Autism Spectrum Disorder is an umbrella term used to describe a group developmental disabilities resulting from differences in the brain. The condition affects how a person thinks, feels and interacts with the world. Neurodiverse is another way to describe people with autism. This is opposed to neurotypical, which is often used in the autistic community to describe people not on the spectrum. While it is important to realise that no two autistic people are the same, there are some attributes of autism that are common among many autistic people.
What are some of the characteristics of autism?
Fascination with certain things
Some people with ASD can have an intense fascination with certain things they are interested in. This could be anything from abstract things such as stories or music to concrete objects such as books, cups and plates. The object of fascination varies between different autistic people. But it can lead to them knowing everything there is to know about the subject. These fascinations could last from weeks to months, or throughout their entire lives.
Discomfort with social interaction
Autistic individuals may have difficulties in sharing their emotions or interests socially. Children may have subtle problems such as looking down or not making eye contact during conversations. Adults may not indulge in communication that is based away from their interests. Some autistic individuals may also show contradictory facial expressions during conversations.
Difficulty with rules
Some autistic children or adults may struggle with following rules and guidelines. Experts believe this can be caused by the intense focus or passion that is common among people with autism. Autistic people can find comfort in following a routine and experiencing a sudden change of routine, or schedule, can cause anxiety and mood swings. In some cases, those without autism or awareness can misinterpret this attribute and liken it to stubbornness.
Sensory problems
Some people with ASD may have difficulties with sensory overload. For example, children may close their eyes when faced with certain colours or noise. Others may tap their legs repetitively as a way of calming themselves. The underlying principle is that some autistic people can be hypersensitive. Most of the time, they suffer an overload of sensation, which may force them to seek external outputs as a means of self-regulation. For example, some people with ASD may find it easier to wear headphones while trying to study to block out other distractions.
How to communicate effectively with autistic people
Address the person just as you would anyone else
People with autism are intelligent individuals, address them like you would any other adult or however they would prefer to be addressed.
Say what you mean
It is advisable to keep your statements less vague, more transparent and literal. That way, you limit the chances of miscommunication.
Listen carefully
Taking time to listen carefully to what the person is saying, this can help show that you do care and are supportive of them.
Maintain calmness
It’s bad practice to exhibit anxiety and worries while addressing an autistic person. Try to demonstrate calmness as it gives room for more conversation.
Language to use when talking about someone with Autism
This is a heavily debated topic in the ASD community. With some disabilities such as physical disabilities it is generally best practice to use person first language. For example you would say “person in a wheelchair” rather than a “wheelchair person”. This is because rather than defining people primarily by their disability, people-first language emphasises the individuality, equality and dignity of people with disabilities. However many people with Autism don’t see autism as a “disability” and rightly so. Therefore it can actually be empowering to use the phrase autistic person rather than person with autism. If dealing with someone personally it is always best to respect their own preference. Further reading on this.
Autistic people throughout history
Because it is hard to diagnose anyone retrospectively, all the people listed below may not have been on the Autistic Spectrum. However, Prof Michael Fitzgerald of Dublin’s Trinity College , who is an acclaimed Psychologist specialising in ASD believes that the following people all had strong autistic traits.
Charles Darwin
With Darwin’s intense focus, which led to the discovery of evolution. Darwin achieved a nobel prize for his groundbreaking discovery, which changed the face of scientific evolution.
Vincent Van Gogh
Among the world’s greatest painters. Vincent made incredible paints which leave us speechless to this day.
Albert Einstein
His common attributes included intense focus, obsession with light beams, inflexibility with authority and rules, being anti-social. Despite all these, Einstein is remembered for his uncanny ability to solve puzzles and incredible humour.
Useful Links
National Autistic Society
Autism Society
The NHS page for autism
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