autism spectrum disorders
Developmental brain differences
Autism spectrum disorders are a range of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by differences in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and sensory processing.
The "spectrum" acknowledges wide variation—from individuals needing substantial support to those living independently with few accommodations.
Once classified as separate conditions (autism, Asperger's syndrome), these are now understood as points on a continuum.
Often shortened to ASD or simply autism: My son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age three.
Repetitive self-regulatory behavior
- echolaliaInvoluntary repetition of speech
- special interestsGroups seeking policy influence
- hyperfocusIntense prolonged single-task concentration
- sensory sensitivityHeightened response to stimuli
repetitive behaviors · social interaction · eye contact · nonverbal · meltdown · shutdown · masking · routine
Purposeful involvement to change course
- occupational therapyRestoring practical life abilities
- speech therapyTreatment for communication disorders
- ABALawyers' professional body
- social skills trainingStructured interpersonal competence development
early intervention · IEP · floortime · accommodations · 504 plan · AAC · vocational training · respite care
Consent to receive
- advocacyPleading for a cause
- stigmaMark of dishonor
- misconceptionsIncorrect assumptions held true
- inclusionBeing made part
understanding · education · support · empathy · compassion · awareness month · campaigns · outreach
Psychiatric diagnosis guidebook
- assessmentFormal evaluation of worth
- evaluationDetermining worth or quality
- screeningEvaluative selection process
- early detectionFinding something at onset
neuropsychologist · diagnostic criteria · late diagnosis · self-diagnosis · misdiagnosis · comorbidity · differential diagnosis · clinical observation
Having atypical brain function
- neurotypicalStandard cognitive wiring
- cognitive diversityVariation in thought patterns
- disability rightsProtections for impaired individuals
- identityWho someone is
stimming
Repetitive self-regulatory behavior
- echolaliaInvoluntary repetition of speech
- special interestsGroups seeking policy influence
- hyperfocusIntense prolonged single-task concentration
sensory sensitivity · repetitive behaviors · social interaction · eye contact · nonverbal · meltdown · shutdown · masking · routine · literal thinking
intervention
Purposeful involvement to change course
- occupational therapyRestoring practical life abilities
- speech therapyTreatment for communication disorders
- ABALawyers' professional body
social skills training · early intervention · IEP · floortime · accommodations · 504 plan · AAC · vocational training · respite care · support groups
acceptance
Consent to receive
- advocacyPleading for a cause
- stigmaMark of dishonor
- misconceptionsIncorrect assumptions held true
inclusion · understanding · education · support · empathy · compassion · awareness month · campaigns · outreach · self-advocacy
DSM-5
Psychiatric diagnosis guidebook
- assessmentFormal evaluation of worth
- evaluationDetermining worth or quality
- screeningEvaluative selection process
early detection · neuropsychologist · diagnostic criteria · late diagnosis · self-diagnosis · misdiagnosis · comorbidity · differential diagnosis · clinical observation
neurodivergent
Having atypical brain function
- neurotypicalStandard cognitive wiring
- cognitive diversityVariation in thought patterns
- disability rightsProtections for impaired individuals
autism spectrum disordersneurotypicality
Standard cognitive functioning
autism spectrum disordersmental illness
Disorder affecting cognition or mood
psychiatric disorders · mood disorders · anxiety disorders · personality disorders · neurosis
autism, autistic, autistically, spectrum, spectra, spectral, spectrally, spectroscopy, spectroscopic