What Is Autism? Understanding the Causes and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder [Podcast Episode #206]

Have you ever been told that your child cannot recover from autism? Yeah, me too. Yet today, my son is no longer diagnosable with the symptoms of autism he once had.

Sometimes, instead of getting excited when they hear this, a parent will get defensive, as though someone is trying to change ‘who’ their child is. Autism is not a ‘who’. It’s a ‘what’.

WHAT IS AUTISM?

The correct term is “Autism Spectrum Disorder” (ASD). It refers to a range of neurodevelopmental conditions collectively characterized by similar traits, like challenges with social skills, communication, and repetitive behaviors. 

Autism is defined as the autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, because the symptoms range in severity.

If you are new to all of this or reading about autism for a friend or loved one, let’s begin with the basics. Generally, the symptoms of autism refer to a difficulty processing emotions and a heightened sensitivity to external stimuli.

No two people with autism have the same exact symptoms. It’s an extended spectrum with one end being those who are higher functioning and the other being very low functioning. The meaning behind “functioning” depends on their ability to navigate life. 

Some symptoms simply make life more challenging.

You may have also heard the term “Aspergers Syndrome.” This term was first described in 1944 by Austrian physician Hans Asperger.  In 2013, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5) removed the term Aspergers and placed this diagnosis under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorders...

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