Non-derogatory DSM-5 diagnosis criteria for Autism: Difference between revisions

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[https://twitter.com/autismsupsoc/status/1530273173236760576 Here it the link to this @Twitter thread🧵 ]
[https://twitter.com/autismsupsoc/status/1530273173236760576 Here is the link to this @Twitter thread🧵 ]


You might be Autistic if you meet the '''''DSM-5''''' criteria for Autism, presented here in a non-deficient manner.
You might be Autistic if you meet the '''''DSM-5''''' criteria for Autism, presented here in a non-deficient manner.
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You intuitively communicate and interact using Autistic Empathy rather than Allistic Empathy, but you may have learned to mask, mimic, or emulate Allistic Empathy.  
You intuitively communicate and interact using Autistic Empathy rather than Allistic Empathy, but you may have learned to mask, mimic, or emulate Allistic Empathy.  


Three Requirments:
Three Requirements:
*1. You do not naturally reciprocate social-emotional Allistic norms.  
*1. You do not naturally reciprocate social-emotional Allistic norms.  
Example: you Infodump.  
Example: you Infodump.  
*2. You do not demonstrate natural proficiency or acceptance of non-verbal Allistic communication.  
*2. You do not demonstrate natural proficiency or acceptance of non-verbal Allistic communication.  
Example: people ask why you always look mad because you are not smiling all the time.  
Example: people ask why you always look mad because you are not smiling all the time.  
*3. You do not demonstrate that relationships dependent soley upon Allistic empathy are fullfilling.  
*3. You do not demonstrate that relationships dependent solely upon Allistic empathy are fulfilling.  
Example: You don't want to hang out with people you don't like "just to socialize."
Example: You don't want to hang out with people you don't like "just to socialize."


==Category B: The Four Identifying Autistic Traits==
==Category B: The Four Identifying Autistic Traits==


Beyond Autistic Empathy there are four primary Autistic Trait.   
Beyond Autistic Empathy, there are four primary Autistic Traits.   


Note again that masking, '''''ABA,''''', emulation, etc may have eliminated outward manifestations of some or all of these traits so when assessing consider your entire life experiences (see Category C.  
Note again that masking, '''''ABA''''', emulation, etc. may have eliminated outward manifestations of some or all of these traits, so when assessing, consider your entire life experiences (see Category C).  


At some point in your life you must have demonstrated 2 out of 4 of the following:
At some point in your life you must have demonstrated 2 out of 4 of the following:
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===1. Stimming or Self-Stimulatory Behavior===  
===1. Stimming or Self-Stimulatory Behavior===  


Basically, does it feel "good" to repeat actions, physical, vocal, or otherwise? Do you have a natural impulse to move your body or state things in a systematic fassion that Allistics do not demonstrate?
Does it feel "good" to repeat physical actions, vocal actions, or otherwise? Do you have a natural impulse to move your body or state things systematically that Allistics do not demonstrate?


* Note that it is very common to suppress this behavior to fit into Allistic norms and one may need to practice with stimming to re-access their ability to stim.  
* Note that it is widespread to suppress this behavior to fit into Allistic norms, and one may need to practice stimming to re-access their ability to stim.  


* Note that Stimming might only manifest during moments of extreme stress such as rocking your hips or intense pacing.
* Note that Stimming might only manifest during extreme stress, such as rocking your hips or intense pacing.


* Note that feeling overwhelming muscle pain over your entire body may be a sign of years of suppressed stimming.
* Note that overwhelming muscle pain over your entire body may signify years of suppressed stimming.


Vocal simming takes many forms:  
Vocal stimming takes many forms:  
* Making animal noises (meowing, etc...)
* Making animal noises (meowing, etc...)
* Random sounds
* Random sounds
* Repeating what was stated by another  
* Repeating what was stated by another  
* Repeating phrases Even more random sounds.
* Repeating phrases Even more random sounds


Stimming is rooted in an Autistic person's need to relieve Autistic stress.  
Stimming is rooted in an Autistic person's need to relieve Autistic stress.  
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The desire to stim rises with Autistic stress and Autistic stress is relieved by stimming.
The desire to stim rises with Autistic stress and Autistic stress is relieved by stimming.


===2. Demonstrating a Strong Preference for Predicatable Outcomes===
===2. Demonstrating a Strong Preference for Predictable Outcomes===
* Strong desire for expectations to be set and met
* Strong desire for expectations to be set and met.
* Able to excel in static environment that Allistic people could not handle.  
* Able to excel in a static environment that Allistic people could not handle.  
* Resistance to illogical changes
* Resistance to illogical changes.


===3. Special Interests===  
===3. Special Interests===  
* Deriving joy and or personal fullfillment from exceptional exploration of a topic of interest.  
* Deriving joy and/or personal fulfilment from exceptional exploration of a topic of interest.  
* Note that this may take many unexpected forms. Example, one might develop an interest in learning a broad spectrum of interests i.e. "collecting hobbies"
* Note that this may take many unexpected forms. For example, one might develop an interest in learning a broad spectrum of interests i.e. "collecting hobbies".


===4. Hyper and/or Hypo Senses===  
===4. Hyper and/or Hypo Senses===  
An Autistic person may have any of their senses in whole or in part be more or less sensitive than the Allistic standard.
An Autistic person may have any of their senses in whole or in part be more or less sensitive than the Allistic standard.
Note that as this is related to perception it may go unnoticed until a thorough assessment is made.
Note that as this is related to perception, it may go unnoticed until a thorough assessment is made.


Note that the Hyper/Hypo Sensory aspect of Autism is the definitive proof that Autism is a Neorlogical condition. Many people misunderstand Autism to be Behavioral or Psychological but it is based on a different wiring of the brain.
Note that the Hyper/Hypo Sensory aspect of Autism proves that Autism is a Neurological condition. Many people misunderstand Autism to be Behavioral or Psychological, but it is based on different brain wiring.


This Hyper/Hypo Sensitivity to the enviroment can take on a vast spectrum of phenominon and can be extremely broad or specific.
This Hyper/Hypo Sensitivity to the environment can take on a vast spectrum of phenomena and can be extremely broad or specific.


==Category C: Born Autistic==
==Category C: Confirm You Were Born Autistic==


This is a nuanced category and is a bit of a "covery your ass" scenario with two major points:
This is a nuanced category and is a bit of a "cover your ass" scenario with two major points:


* People are born Autistic  '''''BUT''''' Autistic traits might not show up until late in life '''''AND''''' can be masked
* People are born Autistic  '''''BUT''''' Autistic traits might not show up until late in life '''''AND''''' can be masked.
* Aquired Neurodivergencies can mimimic Autistic traits, and that would not be Autism.  
* Acquired Neurodivergencies can mimic Autistic traits, which would not be Autism.  


===People are born Autistic===
===People are born Autistic===


You cannot aquire Autism. It is present in early development but may .
You cannot acquire Autism, it is present in early development but may go unnoticed until late in life due to:


The nuance here is that many Autistic traits are linked to Autistic stress.
* Masking
or
* Lack of Autistic Stress


If an Autistic person is in a conducive environment, then the traits may not raise to observable levels until Autistic stress exceeds the limited capacity of the person to manage them without accomodations and supports.
====Masking====
To be extremely clear, people can become aware that they are Autistic at any stage of life. People in their 70's learn that they are Autistic without seriously suspecting it earlier in life.  
Masking is when an Autistic person consciously or unconsciously suppresses Autistic traits.


===Aquired Neurodivergent Qualities Can Mimic Autism===  
====Lack of Autistic Stress====
The intensity of Autistic traits is linked to Autistic stress.


The most relevant aspect of '''''Category C''''' is that Autism-like traits may be aquired though '''''ptsd,''''' '''''tbi,''''' and other aquired Neurodivergences.  
Suppose an Autistic person is in a conducive and accommodating environment compatible with their Autistic needs. In that case, their problematic traits may not rise to detectable levels until Autistic stress exceeds the limited capacity of the person to manage them without accommodations and support.


For an official DX it is important for the diagnostician to make an effort to elliminate the possiblity that presented Autistic traits where not aquired from a non-Autistic origin.
To be extremely clear, people can become aware that they are Autistic at any stage of life. People in their 70s learn that they are Autistic without seriously suspecting it earlier in life.


==Category D==
===Acquired Neurotypes Can Mimic Autistic Traits===  
Medical Diagnosis Qualifier


A person is born Autistic, however due to the limits upon which society is willing to accomodate the disabled, a society based functional limited is mandated on those who may be medically diagnosed as Autistic.
The most relevant aspect of '''''Category C''''' is that Autism-like traits may be acquired through '''''ptsd,''''' '''''tbi,''''' and other acquired Neurotypes.  


At the time of assessment an Autistic person, even if meeting all qualifications of Category '''''a,''''' '''''b,''''' and '''''c,''''' must convince a licensed practicioner that, at the time of the assessment, the net effect of their Autisic traits and their current level of ability requires support.
For an official DX, the diagnostician must try to eliminate the possibility that presented Autistic traits were not acquired from a non-Autistic origin.


If an Autistic person manages to convince a practicioner that they need accomodations during any assessement, then that Autistic person is protected for life, at that level of assessed need, independent of changing circumstances.
==Category D: Medical Diagnosis Qualifier==


What this means is that an Autistic person who is recieving all necessary accomodations going into assessment may fail Category '''''d''''' and not be eligible for a diagnosis of Autism.
Category D is of no relevance to a Self Diagnosis.  


Additionally it means that if a person is in need of accomodaitons during an assessment, that they are always eligible for accomodations for the Autism even if their circumstances change so that they no longer require accomodations.
Even if a person is Autistic, due to the limits upon which society is willing to accommodate the disabled, a society-based functional limitation is mandated on those who may be medically diagnosed as Autistic.


Category '''''d''''' is, by definition a social construct applied to limit the number of people who can be diagnosed as Autistic and as long as Category '''''d''''' remains part of the '''''dsm,''''' the diagnosis of Autism will not 100% match the number of people assessed to be Autistic.
At the time of assessment, an Autistic person, even if meeting all qualifications of Category '''''a,''''' '''''b,''''' and '''''c,''''' must convince a licensed practitioner that at the time of the assessment, the net effect of their Autistic traits and their current level of ability requires support.


It is inherently flawed in that an Autistic person's support needs are linked to their environment and other dynamic factors that can change at any time.
If an Autistic person manages to convince a practitioner that they need accommodations during any assessment, then that Autistic person is protected for life at that level of assessed need, independent of changing circumstances.


==Category E==
This means that an Autistic person receiving all necessary accommodations going into assessment may fail Category '''''d''''' and not be eligible for a diagnosis of Autism.
Check for a better explanation


Category '''''E''''' is extremley similar to Category '''''c.''''' The difference is that Category '''''c''''' is about a life event that developes Autism-like traints. Category '''''e''''' applies to other life long conditions that are more general.
'''''Category D''''' is, by definition a social construct applied to limit the number of people who can be diagnosed as Autistic and as long as '''''Category D''''' remains part of the '''''DSM,''''' the diagnosis of Autism will not 100% match the number of people assessed to '''''BE''''' Autistic.  


I am going to add a personal caveat that I may be missing some of the nuace difference between Category '''''c''''' and '''''e,''''' but both are checking to make sure that other explanations are not more likely.
'''''Many older individuals are identified by their diagnosticians as Autistic but are not given a DX on the basis that the diagnostician decides that they "don't need it."'''''


==Summary==
'''''Category D''''' is inherently flawed in that an Autistic person's support needs are linked to their environment and other dynamic factors that can change at any time.


So what this all boils down to is this:
==Category E: No "Better" Explanation==


* If you meet all 3 requirements of Category '''''a
'''''Category E''''' is extremely similar to '''''Category C.'''''  
*''''' If you meet 2 of the 4 requirements of Category '''''b
*''''' If nothing but Autism can explain those 5-7 traits.


You very very likely have Autism.
The nuanced difference is that '''''Category C''''' is about acquired Neurotypes but '''''Category E''''' applies to other Neurotypes that arise in early development.


<a href="https://t.co/VpuKT46GKt">If you want a most expansive, positive explanation of the '''''dms5,''''' this video is BRILLIANT
'''''Category E''''' boils down to "making sure another neurotype does not make more sense for explaining the displayed behaviours.


</a>
==Summary==


We meant *more expansive
To summarise and simplify, If you have: 


<a href="https://t.co/RkUCOkGH2E">The Criteria for Autism boils down to:
* Intuitive Autistic Empathy instead of Intuitive Allistic Empathy.


* You have Autistic empathy instead of Allistic
And 2 or more of the following:
 
&amp; 2+ of the following:


* Stimming
* Stimming
Line 134: Line 131:
* Hyper/Hypo Senses  
* Hyper/Hypo Senses  


And
* There is not a reasonable explanation for it other than Autism.
Then you are VERY LIKELY Autistic.
==Video Explanation==


[https://t.co/D0scCl0XmX For those who read this and where gobsmacked with the revelation that their muscle pain could be due to suppressed stimming, here is a guide on deprogramming stim suppression.]
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yva4RZW_s0 Yo Samdy Sam has an excellent video that goes over this as well]
 
== Special Note on Stimming ==
 
[https://t.co/D0scCl0XmX For those who read this and were gobsmacked with the revelation that their muscle pain could be due to suppressed stimming, here is a guide on deprogramming stim suppression.]


If you are suppressing stimming, it should become obvious pretty quickly.  
If you are suppressing stimming, it should become obvious pretty quickly.  
[https://twitter.com/autismsupsoc/status/1530273173236760576 Here is the link to this @Twitter thread🧵 ]




[https://twitter.com/autismsupsoc/status/1530273173236760576 Here it the link to this @Twitter thread🧵 ]
{{Template:Resources}}
[[Category:Am I autistic?]]

Latest revision as of 15:46, 16 October 2022

Here is the link to this @Twitter thread🧵

You might be Autistic if you meet the DSM-5 criteria for Autism, presented here in a non-deficient manner.

Category A: Intuitive Autistic Empathy[edit]

You have Intuitive Autistic Empathy instead of Intuitive Allistic Empathy

You intuitively communicate and interact using Autistic Empathy rather than Allistic Empathy, but you may have learned to mask, mimic, or emulate Allistic Empathy.

Three Requirements:

  • 1. You do not naturally reciprocate social-emotional Allistic norms.

Example: you Infodump.

  • 2. You do not demonstrate natural proficiency or acceptance of non-verbal Allistic communication.

Example: people ask why you always look mad because you are not smiling all the time.

  • 3. You do not demonstrate that relationships dependent solely upon Allistic empathy are fulfilling.

Example: You don't want to hang out with people you don't like "just to socialize."

Category B: The Four Identifying Autistic Traits[edit]

Beyond Autistic Empathy, there are four primary Autistic Traits.

Note again that masking, ABA, emulation, etc. may have eliminated outward manifestations of some or all of these traits, so when assessing, consider your entire life experiences (see Category C).

At some point in your life you must have demonstrated 2 out of 4 of the following:

1. Stimming or Self-Stimulatory Behavior[edit]

Does it feel "good" to repeat physical actions, vocal actions, or otherwise? Do you have a natural impulse to move your body or state things systematically that Allistics do not demonstrate?

  • Note that it is widespread to suppress this behavior to fit into Allistic norms, and one may need to practice stimming to re-access their ability to stim.
  • Note that Stimming might only manifest during extreme stress, such as rocking your hips or intense pacing.
  • Note that overwhelming muscle pain over your entire body may signify years of suppressed stimming.

Vocal stimming takes many forms:

  • Making animal noises (meowing, etc...)
  • Random sounds
  • Repeating what was stated by another
  • Repeating phrases Even more random sounds

Stimming is rooted in an Autistic person's need to relieve Autistic stress.

The desire to stim rises with Autistic stress and Autistic stress is relieved by stimming.

2. Demonstrating a Strong Preference for Predictable Outcomes[edit]

  • Strong desire for expectations to be set and met.
  • Able to excel in a static environment that Allistic people could not handle.
  • Resistance to illogical changes.

3. Special Interests[edit]

  • Deriving joy and/or personal fulfilment from exceptional exploration of a topic of interest.
  • Note that this may take many unexpected forms. For example, one might develop an interest in learning a broad spectrum of interests i.e. "collecting hobbies".

4. Hyper and/or Hypo Senses[edit]

An Autistic person may have any of their senses in whole or in part be more or less sensitive than the Allistic standard. Note that as this is related to perception, it may go unnoticed until a thorough assessment is made.

Note that the Hyper/Hypo Sensory aspect of Autism proves that Autism is a Neurological condition. Many people misunderstand Autism to be Behavioral or Psychological, but it is based on different brain wiring.

This Hyper/Hypo Sensitivity to the environment can take on a vast spectrum of phenomena and can be extremely broad or specific.

Category C: Confirm You Were Born Autistic[edit]

This is a nuanced category and is a bit of a "cover your ass" scenario with two major points:

  • People are born Autistic BUT Autistic traits might not show up until late in life AND can be masked.
  • Acquired Neurodivergencies can mimic Autistic traits, which would not be Autism.

People are born Autistic[edit]

You cannot acquire Autism, it is present in early development but may go unnoticed until late in life due to:

  • Masking

or

  • Lack of Autistic Stress

Masking[edit]

Masking is when an Autistic person consciously or unconsciously suppresses Autistic traits.

Lack of Autistic Stress[edit]

The intensity of Autistic traits is linked to Autistic stress.

Suppose an Autistic person is in a conducive and accommodating environment compatible with their Autistic needs. In that case, their problematic traits may not rise to detectable levels until Autistic stress exceeds the limited capacity of the person to manage them without accommodations and support.

To be extremely clear, people can become aware that they are Autistic at any stage of life. People in their 70s learn that they are Autistic without seriously suspecting it earlier in life.

Acquired Neurotypes Can Mimic Autistic Traits[edit]

The most relevant aspect of Category C is that Autism-like traits may be acquired through ptsd, tbi, and other acquired Neurotypes.

For an official DX, the diagnostician must try to eliminate the possibility that presented Autistic traits were not acquired from a non-Autistic origin.

Category D: Medical Diagnosis Qualifier[edit]

Category D is of no relevance to a Self Diagnosis.

Even if a person is Autistic, due to the limits upon which society is willing to accommodate the disabled, a society-based functional limitation is mandated on those who may be medically diagnosed as Autistic.

At the time of assessment, an Autistic person, even if meeting all qualifications of Category a, b, and c, must convince a licensed practitioner that at the time of the assessment, the net effect of their Autistic traits and their current level of ability requires support.

If an Autistic person manages to convince a practitioner that they need accommodations during any assessment, then that Autistic person is protected for life at that level of assessed need, independent of changing circumstances.

This means that an Autistic person receiving all necessary accommodations going into assessment may fail Category d and not be eligible for a diagnosis of Autism.

Category D is, by definition a social construct applied to limit the number of people who can be diagnosed as Autistic and as long as Category D remains part of the DSM, the diagnosis of Autism will not 100% match the number of people assessed to BE Autistic.

Many older individuals are identified by their diagnosticians as Autistic but are not given a DX on the basis that the diagnostician decides that they "don't need it."

Category D is inherently flawed in that an Autistic person's support needs are linked to their environment and other dynamic factors that can change at any time.

Category E: No "Better" Explanation[edit]

Category E is extremely similar to Category C.

The nuanced difference is that Category C is about acquired Neurotypes but Category E applies to other Neurotypes that arise in early development.

Category E boils down to "making sure another neurotype does not make more sense for explaining the displayed behaviours.

Summary[edit]

To summarise and simplify, If you have:

  • Intuitive Autistic Empathy instead of Intuitive Allistic Empathy.

And 2 or more of the following:

  • Stimming
  • Desire for Predictable Outcomes
  • Special Interests
  • Hyper/Hypo Senses

And

  • There is not a reasonable explanation for it other than Autism.

Then you are VERY LIKELY Autistic.

Video Explanation[edit]

Yo Samdy Sam has an excellent video that goes over this as well

Special Note on Stimming[edit]

For those who read this and were gobsmacked with the revelation that their muscle pain could be due to suppressed stimming, here is a guide on deprogramming stim suppression.

If you are suppressing stimming, it should become obvious pretty quickly.

Here is the link to this @Twitter thread🧵