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What is Autism?

Autism is part of a spectrum of disorders known as the ASD spectrum, which also includes Asperger's Syndrome. It is a spectrum because the way that individuals are affected varies greatly from one person to the next. However, all individuals on the ASD spectrum show significant impairments in three specific areas - the triad of impairments - as they are often described:

Triad of Impairments

How to recognise Autism

Every person with Autism will be affected differently. No two individuals will show an identical pattern of behaviours or abilities. As mentioned above, they will, however, show impairments in three areas:

1.) Impairments in communication

People with Autism have difficulties with verbal, and non-verbal communication. This makes it very hard for them to interpret and understand; facial expressions, tone of voice, jokes, and sarcasm. Also, many higher functioning autistics will demonstarte a very literal understanding of language, and find it hard to interpret common phrases.

2.) Impairments in interaction

Autism makes it very difficult to recognise and understand other people's emotions. People with Autism will also have great difficulty expressing or regulating their own emotions and feelings. This impairment makes it difficult to understand social norms - rules that the general population pick up instinctively such as allowing another person personal space when talking to them, spending time alone rather than seeking out interaction, not seeking comfort from others, not offering comfort when others are upset.

3.) Difficulties with restricted behaviours

This area is grounded in an impairment in social immagination. Difficulties with social immagination make it very hard for people to; predict what could or might happen next, develop a sense of danger, prepare for change, plan for future events, cope with new or unfamiliar situations, and engage in imaginary play or activities - leading to a preference to engage with the same sequence of events over and over.

Behavioural manifestations

The impairments discussed above can lead to the development of behavioural patterns that make it very difficult for the person with Autism to 'fit' into the community around them. Fixed daily routines often develop as the person tries to establish some control over, and understanding of, their environment. Sensory sensitivities can develop in any of the five senses - sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch. This can cause autistic people to be oversensitive (hypersensitive) or under-sensitive (hypo-sensitive) to sounds, patterns, colours and other environmental stimuli, creating anxiety, under-developed sense of danger, seemingly bizzarre behaviours such as spinning, rocking, or flapping their hands as they try to stimulate some sensation. Other challenging behaviours which develop can include self-injurious behaviour and aggression which can both present enourmous challenges for families and other people supporting the individual.

Causes of Autism

Our present theories of autism are inadequate and incomplete. One problem is that autism is not a single entity. Different causes and neurological dysfunctions are responsible for this disability in different people. As our sophistication and understanding of brain functioning increases, we can expect that the neurological theories will be more fully developed.  

However, Autism is certainly not caused by social circumstances or upbringing, and nor is it the fault of the individual themselves. Research currently indicates that it is probably a combination of genetic and environmental influences on brain development.