What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It is a vast spectrum that includes people who are extremely intelligent, who may have masters degrees, their own families and high level occupations - as well as those who may have a severe learning disability, need round-the-clock care and specialist support. Plus everything in between!
Autism consists of difficulties in three main areas, often called the "triad of impairments". These three areas are:
- Social Interaction
- Social Communication
- Repetitive and Restricted Interests (also called "social imagination")
The important word is "social". Autism is a social communication disorder, which makes it hard to interact, communicate and form relationships with other people.
As well as the triad, 90% of autistic people also have sensory processing differences. These can include hypersensitive hearing, aversion to bright lights, dislike of certain foods/tastes/textures, sensitivity to touch, and differences in how they feel temperature and pain. Sensory issues can range from mild to severe.
Autism consists of difficulties in three main areas, often called the "triad of impairments". These three areas are:
- Social Interaction
- Social Communication
- Repetitive and Restricted Interests (also called "social imagination")
The important word is "social". Autism is a social communication disorder, which makes it hard to interact, communicate and form relationships with other people.
As well as the triad, 90% of autistic people also have sensory processing differences. These can include hypersensitive hearing, aversion to bright lights, dislike of certain foods/tastes/textures, sensitivity to touch, and differences in how they feel temperature and pain. Sensory issues can range from mild to severe.
How does autism affect me?
At first glance, it might not seem like my autism affects me very much. I might appear fine when I'm in a familiar situation, with people I know well - but that doesn't mean I'm not struggling.
I wasn't diagnosed as autistic until I was 21. I have always been incredibly shy, quiet and passive - and added to being a girl, this meant that I was overlooked as a child. I didn't cause any problems, was well behaved at school and managed to achieve reasonable grades. I was constantly told to 'just try harder' or 'be more assertive' and learnt to hide my feelings and anxiety.
This sort of fell apart when I went to university, and after a lot of drama, misdiagnoses and assessments, I was finally diagnosed as autistic. It was a huge relief to know I hadn't been imagining it, and that there was a reason why I found certain things so difficult.
My autism mainly affects my verbal communication, how I interact with other people, what my hobbies and interests are, and the way my senses work.
Communication and Interaction
I'm often told that I am extremely articulate in writing. Probably because it has always been my preferred form of communication! I find speaking much more difficult. Usually I am okay in familiar situations, with people I know - but when I am anxious, something has changed or is unfamiliar my ability to speak is often one of the first things to be affected. This can lead to me being mute and unable to speak at all. Which can be pretty frustrating!
Special Interests
Although my interests (some of them at least!) may not be weird or unusual, being autistic means that they are often more specialised and/or intense. These "special interests" have changed as I've grown up. I have some interests for years, while others I might focus on intensely for a few weeks or months and then suddenly move onto something else!
At the moment my special interests are:
- Pokemon
- My Little Pony
- Penguins (obviously!)
- PG Tips monkey
- TV shows (Stargate, Buffy, Angel, Charmed, The X-files, The Big Bang Theory)
Sensory Issues
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I wasn't diagnosed as autistic until I was 21. I have always been incredibly shy, quiet and passive - and added to being a girl, this meant that I was overlooked as a child. I didn't cause any problems, was well behaved at school and managed to achieve reasonable grades. I was constantly told to 'just try harder' or 'be more assertive' and learnt to hide my feelings and anxiety.
This sort of fell apart when I went to university, and after a lot of drama, misdiagnoses and assessments, I was finally diagnosed as autistic. It was a huge relief to know I hadn't been imagining it, and that there was a reason why I found certain things so difficult.
My autism mainly affects my verbal communication, how I interact with other people, what my hobbies and interests are, and the way my senses work.
Communication and Interaction
I'm often told that I am extremely articulate in writing. Probably because it has always been my preferred form of communication! I find speaking much more difficult. Usually I am okay in familiar situations, with people I know - but when I am anxious, something has changed or is unfamiliar my ability to speak is often one of the first things to be affected. This can lead to me being mute and unable to speak at all. Which can be pretty frustrating!
Special Interests
Although my interests (some of them at least!) may not be weird or unusual, being autistic means that they are often more specialised and/or intense. These "special interests" have changed as I've grown up. I have some interests for years, while others I might focus on intensely for a few weeks or months and then suddenly move onto something else!
At the moment my special interests are:
- Pokemon
- My Little Pony
- Penguins (obviously!)
- PG Tips monkey
- TV shows (Stargate, Buffy, Angel, Charmed, The X-files, The Big Bang Theory)
Sensory Issues
z
Sensory IssuesSed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusant doloremque laudantium, totam rem.
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CommunicationSed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusant doloremque laudantium, totam rem.
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AnxietySed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusant doloremque laudantium, totam rem.
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