Autism
What is Autism?
Autism is a neurotype, which means it is a natural part of human diversity of the brain. It is important to understand autism within the context of neurodiversity. Autism affects the way that people experience the world and may cause difficulties in different environments. Autism can affect social interaction, communication, and sensory processing.
Symptoms of Autism
All autistic individuals are unique, but there are some common characteristics. These signs will not look the same in everyone and different people will experience them to varying degrees.
Communication and Social Interaction
One of the most well-known characteristics of autism is difficulties with social interactions. This may include struggles with making eye contact, understanding social cues, and initiating and maintaining conversations. For some autistic individuals, social interactions may feel overwhelming, and they may prefer to spend time alone or with a small group of trusted people. Autistic children may engage in repetitive speech, such as phrases they hear. Their emotional expression may sound monotone or flat. Some children use advanced “adult-like” language early on.
Sensory Processing
Autistic individuals can have heightened, diminished, or inconsistent responses to sensory stimuli. These differences can manifest in various ways:
Hypersensitivity (Over-Responsiveness): Some autistic individuals may be hypersensitive to sensory input. This means that everyday sounds, lights, textures, or even certain smells might feel overwhelming or painful to them. This hypersensitivity can lead to anxiety and sensory overload.
Hyposensitivity (Under-Responsiveness): On the other hand, some autistic individuals may be hyposensitive, meaning they have a reduced sensitivity to sensory stimuli. They may seek out intense sensory experiences to feel more engaged with their environment.
Sensory Seeking: Some autistic individuals engage in sensory-seeking behaviors. They may enjoy repetitive movements or actions that stimulate their senses, such as spinning, rocking, or flapping their hands.
Preference for Routine/Sameness
Autistic people often thrive with routine and may feel stressed by changes. They may prefer to do the same activities in the same manner or the same order each time they are done.
Passionate Interests
Passionate interests, often referred to as "special interests" or "obsessions," are a notable characteristic of many autistic individuals. These interests are intense and focused areas of fascination that hold deep meaning and provide a sense of purpose and engagement. Passionate interests can play a significant role in the lives of autistic individuals, influencing their development, well-being, and interactions with the world.
Support for Autism
There are a variety of support options for autistic children such as occupational therapy (OT), speech therapy, academic accommodations, and educational support programs for families.
Many autistic adults have already successfully connected with peers who understand them, charted career paths that align with their strengths, and established necessary accommodations to excel in a predominantly neurotypical environment. When seeking assessments, their primary aim often revolves around validation. Individual therapy, group therapy, and coaching services can help to further support autistic adults in meeting their goals
Where Can I Find Autism Testing Near Me?
Zephyr Care offers neurodiversity-affirming autism testing throughout the lifespan – ages 2 through adulthood. We are one of the few places that specializes in both autism testing for children and autism testing for adults. Contact us today!