Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that is characterized by differences in social interaction, communication, and sensory processing. It is important to provide an affirming and respectful description of autism that recognizes the strengths and challenges faced by individuals with autism. For Autistics, differencess usually begin in childhood, continue throughout development, and begin to impact daily life, with differences that continue into adulthood. Some of the most common differences associated with Autism, according to diagnostic criteria include:
Social Communication Challenges
- Difficulty speaking at all (1/3 of those with Autism are nonverbal)
- Repetitive gestures
- Difficulty making and maintaining eye contact
- Difficulty understanding facial expressions, tone, and non-literal expressions
- Recognizing and expressing their own emotions as well as emotions of others
- Feeling overwhelmed in social situations
- Inability to recognize and respect personal space
Behavioral Challenges
- Inability to appropriately express emotions leading to outbursts that may not seem logical to others
- Repetitive motions with the body (rocking, flapping, spinning etc.) or objects (flipping switches, pressing buttons, etc.)
- Staring at lights or moving objects
- Ritual or obsessive behaviors (alphabetizing, lining up toys by size, touching items in a set order)
- Difficulty understanding and adapting to changes in routine
- Narrow and almost obsessive focus on specific topics
These are just some of the common differences, but this is by no means a comprehensive list. If you suspect you or your child may be Autistic, you can schedule an intake with one of our team members. We can help you determine whether or not your child is in need of assessment for Autism.
Autism is a unique neurological variation that brings forth diverse perspectives, strengths, and talents.
It’s important to recognize that autism is a spectrum, meaning that each person’s experiences and strengths are unique. Some individuals may require support in certain areas, while others may excel in different domains. It is crucial to embrace and respect neurodiversity, promoting inclusivity and understanding in our society.
By acknowledging and appreciating the diverse strengths and perspectives of individuals on the autism spectrum, we can create a more inclusive and accepting world that celebrates the contributions of all individuals, regardless of their neurodiversity.
What Should I Do?
There are numerous invaluable resources available for Autistic kids, adolescents, and adults. We recommend that you reach out to our team of experts to schedule an assessment. We use best practices in determining diagnosis for Autism and our team also offers a wide range of services to help Autistics and their families learn to create an atmosphere where every member of the family can thrive together.
How Can Grace Psychological Services Help?
Dr. Charles Hallmark, Dr. Catherine Abrahamson, and Dr. Allison Grodzki have specialized training in conducting Autism assessments.
Other clinicians provide family and individual child-focused psychotherapy for children and adolescents with Autism.
How do I Get Started?
If you’re interested in evaluation services for Autism, please don’t hesitate to give our team a call. We’ll be happy to help you with assessment, intervention, and other services for kids, adolescents, and adults with Autism.