In recent years, more discourse has emerged around the idea of embracing neurodiversity, which is defined as “individual differences in brain functioning regarded as normal variations within the human population.” In the United States, we accept that the human brain may operate as part of “normal” functioning in many ways. With the increased buzz around neurodiversity has come increased conversation around autism, “the spectrum,” and what it means to operate in ways that feel “different” from what is represented as the status quo.
Whether you suspect the potential for or have recently received an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis, you may be experiencing a mixed bag of emotions, ranging from relief, surprise, anxiety, denial, acceptance, and/or clarity. For many people who receive diagnoses later in adulthood, there may also be confusion about what it means to be “on the spectrum” due to stigma and misinformation. Trust that there are plenty of resources and supports to help demystify neurodivergence, including the many strengths & challenges that come with autism spectrum disorder.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism spectrum disorder is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder in the DSM-5. It is considered a spectrum disorder due to the large range of symptoms that may affect individuals’ cognitive abilities, communication skills, and behavioral patterns. According to the DSM, an autism diagnosis is marked by challenges with communication skills & social interactions, as well as with markedly restricted or repetitive behavior patterns across multiple contexts. Some people with ASD may often have sensory issues and cognitive or verbal challenges as well.
Based on DSM criteria, deficits in communication and social interactions may include challenges with social-emotional reciprocity, nonverbal communication, or developing & maintaining relationships across social contexts. Rigid behavior patterns & interests may consist of repetitive movements and speech, inflexibility & a hard time coping with change, insistence on routine, hyper-fixated & intense interests, or sensitivity to your environment (e.g., noise, smells, or temperature).
In adulthood, examples of DSM-specific symptoms may look like:
- Lack of eye contact
- A narrow range of interests
- Sensitivity to certain sounds, smells, textures, etc.
- Difficulties listening to others
- Intense interest in specific topics
- Challenges grasping social “rules”
- Difficulties understanding nonverbal cues such as figures of speech, facial expressions, tone of voice
- Trouble with adapting to changes in your routine
- Needing more time alone when feeling overloaded by others or your environment
- Challenges understanding what others are thinking or feeling
- Having a hard time initiating or maintaining a conversation
- Being told you take things “too literally” or don’t understand sarcasm
- Unintentionally appearing rude, blunt, or insensitive to others
- Talking in a sing-song, robotic, or flat tone of voice
- Needing extra time to process information
- Finding it hard to form friendships
- Engaging in repetitive movements (e.g., hand-flapping or rocking)
What does it mean to be on “the spectrum”?
Prior to the latest edition of the DSM’s publication in May 2013, there were five different “autism spectrum disorders,” including Autistic Disorder (classic autism), Asperger’s Syndrome (sometimes called high-functioning autism), Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (atypical autism), Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Rett Syndrome, with the latter two being rare, more severe medical conditions. In the most up-to-date version of the DSM, the former three have been simplified into one diagnosis called “Autism Spectrum Disorder,” which emphasizes your baseline needs rather than specific labels.
With autism symptoms now classified on a spectrum, every person’s uniquely individual needs, level of disability, and symptoms become the priority. While every person on the spectrum has some degree of challenges with social interactions, communication, and flexibility, two people with the same diagnosis may present very differently across their specific strengths & challenges. Autism is not one-size-fits-all, and many people may excel in different areas while having difficulties with others across the spectrum.
An autism spectrum diagnosis is now evaluated based on the various “levels” of support needed rather than on individual functioning since many people with ASD are able to function independently in some areas but may require more support in others depending on their unique needs:
- Level 1—Requiring Support: You may benefit from modest support as you navigate social interactions, develop communication skills, and become more adaptable to changes, transitions, and unfamiliarity.
- Level 2 – Requiring Substantial Support: More pronounced difficulties with social communication due to limited verbal and nonverbal skills, as well as with more inflexible & repetitive behaviors, may require more support to enhance your quality of life if your symptoms significantly impact your daily functioning.
- Level 3—Requiring Very Substantial Support: More significant support may help you navigate more severe deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication skills and extreme difficulty coping with change.
What do I do with an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis?
As with many diagnoses, many people experience a wide range of emotions once they officially confirm what may be a long-suspected ASD diagnosis. Often, feelings of sadness & frustration due to feeling “different” or misunderstood for so long are complemented by feelings of relief & validation at finally having an explanation for lifelong challenges with relationships, change, social norms, and more. If you have recently received an autism diagnosis or are becoming more curious about the possibility, consider the following:
- Do your research to understand your diagnosis better. If you are already reading this article, you are likely on the right path to gathering more information about your diagnosis, what it means for your quality of life, and how to navigate your unique day-to-day challenges more specifically.
- Take your time understanding your feelings, too. You may have a range of emotions right now, and each is valid based on your experiences to date. Get curious about your emotions and consider talking with a loved one or professional for additional support.
- Seek out others’ stories. Whether through support groups or storytelling from others with autism, gaining insight into others’ experiences can help you learn more about your own diagnosis. Finding a community with other adults with ASD often offers mutual understanding and shared experiences in a unique way not offered by a community with a “neurotypical” person as well.
- Lean on your support. Be comfortable reaching out to loved ones and community resources, whether you need emotional support, a medical advocate, academic or professional accommodations, or help with another need. If you are comfortable, consider sharing your diagnosis with others and starting conversations that challenge the stigma around ASD. Increasing understanding amongst you and your loved ones may offer opportunities for deeper connection while enhancing the resources available to you, too.
- Become your own advocate. For many people, autism is still a highly misunderstood and stigmatized diagnosis. And for some, other parts of your identity may also affect how others understand your diagnosis. For women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community specifically, research has shown heightened disparities across diagnosis and care.
- Be aware of triggers & sensory overload. If you often experience environmental hypersensitivity, find ways to minimize distractions, practice self-soothing, and allow yourself to step away if you are becoming overstimulated.
How to navigate your unique strengths & challenges
For most people, the world is already unpredictable and confusing enough. For people with autism, the unpredictability can be especially distressing. While routines and clear expectations may help you cope with larger patterns of change & confusion, working with a therapist can offer other pathways to help you navigate daily life more effectively and flexibly while channeling your existing strengths & skill sets:
- Developing skills for building and sustaining relationships. You may experience more significant relationship challenges if you have difficulties understanding social cues, maintaining conversations, and interpreting verbal & nonverbal communication. Having a support & accountability partner can help you navigate the nuances of connecting with others.
- Becoming more flexible to changes in your routine, environment, and behaviors. Rigidity in behaviors may cause challenges in various social, academic, and professional settings and impact your quality of life. While some behaviors are comforting and offer a sense of control, there are opportunities to incorporate your special interests & specific needs into your days while practicing more adaptability to the everyday ebbs and flows of life.
- Normalizing your feelings while cultivating self-acceptance and self-compassion. Many people experience challenges with self-esteem and with accepting their emotional experiences – especially when feeling misunderstood, lonely, or isolated. Therapy can help develop a practice of validation, acceptance, gratitude, and compassion for your many experiences while increasing feelings of control over your reactions.
- Training for skills to address common challenges for people with ASD. Many people with autism experience challenges in a number of domains, including employment, education, accessible health & mental health care, social isolation, independent living, family stressors, and more. It is common for people with ASD to experience other mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and insomnia as well. By using your existing strengths & resources to your advantage, you can continue to develop skills to address difficulties while leaning on external resources, too.
