The Spectrum of Autism: Why One Diagnosis Doesn't Fit All
When people hear the word autism, it鈥檚 often associated with a specific set of traits. But in reality, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is just that鈥攁 spectrum, encompassing a broad range of differences in how individuals experience the world.
Natalie Buerger, PhD, a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic at Huntsman Mental 人妻中出视频 Institute (HMHI) at the 人妻中出视频 of Utah, describes autism as a neurodevelopmental condition that primarily impacts areas related to social communication.
鈥淣o two autistic individuals experience life in the same way,鈥 she says.
Alongside these core characteristics, people with autism may experience what physicians call 鈥渞estricted and repetitive behaviors,鈥 which can include:
- Intense interests
- Sensory processing differences
- Difficulty with flexibility and adapting to change
- Various repetitive behaviors
But that definition only scratches the surface.
A Wide and Varied Spectrum
鈥淥ne size doesn鈥檛 fit all,鈥 Buerger explains. 鈥淓ven within the core criteria, such as communication or social interaction, the range of experience is vast.鈥
Some individuals might not use verbal language, while others are highly verbal but may struggle with social nuance, like reading facial expressions or understanding tone. Some may seek out social interactions eagerly, while others might prefer solitude or structured routines.
The same is true for behaviors related to the sensory world.
鈥淔or some, loud noises or certain textures may be overwhelming,鈥 Buerger explains. 鈥淔or others, sensory input may actually be something they seek out.鈥
Understanding Diagnostic Levels
Autism can be referred to in terms of 鈥渓evels鈥 (Level 1, 2, or 3), which can be confusing. These don鈥檛 indicate severity in the way many people assume.
鈥淟evel 3 doesn鈥檛 mean someone has ''severe' autism,鈥 Buerger clarifies. 鈥淚t simply refers to the amount of support someone may need to navigate daily life.鈥
A person diagnosed with Level 1 autism may function independently with minimal support, while someone at Level 3 might need more consistent help in areas like communication or adapting to change.
Shifting Perspectives: It鈥檚 Not About 鈥淔ixing鈥 Autism
One of the biggest shifts Buerger hopes to see is a move away from viewing autism as a problem to be fixed and instead toward understanding and acceptance.
鈥淎utism is a naturally occurring condition,鈥 she says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not a disease that requires a cure. It鈥檚 more productive鈥攁nd compassionate鈥攖o ask, 鈥楬ow can we better support the autistic person in this environment?鈥 rather than expecting them to conform to a neurotypical world.鈥
That doesn鈥檛 mean autistic people don鈥檛 work on skills or strategies. Like anyone else, they grow, adapt, and learn to navigate life. But the responsibility to change should not fall solely on them.
Neurodiversity Awareness
Awareness of neurodiversity鈥攖he idea that there鈥檚 a natural variation in the way people鈥檚 brains work鈥攊s growing. Terms like 鈥渁utistic,鈥 鈥渘eurotypical,鈥 and 鈥渘eurodivergent鈥 are becoming more common. But while progress has been made, Buerger notes that there鈥檚 still a long way to go.
鈥淭here鈥檚 more research, more visibility, and more advocacy,鈥 she says, 鈥渂ut also a need for greater accessibility and acceptance. We鈥檙e on the right path, but we鈥檙e not there yet.鈥
She stresses the importance of remembering that autism isn鈥檛 a one-word answer.鈥淚t鈥檚 not a blanket label. Each person with autism is unique. Their needs, strengths, and experiences are just as individual as anyone else鈥檚.鈥
Autism doesn鈥檛 erase a person鈥檚 identity or potential. It just means their brain works differently鈥攁nd that difference deserves to be understood, supported, and respected.
鈥淎n autism diagnosis should never be a reason to give up on dreams,鈥 Buerger says. 鈥淚t may just change the road map.鈥
