Breaking the mold. Let’s redefine Autism for right now. (Part 2)
Back for Part 2! Let’s talk about diagnosing ASD and toss out some misconceptions.
Diagnosis and Assessment of ASD
Getting a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder can be an involved process. It's not like getting a blood test or X-ray. It usually involves careful observation and assessment by professionals. Here are the answers to some common questions.
THE WHEN:
For kids, concerns often come up when parents or teachers notice differences in development.
Adults might seek evaluation if they've always felt different or struggled with certain aspects of life.
THE WHO:
Depending on the person and their situation, the following professionals may be involved:
Psychologists or neuropsychologists
Speech and language therapists
Occupational therapists
Pediatricians (for children)
THE WHAT:
The person or their family provides information about early development and current behaviors.
Professionals watch how the person interacts and communicates.
Cognitive testing looks at thinking skills, language abilities, and problem-solving.
Screeners or other tools are used to assess how well someone manages daily life tasks.
Challenges in diagnosis:
Since ASD can look different in each person, it can be tricky to diagnose. Some people, especially girls and adults, might be good at masking their ASD traits. Also, things like ADHD or anxiety can sometimes look similar to ASD.
What happens afterwards?
If ASD is diagnosed, your team will usually make recommendations for next steps. This may include therapy, educational support, and/or skills training. Keep in mind that a diagnosis is meant to help access support, not to limit potential.
What else?
Diagnosis can happen at any age, though it's often easier to spot in childhood.
A thorough assessment takes time – it's not usually a quick process.
If you're concerned about yourself or someone you know, talking to a doctor is a good first step.
What leads to delays in autism diagnoses?
Since ASD looks different in each person, it can be hard to recognize.
Some people might hide their ASD traits. We call this masking.
Parents or doctors might not recognize early signs of ASD.
Some communities have less access to diagnostic services.
Other developmental or mental health issues can have similar symptoms.
In some cases, ASD traits might be subtle and only become noticeable later in life.
Fear of labels or discrimination might delay seeking diagnosis.
In some areas there may be long waits for evaluation services.
TRUE or FALSE?
There are many myths and misunderstandings about Autism Spectrum Disorder. We’re clearing up some of the most common ones:
Myth: People with ASD don't want friends
Truth: Many people with ASD want friendships but might struggle with social skills. Some support may be needed to learn how to interact and maintain relationships.
Myth: ASD is caused by vaccines
Truth: No. Just no. Tons of scientific studies have shown no link between vaccines and ASD. ASD is largely genetic with environmental factors possibly playing a role during early development.
Myth: People with ASD can't feel empathy
Truth: Many individuals with ASD feel deeply for others but might express it differently. It’s possible that having a hard time reading others’ emotions gets mistaken for a lack of empathy.
Myth: ASD can be cured
Truth: ASD is a lifelong condition. It's not something that needs to be "cured." With the right resources, people with ASD can learn skills to work through personal challenges and live fulfilling lives.
Myth: All people with ASD have special talents or abilities
Truth: While some people with ASD have exceptional skills in certain areas, this isn't true for everyone.
Myth: ASD only affects children
Truth: ASD impacts people throughout their lives. The way that ASD manifests in adulthood might look different than it did in childhood.
Myth: People with ASD can't understand emotions
Truth: Many people with ASD understand and experience a full range of emotions. The difficulty tends to involve expressing their own emotions or reading others' emotional cues.
Myth: Bad parenting causes ASD
Truth: This is another blatant falsehood. ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition with genetic factors. You can’t cause ASD by parenting a child in a certain way.
Myth: Everyone with ASD is the same
Truth: Not even close. The reason why it’s called Autism Spectrum Disorder is because each person with ASD has their own strengths, challenges, and personality.
Living with ASD
Living with ASD can involve specific challenges but can also mean having notable strengths as well. Here’s a quick breakdown.
Challenges:
Reading social cues and understanding unwritten social rules can be hard. This might lead to misunderstandings or feeling left out in social situations.
Some people might struggle with verbal or non-verbal communication. For example, it can be really hard to understand sarcasm.
Some people are very sensitive to sounds, lights, textures, or smells. This can make some environments feel very overwhelming.
Unexpected changes in routine or environment can cause a lot of stress or anxiety.
Tasks like planning, organizing, and time management might be more difficult.
Strengths:
Many people with ASD are really good at noticing and remembering small details others might miss.
The ability to concentrate intensely on topics of interest can lead to becoming an expert in specific areas.
People with ASD often communicate in a straightforward manner. Frankly, this can be quite refreshing.
Many people with ASD have strong visual thinking skills. This can be valuable in fields involving design or engineering.
A different way of seeing the world can lead to creative problem-solving and innovative ideas. We wouldn’t get anywhere if everyone in the world thought in the exact same ways.
Many people with ASD have a keen sense of fairness. They stick to their principles.
Some people with ASD have amazing memory skills. This is particularly true for subjects they love.
Final Thoughts
Autism Spectrum Disorder is not just a medical diagnosis. It shapes how people perceive the world and interact with it. By solidifying our understanding of ASD, we can break down harmful misconceptions and move toward greater empathy and inclusion.
Rather than seeing ASD as something that needs to be "fixed," we should recognize it as a unique way of thinking and experiencing life. Many individuals with ASD possess remarkable strengths and talents that enrich our communities. Furthermore, with the right support, they can thrive in every aspect of life.
At the heart of it, awareness, acceptance, and tailored support are key. Whether it’s through early diagnosis, better resources, or simply an open mind, each step we take in understanding ASD helps create a more supportive and inclusive environment. The conversation about ASD should continue to evolve (not just within medical and educational fields) but in everyday life. Let’s all play a role in making sure that neurodiversity is celebrated rather than misunderstood.
Key Takeaways From Parts 1 & 2:
ASD is more common than people realize.
ASD manifests differently in everyone.
Early diagnosis helps but it’s never too late.
Misconceptions about ASD are unfortunately still present.
Support for people with ASD can help unlock their potential.
