Everything you wanted to know about autism in 500 words ( or less )
By Bart Vulliamy
Unless you ’ re autistic , it may be hard for people to grasp that there ’ s a lot of misinformation and outdated science when it comes to what Autism actually is . Even for me , an Autistic person , growing up without any Autistic role models was very difficult . Also , growing up in the 1990 ’ s and early 2000 ’ s when the majority of society believed that autism was caused by vaccines and diets , was damaging to autistic people ’ s psyche , and probably caused not just me , but other autistics to hide their diagnosis .
What is autism ? Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by a range of traits , social differences , and diverse sensory profiles . It is genetic , meaning you ’ re born with it .
Neurodevelopmental disorders are conditions that affect how your brain functions . Autism has always existed and is not a new trend . It has only recently , in the 1980 ’ s version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , become a diagnosable disorder . While it was in 1980 that Autism became a diagnosable disorder , it had already had a long and turbulent history . Autism was first used in 1908 to describe patients who were especially withdrawn and self-absorbed .
What is the autism spectrum ? The autism spectrum isn ’ t a linear line between more autistic and less autistic ; It ’ s more like a colour wheel of traits . This spectrum of traits allows many ways to express what autism is for each person . My autism is vastly different than another person ’ s autism . Some autistic people jump with joy and flap their hands , while I have a head tic when I ’ m uncomfortable or overstimulated .
What is masking ? Masking is a social survival strategy that varies from person to person , but ultimately , it is the act of trying to behave in a socially desirable way . Masking can look like forcing eye contact and touch , rehearsing scripts , and pushing through sensory discomfort . This is all done to blend in and conform to societal norms .
Autism is a natural part of human life , and it ’ s time we stopped excluding people because of labels and stigma . Learning about autism has helped me to learn more about myself , and why and where I
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