FAQautism

Several friends have recently received the news that their children or grandchildren have been diagnosed with autism. They are puzzled with the diagnosis because their youngsters don’t have some of the commonly-known characteristics of autism. For example, one of the kids is very bright and talkative and another loves to interact with other people. Because autism is a heterogeneous mix of issues related to communication, behavior, social interaction, and other factors, no two people are the same.

Listen Now:

Standard Podcast [ 4:28 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Autism manifests itself as a complex maze of abilities and disabilities in every individual. 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, and I agree with you 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 related to communication, social interaction, and restrictive behaviors are usually evident, 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 people with autism do not fit in a predictable mold. Every week for the past 33 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, with all their flaws and gifts. I just take them at face value and do what I can to help maximize their abilities, to help them compensate for their disabilities, and to enjoy this journey called life.

NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: 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. Feel free to send me an email with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. Send email to talk@FAQautism.com And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com

Automatically generated related posts:

1. Revealing Autism 2 We are continuing the conversation about the pros and cons...
2. Revealing Autism 1 A parent asked recently about the wisdom of telling her...
3. Vast Spectrum “Our son has just been diagnosed with autism,” commented parents...
4. Adult Diagnosis Parents wrote asking for thoughts about the wisdom of pursuing...
5. Diagnosis Sometimes we may have questions about a diagnosis or our...