Facts about Autism
- Autism is a structural difference in the brain that lasts throughout a person’s life
- Autism is not a condition, deficit, or disease. It’s a different way of processing or experiencing the world
- Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning that the symptoms and features vary. The impact and severity of them also vary for each person with autism. These characteristics can change as the person ages, becoming more or less pronounced
- Social interactions can be difficult for people with autism. It may be quite challenging to understand other people’s intentions and to express their own feelings. It can also be tiring to interpret both spoken and body language which makes clear communication difficult. The person with autism may need support and more information.
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Autistic people take things very literally which is why they don’t understand irony or sarcasm.
- Each autistic person describes themselves and their autism differently, so they may prefer to be referred to as a person with autism, an autistic person, or someone who is on the spectrum. It’s best to ask what they prefer.
Autistic people find it hard to understand abstract concepts. Unfamiliar situations can also be challenging. Being aware of what will happen next and having a set routine can be very helpful.
- People with autism process sensory information differently and may be under or over-sensitive to noise, light, smells, and touch. For example, an autistic person may want to wear sunglasses indoors.
Terms to avoid when talking about autism
- the phrase “high functioning” or “low functioning”
Instead describe their needs in terms of the level of support (ie. “a higher level of support”).
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the phrase “challenging behavior”
All behavior is a form of communication. It’s best to focus on what the person is trying to convey.
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the term “genius” to describe autistic people (like the autistic-savant in the movie “Rain Man”)
Savant skills occur at a rate of less than 1% of all people with autism. Assuming that an autistic person is a genius is unhelpful in understanding their lived experience.
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terms like “suffer”, “disease” or “deficit”.
Famous People with Autism
- Paige Layle —TikTok Personality
- SpaceGhostPurrp—American Rapper/Record Producer
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Max Park — Rubix Cube Speedsolver
- Armani Williams —American Race Car Driver
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Jessica Jane Applegate— British Paralympic Swimmer
- Desi Napoles— American Drag Performer/Model
- Stephanie Davis—English Actor
- Rachel Barellona—Actress/ Autism Advocate
