Vast Spectrum
“Our son has just been diagnosed with autism,” commented parents of a ten-year-old. “We were surprised at the diagnosis because he doesn’t seem to be at all like any of the other people we know who are diagnosed with autism.” A grandparent was struck by the difference in her granddaughter and a girl about the same age who was featured on a television show. If you know even two people with autism, you can see that autism manifests itself as a complex maze of abilities and disabilities that is different in every individual.
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I’ve heard teachers say that there is certainly not a “cookie cutter” for individuals diagnosed with autism. The spectrum of autism is vast, so a symptom that might be severe with one individual may not be noticeable in another. I have many friends with autism, so I agree with your observation that two people with the very same diagnosis, even twins who live in the same family, may not bear the slightest resemblance to someone who has the identical diagnosis.
Some basic characteristics are usually evident to one degree or another, and are used by professionals to make an accurate diagnosis. The APA’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual offers standardized criteria for diagnosing autism. The 2000 edition of the DSM-IV-TR lists “qualitative impairments in social interaction and communication” and “restrictive, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities” as diagnostic criteria. The APA manual describes a broad range of ways autism is manifested, including failure to develop peer relationships, lack of social or emotional reciprocity, delay in or total lack of developing spoken language, stereotyped or repetitive use of language, inflexible adherence to specific nonfunctional routines or rituals, lack of symbolic play, stereotyped or repetitive motor mannerism, and/ or encompassing preoccupation with restrictive interests. But very few individuals with autism exhibit all of these characteristics, and every person functioning on this broad and deep spectrum of autism exhibits their distinct combination of characteristics at different levels.
All of that is to say that no one with autism fits in a predictable mold. Every week, for over 30 years, I have worked with dozens of individuals with autism ranging from pre-schoolers to older adults. I have learned to meet each person where they are that week – with all their strengths and deficits – and to do what I can to help maximize their abilities, to help them compensate for their shortcomings, and to enjoy life every day.
Note to FAQautism.com listeners and readers: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. You can click on a button to send me an email with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solutions. Check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. www.FAQautism.com
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