autistic spectrum
Developmental condition continuum
The autistic spectrum is the range of developmental conditions characterized by differences in social interaction, communication, and behavior patterns.
The term reflects that autism varies widely in presentation and severity—some individuals need substantial support, others live independently.
Also called the autism spectrum.
My son is on the autistic spectrum.
Not using speech
- AACSound compression format
- social cuesIndicators of interpersonal meaning
- eye contactDirect visual connection
- literal interpretationTaking words at face value
pragmatics · prosody · scripting · selective mutism · body language · facial expressions · info-dumping · monologue
Having atypical brain function
- neurotypicalStandard cognitive wiring
- sensory processingBrain interpreting incoming stimuli
- stimmingRepetitive self-regulatory behavior
- special interestsGroups seeking policy influence
echolalia · hyperlexia · theory of mind · masking · meltdown · shutdown · spoon theory · hyperfocus
Identification of illness
- assessmentFormal evaluation of worth
- DSM-5Psychiatric diagnosis guidebook
- early interventionPrompt response to emerging problems
- support needsAssistance a person requires
screening · differential diagnosis · developmental milestones · occupational therapy · speech therapy
Consent to receive
- self-advocacyPromoting one's own interests
- disability rightsProtections for impaired individuals
- destigmatizationRemoving social shame
- peer supportAid from similar others
nonverbal
Not using speech
- AACSound compression format
- social cuesIndicators of interpersonal meaning
- eye contactDirect visual connection
literal interpretation · pragmatics · prosody · scripting · selective mutism · body language · facial expressions · info-dumping · monologue · turn-taking
neurodivergent
Having atypical brain function
- neurotypicalStandard cognitive wiring
- sensory processingBrain interpreting incoming stimuli
- stimmingRepetitive self-regulatory behavior
special interests · echolalia · hyperlexia · theory of mind · masking · meltdown · shutdown · spoon theory · hyperfocus · sensory overload
diagnosis
Identification of illness
- assessmentFormal evaluation of worth
- DSM-5Psychiatric diagnosis guidebook
- early interventionPrompt response to emerging problems
support needs · screening · differential diagnosis · developmental milestones · occupational therapy · speech therapy
acceptance
Consent to receive
- self-advocacyPromoting one's own interests
- disability rightsProtections for impaired individuals
- destigmatizationRemoving social shame
autistic, autism, autist, spectrum, spectra, spectral, spectrally, spectroscopy, spectroscope