The world of neuro-diversity can be a confusing place so below we go about explaining autism in simple terms.
Autism in simple terms
Autism, often referred to as ASD, is a condition that influences the way some individuals perceive and interact with the world around them.
This can affect how they talk, act, and feel.
Everyone with autism is unique, like a puzzle piece that fits in its own way.
Challenges and impact
Autism affects each individual differently, with that said however there are some common themes.
Social communication
Many people with autism find it challenging to understand and use social cues, body language, and nonverbal communication.
They might struggle with initiating conversations, making eye contact, or understanding sarcasm.
Making friends and talking with others might be hard for some. They might not get jokes or understand when someone is sad or happy.
Senses
Sensory processing issues are common in autism.
Some individuals may be hypersensitive to sights, sounds, textures, or smells, which can lead to discomfort or overwhelm in certain environments.
Some things like bright lights, loud noises, or scratchy clothes might bother them more than usual.
Stepping into the shoes of an autistic person provides a real insight into the intricate relationship with their senses.
Take noise for example.
Imagine a world where the hum of a refrigerator is not just background noise, but a dominant presence where you can feel it’s vibration.
The honk of a car horn isn’t merely an interruption, but a jolt that sends ripples of discomfort through your senses.
Conversations blend into an overwhelming noise with each voice and rustle competing for attention in your mind.
In this sensory landscape, the world’s volume is turned up, every noise amplified and intensified.
A love of routine
Predictability can be important for individuals with autism.
Changes or unexpected events might cause anxiety or distress, as they often prefer structured environments that help them navigate daily life.
People with autism might really like routines and get upset if things change suddenly. They often feel better when things happen the same way every day.
Intense focus
Many people with autism develop intense interests in specific subjects.
While these interests can lead to deep expertise, they might also become consuming or interfere with other activities.
This all means they can really, really like certain things. It’s like having a favorite hobby that they love to learn about and talk about a lot.
Let’s put this in a practical example;
Imagine you really, really love drawing.
You spend a lot of time drawing all sorts of things, and it makes you feel really happy.
For someone with autism, they might have something they love, like trains or numbers, and they can’t stop thinking about it or talking about it.
It’s their favorite past time in the world!
Sometimes, they might want to do that thing so much that it’s hard for them to pay attention to anything else.
So if they are asked a question or need to move on to another activity it can cause difficult situations.
Emotions
Understanding and expressing emotions can be difficult for some individuals with autism.
This does not mean they lack compassion, but rather they might struggle to convey emotions in conventional ways.
Sometimes, showing feelings on the face or understanding how others feel can be confusing.
But it doesn’t mean they don’t care.
An example of this in practice may be something like the following;
Imagine your friend tells you some bad news.
You might look at their face and understand they’re feeling sad, so you try to cheer them up.
But for someone with autism, their friend’s face might not give away those feelings as easily.
So, they could have trouble knowing when someone is sad or happy.
This can make it hard for them to know how to help or comfort their friend.
Embracing autism
It’s really important to embrace and celebrate neurodiversity, including autism.
By recognising the strengths that come with this condition, society can create more inclusive spaces where individuals with autism can thrive.
Education
Tailoring educational approaches to accommodate different learning styles can help individuals with autism reach their full potential.
Some may excel in visual or hands-on learning methods.
Different ways to communicate
For those who struggle with speech, alternative communication methods can be life changing.
Methods like sign language or assistive technology can provide a means to express thoughts and feelings.
Respect
Creating an environment of acceptance and understanding helps break down stigmas and promotes inclusivity.
Celebrating each individual’s unique strengths can lead to a more compassionate society.
Employment
Many individuals with autism possess skills that can be valuable in the workforce.
Common skills include attention to detail, strong memory, and problem-solving abilities. By creating inclusive workplaces, companies can tap into this diverse talent pool.
Autism is becoming more common
Autism is becoming more common.
This could be due to a true increase in the number of children with autism, or it could be due to changes in how autism is diagnosed.
More research is needed to determine the exact cause.
Currently about 1 in 44 children in the United States has autism, this works out as 2.3%.
As mentioned, the rates of autism have been increasing in recent years, but the exact reason for this is unknown.
There are treatments that can help children with autism function better, and with the right support, they can live happy and fulfilling lives.
Summary – Explaining autism in simple terms
Autism is a unique way of perceiving the world, and its impact varies widely from person to person.
Above all, let’s be nice to people with autism. We can help them by being patient and understanding.
Schools can teach them in special ways, and they might use tools to help them talk or communicate.
Adaptations to work environments can be made for them, too.
Everyone is different, and that’s what makes the world interesting after all.
