Most Commonly Asked Questions About Autism
December 09, 2022
1. What are the different types of ASD? Are ASD and Asperger’s the same?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a diagnostic label that describes neurodevelopmental deficits - particularly, in social communication. Previously, ASD was divided into three main categories: Asperger’s syndrome; autistic disorder; or pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. Now, these neurodevelopmental disorders fall under the broad term - ASD. Other unofficial terms that may be used to define various types of ASD can include different levels of functioning (i.e., “high” to “low-functioning”).
For over 70 years, Asperger’s syndrome was considered to be its own diagnosis. However, Asperger’s syndrome has since fallen under the umbrella term ASD - research has suggested that there are few characteristic differences between Asperger’s and autistic disorder. As a diagnosis, Asperger’s no longer exists as a separate category. Nevertheless, some may still identify as being an ‘Aspie’ or having Asperger’s syndrome.
2. What are the symptoms of ASD?
As individuals lie on a spectrum within ASD, an individual’s symptoms and presenting difficulties do differ from one to another. Nevertheless, there are hallmark signs of ASD including deficits in social ability and communication.
Examples of differences can include:
- Avoiding eye contact whilst in conversation
- Difficulty understanding facial expressions and tone of voice
- Difficulty expressing emotions or needs
- Difficulty with turn-taking or sharing
- Feeling anxious during social situations
- Adhering strongly to routine, and feeling distress if this changes
- Noticing small details and patterns
- Being oversensitive or undersensitive to stimuli such as touch, smells and/or sounds
- Language delays
3. What does ASD feel like?
Being on the spectrum, every individual’s perspective and symptoms differ. Here are some quotes from individuals with ASD for you to get an insight into the disorder.
“If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.”
- Dr. Stephen Shore – Special Education Professor, Adelphi University, Advisory
“It feels like I am the only one who doesn’t know of some common rule.”
- Anonymous
“Being on the spectrum and having other learning differences, I am used to working harder and have a great drive to succeed. I interpret things differently, which helps with analysing scripts, engulfing myself into roles, to achieve realism. [It] also drives me to make strong choices.
- Kayla Cromer – Actress, “Everything’s Gonna Be Okay”
4. How does ASD present in females compared with males?
Males are affected around four times more frequently than females. However, there is a rising consensus that this disparity is due to females being under-identified and that females are more likely to receive a late diagnosis. This has been attributed to differences in symptom presentation and also differences in coping mechanisms. For example, females are less likely to exhibit restricted, repetitive behaviour and better nonverbal communication. Coping mechanisms such as masking or camouflaging can mean that females are better at hiding their difficulties to appear “normal”.
Various stories on the National Autistic Society highlight the differences between ASD in females and males.
- “I find that being a female I am expected to behave a certain way to fit in socially which is why I have spent so much time masking.”
Charl Davies
5. Can ASD be cured? Does medication help ASD?
As a lifelong developmental condition, many experts agree that ASD cannot be cured. Instead, treatments focus on managing symptoms through therapy and treating conditions that are associated with ASD via medication. For example, many individuals with ASD report feelings of anxiety and depression - most likely due to socio-communicative difficulties.
6. How does ASD change over time?
For many individuals, symptoms of ASD do improve over time through age and with therapy. With effective early-stage interventions that involve behavioural therapies, occupational therapies, educational support, and lifestyle changes, many children’s autism symptoms improve as they age. Mind Institute found in research that nearly 30% of children who received substantial interventions showed reductions in the severity of autism symptoms at age 6 compared with age 3.
7. What support is available for supporting the independence of individuals with ASD?
The UK has a multitude of programmes that focus on supporting and encouraging independent living in individuals with ASD. Listed below are a few examples of the available benefits across various circumstances:
1) Disability Benefits - Disability Living Allowance & Personal Independence Payment
2) Employment & Support Allowance
3) Income Support
Additionally, attending occupational therapy can be beneficial in supporting and building daily living skills in individuals with ASD. Such skills revolve around various areas, including education, work, leisure, and social participation. Indeed, occupational therapy is effective in improving self-care, and also managing sensory difficulties.
Useful resources
Library of useful resources for autism
Getting help for autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
How to support someone with ASD