What do we mean when we talk about the autistic spectrum?

“Spectrum” is in our name, and is a word often associated with autism and neurodiversity. But it can mean different things to different people, and this recent article in The Independent [https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/autism-spectrum-aspergers-diagnosis-test-b2840797.html] is a timely reminder of that. 

For some, the “autistic spectrum” is a line that runs from neurotypical to autistic, with those at the midpoint having some autistic traits. For others, the line covers autism with high support needs (so-called “severe” autism) to those with low support needs (“mild” autism).  

Here at Spectrum Autism Services, we prefer a more neuroaffirming depiction that can demonstrate the differences that exist between every autistic and, indeed, every neurodivergent individual. Support needs can vary depending on other factors (e.g. if your child is overwhelmed by loud noises they may need more support to do schoolwork in a noisy classroom than if they were in a quiet library). While most human beings display some traits that are also seen in those with an autism diagnosis, this does not mean that “we are all a little bit autistic”; to be diagnosed as autistic you need to fulfil all the diagnostic criteria.[https://www.spectrumautismservices.org/assessment-process]  

There is such a wonderful variety of human brains that it seems impossible to us to describe by using only two dimensions (a line). Everybody is unique; some autistic children are non-speaking while others can monologue on a special interest for hours, some are excellent at maths while others are drawn to words or images, some have other differences alongside their autism such as dyslexia, sensory processing difficulties, or ADHD that can drastically change how their autism appears. Our experts [https://www.spectrumautismservices.org/team] will recognise your child’s unique strengths and work with you and your child to learn how to make the most of these as well as how to support them.  

The idea that the autistic spectrum is not linear is taking off – we like the description here by Reframing Autism[ https://reframingautism.org.au/introduction-to-autism-part-4-the-autism-spectrum-is-not-linear/ ]; here the author describes their autism in terms of clouds and a sunset. This easy to understand comic strip suggests a different way to attempt to describe all the characteristics of our brains.  https://the-art-of-autism.com/understanding-the-spectrum-a-comic-strip-explanation/  

Contact Spectrum today to find out more about our Autism Assessments, Combined -Neurodevelopmental Assessments, Post-Diagnostic Support and and additional services. https://www.spectrumautismservices.org/contact