Welcome to an engaging blog on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from a lived and learned perspective. Whether you're personally caring for someone with ASD or supporting individuals with ASD in a professional capacity, this article aims to provide comprehensive insights. Regardless of your experience level, we hope the information presented here will be easily understood and resonate with you.
The Complexity of ASD
Understanding ASD can be challenging due to its evolving nature. Diagnoses have changed over time with each new version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). It's important to acknowledge that the understanding of ASD can vary depending on the specific DSM version used during the diagnosis. This evolution has an impact on how individuals perceive themselves and how others comprehend their experiences.
DSM Versions and Changes
The most recent version, DSM-V (published in 2013), combined the previous four categories into a single diagnostic label: Autism Spectrum Disorder. This updated classification encompasses subheadings related to intellectual disability, language impairment, and severity levels ranging from "requiring support" to "requiring very substantial support." The changes between the previous and current versions of the DSM highlight the dynamic nature of ASD and the need for a comprehensive understanding beyond a simple label.
Gaining Deeper Insights
To truly grasp the realities of ASD, it's essential to explore multiple perspectives and research studies. The Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre characterises ASD as a neurodevelopmental condition marked by challenges in social communication, interaction, and engagement in restricted, repetitive behaviours, interests, and activities. Autism Awareness Australia emphasises the presence of sensory issues, such as oversensitivity or undersensitivity to various stimuli. Recognising specific triggers and minimising exposure to discomforting stimuli is crucial in providing effective support.
The Autistic Perspective
While professionals provide diagnoses, it's vital to remember that autistic individuals themselves may not always have a clear understanding of their condition. Expecting them to provide detailed explanations can be stressful. Moreover, they may suddenly find themselves seen as experts or advocates for their own condition. This is particularly relevant for individuals diagnosed later in life, who may need to reassess their self-identity after years of different explanations for their behaviours and experiences. If you are a caregiver of a recently diagnosed child, you may also face challenges related to managing others' expectations. Embracing patience and empathy fosters a better understanding of autism and strengthens connections with autistic individuals.
The Bottom Line
ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by challenges in social communication and interaction, as well as engagement in restricted, repetitive behaviours, interests, and activities. It is a wide spectrum disorder that encompasses a diverse range of individuals with varying strengths and difficulties. Understanding ASD requires delving into the categories outlined in the DSM-IV, exploring perspectives from different experts, and reviewing relevant research.
While this analysis is beyond the scope of this blog, it is crucial to consider the diagnostic definitions and relatable contexts, such as those provided by the DSM-V guidelines. Additional descriptions highlight sensory issues, such as hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to certain stimuli. When providing support to someone with sensory issues, it is essential to identify the specific triggers and minimise or evaluate their impact. It is advisable to ask autistic individuals how they perceive themselves and their condition, but it is important to be sensitive to the fact that they may not have a clear understanding or may find discussing it stressful. It is crucial to recognise that they may suddenly become seen as experts or advocates for their own condition, which can be particularly challenging for those receiving a later-in-life diagnosis. For caregivers of newly diagnosed children, similar considerations arise regarding societal expectations. Autism is a complex subject, but with patience, understanding, and open communication, we can foster mutual understanding and support for one another.
Author Jesse Overton (ASD lived experience)
Sources
To delve deeper into understanding autism, you can explore the following resources for additional insights and knowledge:
Autism Awareness Australia: https://www.autismawareness.com.au/understanding-autism
Autism and Depression: https://www.autism.org/autism-and-depression/
Autism Research Articles:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7375152/
https://www.autismspeaks.org/expert-opinion/whats-connection-between-autism-and-depression
Mental Health and Autism:
https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/health-wellbeing/mental-health/depression-teens-with-asd
https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ez.library.latrobe.edu.au/lib/latrobe/reader.action?docID=4729812&ppg=26
Sleep Issues in Children with ASD: https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/health-wellbeing/sleep/sleep-for-children-with
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