Autism revision

Autism

A neurodevelopmental condition characterised by difficulties with social interaction, communication and restricted/repetitive thought/behaviour patterns

Conceptualising autism

A constellation of differences and variations which some individuals experience more/less than others or at different severities

Sensory difficulties in autism

Involve different ways of processing sensory info, leading to hyper or hypo sensitivity to light, sound, texture, tastes or smells which can cause distress and affect daily functioning

Communication variations in autism

Involve differences in social interaction, interpreting non-verbal cues, literal understanding, and speech patterns, often preferring directness, avoiding small talk and needing processing time

Social interaction preferences in autism

Prefer structured activities, parallel play (being near someone while doing separate things), direct communication, online connections, reduced eye contact

Need for predictability and routine in autism

The world can feel overwhelming and unpredictable due to heightened sensory experiences, so making routines is a tool to reduce anxiety and foster a sense of safety

Intense interests as strengths in autism

Often called “special interests”, provide joy, reduce anxiety, lead to deep expertise, skill development and even career paths. Shifts the focus from deficit to positive potential

Traditional definitions of autism

Medical model and DSM are very deficit-based, focusing on what autistic people can’t do and is a blanket statement although autism is a complex spectrum

Problems with the medical model view of autism

• Pathologises natural human variation

• Is an external observation of autistic people compared to what their lived experience is - not many autistic people identify with or would diagnose themselves based on DSM criteria

• Misses their strengths and abilities

Real-world impact of the deficit narrative

• Autistic girls struggle with school attendance

• Autistic people more likely to be unemployed

• Stereotypical portrayals of autism in the media

• Autistic people not seen as competent and agentic knowers

Current autism research

• Dominated by western, male, white understanding of autism

• Cross-cultural autism research rare

• More than 40% of research funding went to biological and preventative research

• Only 7% went into services to help autistic people

Importance of autistic led research

• Get to hear true autistic perspectives and gain understanding of what matters to them/what problems need to be solved

• More meaningful and ethical methodology

• Better real-world applications