Autism, sometimes referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder, is a developmental disability that can vary in symptoms, age of diagnosis, and the presence of various features such as differences in social communication and interaction. The manifestations of autism can differ considerably across individuals. Even though there are strong and consistent commonalities, especially in social interaction, there is no single behavior that is always present in every individual with autism, and no behavior that would automatically exclude an individual from a diagnosis of autism.
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We are excited to share our video series Understanding Autistic Traits. Autistic self-advocate and co-host of the Easterseals podcast Everything You Know About Disability is Wrong, Lily Newton interviews Easterseals autism service providers and Autistic self-advocates about Autistic traits.
Autistic adults and children may interact with others differently. They often appear to have difficulty understanding and expressing emotion and may express attachment in a different manner.
Many autistic individuals rely upon non-verbal methods of communicating, such as pointing to pictures or using a tablet computer with special language applications.
One type of vocal stimming is called echolalia, the non-voluntary repetition of sound. Individuals with autism often have difficulty understanding the nonverbal aspect of language such as social cues, body language, and vocal qualities (pitch, tone and volume).
Autistic individuals often have a great need for routine and order, which can make them upset if objects in their environment or time schedules change. Children with autism may not play with toys in the same manner as their peers and may become fixated on specific objects. Autistic people may have a different reaction to sensory stimuli by seeing, hearing, feeling, or tasting things with more or less intensity than their non-autistic peers.
Children with autism often have a different rate of development, especially in the areas of communication, social, and cognitive skills. In contrast, motor development may occur at a typical rate.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong disability that is generally diagnosed before the age of three years old. However, children are often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed until later in life. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests parents consider the following questions:
Autism affects each individual differently and at varying degrees, which is why early diagnosis is so crucial. Autism is a lifelong disability, and early intervention often contributes to lifelong positive outcomes.
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