Top Autism Questions: What Being On the Spectrum Means
As an adult male with Level 1 autism, I often get asked a lot of questions about autism and what being on the spectrum means.
I’m actually happy in trying to provide meaningful answers to common questions to help foster better understanding and acceptance of individuals with neurodiversity, such as myself.
The following are six questions that I am often asked.
Do you have others? I’ll be glad to answer your autism questions based on a first-person perspective of someone with autism.
My Top 6 Autism Questions About What Being on the Spectrum Means
Autism FAQs #1: What exactly is autism?
Autism, or also called autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a brain developmental disorder. It can affect verbal and even non-verbal communication, social interaction, and behavior. How, exactly, depends on the individual. Facts about autism spectrum disorder suggest that Autism usually shows itself in early childhood and lasts throughout a person’s life.
While most individuals are diagnosed in childhood, usually before the age of 8, some do not get diagnosed until their teen or adult years.
Learn more about Autism on the Brain: Unpacking the Meaning Behind Neurodiversity
Autism FAQs #2: What are common traits of autism?
There is a wide range of symptoms, and a person who has questions about autism in regard to whether they or a loved one has ASD could have all of them or none of them. Usually, it’s somewhere in between. Common symptoms could be a lack of facial expressions, including reduced or no eye contact; hyper-focused interests; extreme organization and set behaviors; repetition of gestures or sounds; stimming; and indifference to others at times.
Remember that only a professional can officially diagnose a person with autism using specific screening tools, observation, and questions. There is no blood or genetic tests for autism. More facts about autism spectrum disorder can be found here.
Learn more about Autism Symptoms Checklist: Top 15 Traits to Look For
Autism FAQs #3: Is Asperger’s syndrome the same as autism?
It is now, but it didn’t use to be. Asperger’s syndrome is no longer an official diagnosis. (It changed around 2013, although some people still use that descriptor.) It just typically means that individuals with this diagnosis are on the mild end of the autism spectrum and considered “high functioning,” meaning they can still generally get by in life, go to school or work, drive, marry, etc.
Having mild symptoms with the previously named Asperger’s syndrome, however, can still present a great number of challenges. Communications and emotions (or lack of) an present obstacles for individuals who do not show outward signs of having the disorder.
Learn more about Autism vs Asperger’s Syndrome: What You Need to Know
Autism FAQs #4: Is there a treatment or “cure” for autism?
There is no “cure” for autism, but there are numerous therapies and interventions to help individuals with autism live their best life. Since everyone is so different, these support assists vary by person. It’s also one of the more common questions that I am asked.
Supports can include speech therapy, behavioral therapy, learning sign language or other adaptive communications tools, occupational therapy, and support throughout the educational years, as needed. Depending on what conditions may also be present, a person with autism may also need medication.
Since autism is considered a lifelong disorder, awareness, understanding and compassion are key components for helping a person on the spectrum to have a happy and fulfilled life.
Learn more about Breaking Down the Top 10 Autism Stereotypes: Unveiling the Truth about Autism FAQs
Autism FAQs #5: What is the “spectrum?”
The “autism spectrum” refers to the very wide range of severity and conditions that affect individuals with autism. Because everyone has different forms and experiences their own uniqueness, it is hard to classify.
A person on the autism spectrum disorder exhibits various strengths, weaknesses, behaviors, challenges, and likes and dislikes, just like every body else. Often, questions about ASD focus on trying to figure out the various symptoms and how they relate to the being on the spectrum meaning.
Learn more about Autism Spectrum Facts: 13 Great Reasons For Why It’s Called ASD
Autism FAQs #6: Are there famous people with autism?
There are many famous people who are believed to be on the autism spectrum, including Albert Einstein, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Thomas Jefferson, Isaac Newton, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Daryl Hannah, and Tim Burton. Elon Musk announced in May 2021 that he has Asperger’s syndrome while hosting Saturday Night Live.
While these individuals are (or were) acclaimed in their respective fields, it’s important not to stereotype those with autism. Not everyone with Asperger’s syndrome is a genius or will go onto be a millionaire. The disorder affects each person differently and is not a barrier or a pathway for success.
Learn more about Beyond Stereotypes: How the Movie Rain Main Revolutionized the Perception of Autism
Beyond these six basic autism FAQs, it’s important to know that individuals with autism are all different, just like humankind in general. But one thing in common is that everyone just wants to find joy–on their own terms.
If you’ve enjoyed reading about my six most commonly asked questions, you might enjoy learning about misconceptions people have of individuals on the spectrum as well. As always, thanks for reading and for your support. Contact me at any time at connor@myautismmind.com and I can answer any questions about ASD and what being on the spectrum means to me personally.
Misconceptions About Neurodiversity That Can Lead to Stigmas and Stereotypes
Learn more about other stigmas and stereotypes that autistics face:
- Why Labeling People Can Lead to Stereotyping and Discrimination
- Autism Media Stereotypes: We’re Not All Geniuses, Savants, or Lonely
- Beyond Stereotypes: How Rain Man Revolutionized the Perception of Autism
- Absurd Plot About Autism and Evolution and Why It’s Harmful
- Moving Past the Tired Conspiracy Theory of Vaccines and Autism
- 3 Reasons Why Pathologizing Crushes Autism Acceptance and Inclusion
- The Hidden Hurdles: Challenging Autism Stigmas in Today’s Politics
- History of Autism: Revealing Shocking Mysteries from the Past
- Knocking Down the Stigma to Autism Obsession
