Autism: Rethinking What It Means to Be

Autism: Rethinking What It Means to Be Wired Differently Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is not the same for everyone. It’s a broad, varied spectrum all of which will impact people in different ways, some are more subtle than others. But the commonality among those on the spectrum is a unique way of interacting with the world that often manifests itself in communication, behavioral, and sensory processing differences.

For decades, we have boxed the stereotype of autism into one embodiment: the child who does not talk, or the adult character who avoids eye contact. As psychology advances community shifts, and we learn more about the spectrum of autism we realize that autism can look like the kid who won’t stop talking about one topic, or the man on the spectrum who thrives on routine and sees details nobody else does. We still do not fully understand the cause of autism, though genetics and brain development have been implicated in the disorder. What is evident is that early intervention support can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals with autism and the support needed to navigate life within a community.

There is no “cure” for autism, nor should there ever be, but the focus is now on acceptance and accommodation rather than “fixing” autistic traits. There are tools available for supporting individuals on the spectrum, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and structured environments that have supported many people on the spectrum develop skills and create meaningful relationships.