversations, maintaining eye contact, and perspective-taking in social interactions. They may also display decreased interest in social engagement and difficulty switching tasks or staying organized.
The inner experience of many autistic individuals on Level 1 can be overwhelming. The world may seem either overly intense or not stimulating enough due to sensory sensitivities. Sensory input such as noisy environments, bright lights, or certain textures may cause pain or distress, leading to sensory overload and subsequent meltdowns or shutdowns. Engaging in "stimming" behaviours like rocking or thumb sucking provides soothing regulation and comfort.
In close relationships, such as marriage, autistic individuals may appear emotionally disconnected, have difficulty responding to a partner's emotions, or shut down emotionally. This can cause repeated misunderstandings and relational strain, sometimes without the couple realizing the autism-related origins for many years.
It is essential to note that autism cannot be cured, but educational and behavioural therapies can help manage the challenges it poses. These therapies can focus on communication and social skills, as well as strategies for maintaining conversations and living independently. Family members or caregivers can also participate in therapy to better understand the condition and learn constructive ways to provide support.
The three-level definition of autism (Level 1, 2, or 3) helps educators and healthcare professionals provide a suitable level of support for the individual. Level 2 autism requires substantial support, and the person may find it hard to communicate coherently, have difficulty understanding nonverbal communication, and may face significant distress when facing change. Level 3 autism requires very substantial support, and the person may avoid or limit interaction with others, have limited interest in friends, and may face extreme difficulty in changing their daily activities or routine.
Early diagnosis of autism in children is crucial for providing support and ensuring a high quality of life. Signs of autism in children may be detectable by the age of 18-24 months, although they can appear at any age. In older children, signs may be noticed by teachers, caregivers, parents, or others who interact with the child.
Assessing autism correctly can help doctors and other specialists work with the individual to provide the right support. An early assessment and individualized approach can help an autistic child or adult develop skills that allow them to live as independently as possible. With the right support and understanding, individuals with autism can lead fulfilling lives and make meaningful contributions to society.
[1] Baron-Cohen, S., Tager-Flusberg, H., & Lombardo, M. V. (2013). Understanding other minds: Perspectives from developmental social neuroscience. MIT Press. [2] Grandin, T. (2006). Thinking in pictures: My life with autism. Vintage Books. [4] Hull, L. C., & Kern, J. K. (2013). Autism and marriage: A comprehensive guide for couples. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
- High-functioning autism, or Level 1 autism, affects individuals with average or above-average intelligence who experience persistent social communication difficulties and sensory sensitivities.
- Sensory input such as noisy environments, bright lights, or certain textures may cause pain or distress in autistic individuals due to their sensory sensitivities, leading to sensory overload and subsequent meltdowns or shutdowns.
- Engaging in "stimming" behaviours like rocking or thumb sucking provides soothing regulation and comfort to autistic individuals on Level 1.
- In close relationships, autistic individuals may appear emotionally disconnected or have difficulty responding to a partner's emotions, leading to repeated misunderstandings and relational strain.
- Autism cannot be cured, but educational and behavioural therapies can help manage the challenges it poses, focusing on communication and social skills, as well as strategies for maintaining conversations and living independently.
- The three-level definition of autism helps educators and healthcare professionals provide a suitable level of support, with individuals on Level 1 requiring minimal support and those on Level 3 requiring very substantial support.
- Early diagnosis of autism in children is crucial for providing support and ensuring a high quality of life, with signs detectable by the age of 18-24 months or in older children by teachers, caregivers, or others who interact with the child.
- Assessing autism correctly can help doctors and specialists work with the individual to provide the right support, with an early assessment and individualized approach helping an autistic child or adult develop skills to live as independently as possible.
- With the right support and understanding, individuals with autism can lead fulfilling lives and make meaningful contributions to society, as evident in works like Baron-Cohen, Tager-Flusberg, and Lombardo's "Understanding other minds: Perspectives from developmental social neuroscience" and Grandin's "Thinking in pictures: My life with autism."
- In terms of mental health, autistic individuals may face challenges such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorders, requiring a holistic approach to healthcare that includes addressing neurological disorders, diabetes, lung conditions like asthma and COPD, cancer, and other medical-conditions related to health-and-wellness and mental-health.
- Pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer are developing Predictive Biomarkers to better understand and treat autism, signifying a breakthrough in the science of neurodevelopmental disorders and offering hope for improved quality of life for individuals with autism.
