Autism: Difference between revisions

From ActuallyAutistic Wiki
No edit summary
(Added a line about allism being the antonym of autism)
 
(23 intermediate revisions by 6 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
'''Autism''' is a [[neurotype]], that includes people that share some of a series of traits.
'''Autism''' is a [[Neurodiversity|neurotype]] that includes people who share some of a series of traits. A person with this neurotype is '''autistic'''.


Autism is a '''multi-dimensional spectrum'''. In other words, there are several independent traits that might lead to the label. Two autistic people can be wildly different from each other while being equally autistic.
{{Emphasis|Autism is a [[The autism spectrum|not a simple line gradient]], but rather a '''multi-dimensional spectrum'''. In other words, there are several independent traits that might lead to the label. Two autistic people can be wildly different from each other while being equally autistic.}}


Autism has some correlation to genetics, tending to run in the family.
Autism has some correlation to genetics, tending to run in the family.
The antonym of autism is [[Allism|allism]].


= Autistic Traits =
= Autistic Traits =
Line 10: Line 12:


* Lowered ability in engaging in social functions.
* Lowered ability in engaging in social functions.
** Inability to innately recognize and express emotions through facial expressions.
** Inability to innately recognize and express emotions through [[facial expressions]].
** Inability to innately recognize and express emotions through body language.
** Inability to innately recognize and express emotions through [[body language]].
** Inability to innately absorb unwritten [[Common sense|social expectations, conventions,]] and read in-between the lines.
** Inability to innately absorb unwritten [[Common Sense|social expectations, conventions,]] and read in-between the lines.
** Lack of innate respect/interest for hierarchies, authority, [[Power|power-structures]].
** Lack of innate respect/interest for hierarchies, authority, [[Social power|power-structures]].
*** Questioning of hierarchies, authorities and arbitrary things.
*** Questioning of hierarchies, authorities and arbitrary things.
* [[Special interest|Special Interests]].
* [[Special interest|Special Interests]].
* Higher tendency towards (and heightened benefits from) [[Stimming|stimming]].
* Higher tendency towards (and heightened benefits from) [[Stimming|stimming]].
* Clumsiness.
* [[Dyspraxia|Clumsiness]].
* Digestive issues.
* Digestive issues.
* Occasional or consistent problems with verbal communication (non-verbal).
* Occasional or consistent problems with verbal communication (non-verbal).
Line 23: Line 25:
** Extreme discomfort with certain tastes/textures.
** Extreme discomfort with certain tastes/textures.
** Touch/Texture from certain materials or people.
** Touch/Texture from certain materials or people.
** Discomfort and loss of attention when doing prolonged Eye-contact.
** Discomfort and loss of attention when doing prolonged [[eye contact]].
** Heightened hearing and discomfort and loss of attention in loud environments.
** Heightened [[Auditory_perception|hearing]] and discomfort and loss of attention in loud environments.
  [For all sensorial issues there is a complement for positive experiences with the same sense.]
** Pleasant experiences and attachment to familiar and comfortable sensorial experiences.
** Pleasant experiences and attachment to familiar and comfortable sensorial experiences.
*** [[Safe foods]]
*** [[Safe foods]]
*** Benefits from Sensory Toys.
*** Benefits from Sensory Toys.
* Love for familiarity, routines (and a problem with unexpected change).
* [[Main Page#Information processing differences|Information processing differences]].
* Atypical intelligence: [[Main_Page#Learning difficulties|learning difficulties]], heightened intelligence (which, of course, vary from each area of study).
* Love for familiarity, [[Routine|routines]] (and a problem with unexpected change).
* Atypical intelligence: [[Main_Page#Learning difficulties|learning difficulties]], heightened intelligence [[Savant|[See: Savant]]] (which, of course, vary from each area of study).
* Atypical empathy: [[Alexithymia]] (Lower empathy recognition and expression), Hyper Empathy.
* Atypical empathy: [[Alexithymia]] (Lower empathy recognition and expression), Hyper Empathy.


To reiterate, an autistic person might have any amount of each of the traits described above.
{{Emphasis|For all sensorial issues, there are complementary positive experiences with the same sense.}}
 
To reiterate, an autistic person might have any amount of each of the traits described above.


It's difficult to identify someone as autistic, since a lot of the traits can be [[Masking|masked]] (intentionally or not), and their expressions varies from person to person because of culture, race-related bias, [[Gender bias|gender norms and biases]], age bias, and individual personality.
It's difficult to identify someone as autistic, since a lot of the traits can be [[Masking|masked]] (intentionally or not), and their expressions varies from person to person because of culture, race-related bias, [[Gender bias|gender norms and biases]], age bias, and individual personality.


Furthermore, autistic traits interfere with other mental health conditions, like, for example, ADHD. AuDHD (portmanteau of Autism and ADHD) exhibits very different expressions of traits relating to executive function, thought patterns and behaviour. It's even more peculiar since ADHD is extremely common in Autistic people.
Furthermore, autistic traits interfere with other mental health conditions, like, for example, [[ADHD]]. [[AuDHD]] (portmanteau of Autism and ADHD) exhibits very different expressions of traits relating to [[Executive dysfunction|executive function]], thought patterns and behaviour. It's even more peculiar since ADHD is extremely [[Overlapping neurotypes|common in Autistic people]].


These difficulties, as well as the lack of a formal diagnosis often leads to [[Imposter syndrome]].
These difficulties, as well as the lack of a formal diagnosis, often leads to [[Imposter syndrome]].


= Other Autistic Symptoms =
= Other Autistic Symptoms =


Because of the [[Ableism|ableist]] status quo most autistic people find themselves in, there are certain non-inherent traits that are associated with autism.
Because of the [[Ableism|ableist]] status quo most autistic people find themselves in, there are certain non-inherent traits that are associated with autism.
Those are rather consequences of discrimination, bullying aand trauma.
Those are rather consequences of discrimination, bullying and trauma.


These traits might seen from the point of view of the autistic person, or from an external unassuming observer.
These traits might be seen from the point of view of the autistic person, or from an external unassuming observer:


* Monotone speech.
* Monotone speech
* Unusual communication.
* Unusual communication
* Isolation.
* Isolation
* Loneliness.
* Loneliness
** Cuddling pillows.
** Cuddling pillows
** Prolonged baths, especially with warm water.
** Prolonged baths, especially with warm water
** Touch sensitivity.
** Touch sensitivity
* Meltdowns.
* [[Meltdown]]s
* Shutdowns.
* [[Shutdown]]s
* [[Autistic Burnout]] (which resembles Depression).
* [[Autistic burnout]] (which resembles [[depression]])
* [[Rejection sensitive dysphoria|Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)]].
* [[Rejection sensitive dysphoria|Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)]]
* Suicidal thoughts / ideation.
* Suicidal thoughts / ideation
* Being perceived as emotionless/having no empathy.
* Being perceived as emotionless / [[Double empathy problem|having no empathy]]


Autistic experiences might also lead to [[Anxiety]].
Autistic experiences might also lead to [[Anxiety]].
Line 71: Line 75:


* Allistic brains are hyper social, innately absorbing -- like a sponge -- social cues and norms;<br/> Autistic brains are rather learning all about the things that bring them joy.
* Allistic brains are hyper social, innately absorbing -- like a sponge -- social cues and norms;<br/> Autistic brains are rather learning all about the things that bring them joy.
 
* Allistics care a lot about what's "right and wrong", "normal and weird," and will use social situations (and shame) to express concerns and try to change their peer's behaviours. The idea of normalcy will often (but not always) override factual correctness and their internal morality. <br/> Autistics, on the other hand, care more about what's "correct and incorrect", "good and bad." This is not to say that autistic people are all morally good.
* Allistics care a lot about what's "right and wrong", "normal and weird," and will use social situations (and shame) to express concerns and try to change their peer's behaviours. The idea of normalcy will often (but not always) override factual correctness and their internal morality. <br/> Autistics, on the other hand, care more about what's "correct and incorrect", "good and bad." Not to say that autistic people are all morally good, but they are unlikely to subconsciously act differently.
 
* Allistics innately gravitate towards behaving in socially accepted ways,<br/>while autistics often are forced to do so, or do it consciously.
* Allistics innately gravitate towards behaving in socially accepted ways,<br/>while autistics often are forced to do so, or do it consciously.
Autistic individuals are more likely to come out as [[wikipedia:LGBT|LGBTQ+]] or be seen as the odd one out, generally.
* Autistic individuals are more likely to come out as [[wikipedia:LGBT|LGBTQ+]] or be seen as the odd one out, generally.


== How to interact with Autism ==
== How to interact with Autism ==


It's important to know that Autism itself isn't a disability or a bad thing. A lot of the bad things with living as an autistic person comes from ableism, discrimination and trauma. Allism is a particular kind of neurotype, such as Autism, that requires its own accommodations -- the difference is that they are more socially accepted, and society is built for them.
It's important to know that Autism itself isn't a disability or a bad thing. A lot of the bad things with living as an autistic person comes from ableism, discrimination and trauma. [[Allism]] is a particular kind of neurotype, just as Autism is, that requires its own accommodations -- the difference is that they are more socially accepted, and society is built for them.


That's not to say there are not inherent difficulties regarding Autism (like sensory issues, and learning deficits on everyday skills).
That's not to say there are not inherent difficulties regarding Autism (like sensory issues, and learning deficits on everyday skills).
Line 89: Line 91:
* Avoid shaming behaviour simply for being uncommon (weird, cringe).
* Avoid shaming behaviour simply for being uncommon (weird, cringe).
** Do not shame or attempt to suppress [[Stimming|stims]].
** Do not shame or attempt to suppress [[Stimming|stims]].
As people get more understanding and are allowed to be who they are, they start seeming "more autistic." This is normal.
 
As well as doubting yourself as you notice it happening. It's normal, too.
{{Emphasis|As people get more understanding and are allowed to be who they are, they start seeming "more autistic." This is normal.
 
As well as doubting yourself as you notice it happening. This is normal, too.}}
 
* Avoid overly-enforcing traditions and norms just for their own sake (Greetings, speech patterns, conversation topics, eye-contact).
* Avoid overly-enforcing traditions and norms just for their own sake (Greetings, speech patterns, conversation topics, eye-contact).
* Allow for (and if, possibly, provide) [[Main Page#Accomodations|accomodations]] (especially in schools and workplaces).
* Allow for (and if, possibly, provide) [[Main Page#Accommodations|accommodations]] (especially in schools and workplaces).
* Communicate wants, ideas, necessities, schedules with clarity, by, for example, using phrases with words that convey the meaning you intend to express.
* Communicate wants, ideas, necessities, schedules with clarity, by, for example, using phrases with words that convey the meaning you intend to express.
  "Ollie, Dishes." (Incorrect)<br/>"Ollie, go wash the dishes." (Better).
  "Ollie, Dishes." (Incorrect)<br/>"Ollie, go wash the dishes." (Better).
* In fact, express more of your wants, ideas and necessities, so the autistic can properly take them into consideration.
* In fact, express more of your wants, ideas and necessities, so the autistic can properly take them into consideration.
* Avoid relying too heavily on unwritten/unspoken communication.
* Avoid relying too heavily on unwritten/unspoken communication.
* Do not infantilize autistic people (making voices.
* Do not infantilize autistic people (making voices).
* Avoid cliches (we're tired of hearing them).
* Avoid clichés (we're tired of hearing them).
** "Everyone is a little bit autistic."
** "Everyone is a little bit autistic."
** Usage of [[Functioning Labels|Functioning Labels]].
** Usage of [[Functioning labels]].
** The idea of "overcoming Autism."
** The idea of "overcoming Autism."
** Classification of Autism as a disease.
** Classification of Autism as a disease.
Line 116: Line 121:
== Anecdotes ==
== Anecdotes ==


<blockquote>
{{Comment|
Whenever my parents wanted me to do something, let's say, begin to take the trash out every day... instead of saying something like "Pedro, please begin taking the trash out regularly," they would do something way subtler -- like place the trash on the front door.
Whenever my parents wanted me to do something, let's say, begin to take the trash out every day... instead of saying something like "Pedro, please begin taking the trash out regularly," they would do something way subtler -- like place the trash on the front door.


Line 128: Line 133:


- [[User:MrPedroBraga|MrPedroBraga]] ([[User talk:MrPedroBraga|talk]]) 14:07, 23 August 2022 (UTC)
- [[User:MrPedroBraga|MrPedroBraga]] ([[User talk:MrPedroBraga|talk]]) 14:07, 23 August 2022 (UTC)
</blockquote>
}}


<blockquote>
{{Comment|
Once I understood I was autistic, I realized that I don't have a personality. I've only ever had the masks, and then with my autistic traits I feel like I'm a cutout from a book about autistic people. For the first time I felt very much like I wasn't different.
Once I understood I was autistic, I realized that I don't have a personality. I've only ever had the masks, and then with my autistic traits I feel like I'm a cutout from a book about autistic people. For the first time I felt very much like I wasn't different.


Then, and I'm not making this up, I saw a tweet on an autistic person saying "woah, autistic twitter made me realize I haven't had a single unique experience ever," and like... uh... that's awkward!
Then, and I'm not making this up, I saw a tweet on an autistic person saying "woah, autistic twitter made me realize I haven't had a single unique experience ever," and like... uh... that's awkward!


- [[User:MrPedroBraga|MrPedroBraga]] ([[User talk:MrPedroBraga|talk]]) 14:07, 23 August 2022 (UTC)</blockquote>
- [[User:MrPedroBraga|MrPedroBraga]] ([[User talk:MrPedroBraga|talk]]) 14:07, 23 August 2022 (UTC)
}}
 
----


See also: [[Main_Page#Sources of misunderstandings between autistic and allistic people|Misunderstandings across Autistic and Allistic people]].
== See also ==
[[Main_Page#Sources of misunderstandings between autistic and allistic people|Misunderstandings across Autistic and Allistic people]].


[[Category:Neurotypes]]
[[Category:Neurotypes]]

Latest revision as of 19:44, 26 August 2022

Autism is a neurotype that includes people who share some of a series of traits. A person with this neurotype is autistic.

Autism is a not a simple line gradient, but rather a multi-dimensional spectrum. In other words, there are several independent traits that might lead to the label. Two autistic people can be wildly different from each other while being equally autistic.

Autism has some correlation to genetics, tending to run in the family.

The antonym of autism is allism.

Autistic Traits[edit]

Here's some autistic traits, expressed from the point of view of an autistic person.

  • Lowered ability in engaging in social functions.
    • Inability to innately recognize and express emotions through facial expressions.
    • Inability to innately recognize and express emotions through body language.
    • Inability to innately absorb unwritten social expectations, conventions, and read in-between the lines.
    • Lack of innate respect/interest for hierarchies, authority, power-structures.
      • Questioning of hierarchies, authorities and arbitrary things.
  • Special Interests.
  • Higher tendency towards (and heightened benefits from) stimming.
  • Clumsiness.
  • Digestive issues.
  • Occasional or consistent problems with verbal communication (non-verbal).
  • Sensorial Sensitivity (extreme discomfort in certain sensorial situations).
    • Extreme discomfort with certain tastes/textures.
    • Touch/Texture from certain materials or people.
    • Discomfort and loss of attention when doing prolonged eye contact.
    • Heightened hearing and discomfort and loss of attention in loud environments.
    • Pleasant experiences and attachment to familiar and comfortable sensorial experiences.
  • Information processing differences.
  • Love for familiarity, routines (and a problem with unexpected change).
  • Atypical intelligence: learning difficulties, heightened intelligence [See: Savant] (which, of course, vary from each area of study).
  • Atypical empathy: Alexithymia (Lower empathy recognition and expression), Hyper Empathy.

For all sensorial issues, there are complementary positive experiences with the same sense.

To reiterate, an autistic person might have any amount of each of the traits described above.

It's difficult to identify someone as autistic, since a lot of the traits can be masked (intentionally or not), and their expressions varies from person to person because of culture, race-related bias, gender norms and biases, age bias, and individual personality.

Furthermore, autistic traits interfere with other mental health conditions, like, for example, ADHD. AuDHD (portmanteau of Autism and ADHD) exhibits very different expressions of traits relating to executive function, thought patterns and behaviour. It's even more peculiar since ADHD is extremely common in Autistic people.

These difficulties, as well as the lack of a formal diagnosis, often leads to Imposter syndrome.

Other Autistic Symptoms[edit]

Because of the ableist status quo most autistic people find themselves in, there are certain non-inherent traits that are associated with autism. Those are rather consequences of discrimination, bullying and trauma.

These traits might be seen from the point of view of the autistic person, or from an external unassuming observer:

Autistic experiences might also lead to Anxiety.

Autism in relation to Allism[edit]

It seems as if the Allistic people gravitate towards people-related things: society, social structures... while Autistic people gravitate towards things and ideas: special interests, routines, experiences.

This affects so, so much about how autistics and allistics communicate and behave.

  • Allistic brains are hyper social, innately absorbing -- like a sponge -- social cues and norms;
    Autistic brains are rather learning all about the things that bring them joy.
  • Allistics care a lot about what's "right and wrong", "normal and weird," and will use social situations (and shame) to express concerns and try to change their peer's behaviours. The idea of normalcy will often (but not always) override factual correctness and their internal morality.
    Autistics, on the other hand, care more about what's "correct and incorrect", "good and bad." This is not to say that autistic people are all morally good.
  • Allistics innately gravitate towards behaving in socially accepted ways,
    while autistics often are forced to do so, or do it consciously.
  • Autistic individuals are more likely to come out as LGBTQ+ or be seen as the odd one out, generally.

How to interact with Autism[edit]

It's important to know that Autism itself isn't a disability or a bad thing. A lot of the bad things with living as an autistic person comes from ableism, discrimination and trauma. Allism is a particular kind of neurotype, just as Autism is, that requires its own accommodations -- the difference is that they are more socially accepted, and society is built for them.

That's not to say there are not inherent difficulties regarding Autism (like sensory issues, and learning deficits on everyday skills).

Still, it's possible to recognize the struggles and deficits of Autism while still treating the autistic individual with proper respect.

In fact, it's easier than you might think.

  • Avoid shaming behaviour simply for being uncommon (weird, cringe).
    • Do not shame or attempt to suppress stims.

As people get more understanding and are allowed to be who they are, they start seeming "more autistic." This is normal.

As well as doubting yourself as you notice it happening. This is normal, too.

  • Avoid overly-enforcing traditions and norms just for their own sake (Greetings, speech patterns, conversation topics, eye-contact).
  • Allow for (and if, possibly, provide) accommodations (especially in schools and workplaces).
  • Communicate wants, ideas, necessities, schedules with clarity, by, for example, using phrases with words that convey the meaning you intend to express.
"Ollie, Dishes." (Incorrect)
"Ollie, go wash the dishes." (Better).
  • In fact, express more of your wants, ideas and necessities, so the autistic can properly take them into consideration.
  • Avoid relying too heavily on unwritten/unspoken communication.
  • Do not infantilize autistic people (making voices).
  • Avoid clichés (we're tired of hearing them).
    • "Everyone is a little bit autistic."
    • Usage of Functioning labels.
    • The idea of "overcoming Autism."
    • Classification of Autism as a disease.
    • Look for a "cure" for autism.
    • Eugenics.
  • Respect their bodily autonomy.
  • Respect their sensory issues (it's often not just a casual dislike).
    • Do not touch them without their permission, or grab them around like an item (children).
    • Do not force eye contact.
  • Remember that autistic people have emotions, an inner dialogue and consciousness (can't believe I have to say this).
  • Avoid usage of slurs.

But, of course, since every autistic person is different, the general rule of thumb is: stop assuming, start observing. When you stop enforcing a certain way to behave, and assume an allistic thought process for the autistic, your relationship will truly flourish.

Anecdotes[edit]

Whenever my parents wanted me to do something, let's say, begin to take the trash out every day... instead of saying something like "Pedro, please begin taking the trash out regularly," they would do something way subtler -- like place the trash on the front door.

I would go past it and think "Huh... that's a weird place to put trash at." Then, on the second day: "Hmm this is still here, how peculiar. Is it for recycling?" Then on the third day: "Is this even trash??? It's in plastic bags but I can't see... It's starting to stink, why the heck is this here."

And then, when they get pissed off they would hit me and tell me "Pedro take the damn trash out." So I'd do it exactly once and then never again.

After being hit a lot they explained, exhausted, that I should do it regularly, at a certain time, without being told beforehand. And I was like "Ohhh, alright."

I was never rebelling, and I was always up to help them, I simply didn't understand what was being expected of me -- because, well, they didn't tell me.

- MrPedroBraga (talk) 14:07, 23 August 2022 (UTC)

Once I understood I was autistic, I realized that I don't have a personality. I've only ever had the masks, and then with my autistic traits I feel like I'm a cutout from a book about autistic people. For the first time I felt very much like I wasn't different.

Then, and I'm not making this up, I saw a tweet on an autistic person saying "woah, autistic twitter made me realize I haven't had a single unique experience ever," and like... uh... that's awkward!

- MrPedroBraga (talk) 14:07, 23 August 2022 (UTC)


See also[edit]

Misunderstandings across Autistic and Allistic people.