Our Understanding of Autism Spectrum Conditions.
We understand Autism Spectrum Conditions to be a covering term for a range of different diagnosis including Autism, Asperger's syndrome Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), Social Communication Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder.
The 2013 fifth edition edition of the Psychiatrist's main textbook the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM V) attempts to replace the differing diagnostic labels above with the single overarching term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We at Alongside Autism broadly support that approach as preferable to detail searching for what is sometime quite a subjective difference. However we accept for some people their distinct label is appropriate and important to them.
There is plenty of excellent resources such as the National Autistic Society's website (www.nas.org.uk) where information and descriptions of Autism Spectrum Conditions can be found.
Our particular understanding of Autism Spectrum conditions is that they are based upon Neurological (brain function) differences that cause people to experience the world differently. At the heart of this is a detailed focus and logical thinking style that affects the way people process thought, memory, communication, social interactions, the sensory world and interest in a more intense, singular and accurate way.
This thinking and processing difference produces a pattern of strengths and difficulties. These can advantage people in tasks, situations and interactions that require; precision detailed thinking, single focus, honesty in interaction, repetition, and acquisition of knowledge.
People are disadvantaged in tasks, situations and interactions that require fast processing and intuitive social understanding and nonverbal communication. Sensory and emotional experiences can be extreme for people on the Autism Spectrum. Organisation and planning can be more challenging.
In our experience perhaps the most significant outcomes of theses strengths and difficulties for most people on the Autism Spectrum are increased difficulties with friendships and relationships and anxiety. This anxiety maybe pervasive and everyday or infrequent but extreme. Common triggers include change or pressure from others, and can include triggers that may not seem important to other people.
The 2013 fifth edition edition of the Psychiatrist's main textbook the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM V) attempts to replace the differing diagnostic labels above with the single overarching term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We at Alongside Autism broadly support that approach as preferable to detail searching for what is sometime quite a subjective difference. However we accept for some people their distinct label is appropriate and important to them.
There is plenty of excellent resources such as the National Autistic Society's website (www.nas.org.uk) where information and descriptions of Autism Spectrum Conditions can be found.
Our particular understanding of Autism Spectrum conditions is that they are based upon Neurological (brain function) differences that cause people to experience the world differently. At the heart of this is a detailed focus and logical thinking style that affects the way people process thought, memory, communication, social interactions, the sensory world and interest in a more intense, singular and accurate way.
This thinking and processing difference produces a pattern of strengths and difficulties. These can advantage people in tasks, situations and interactions that require; precision detailed thinking, single focus, honesty in interaction, repetition, and acquisition of knowledge.
People are disadvantaged in tasks, situations and interactions that require fast processing and intuitive social understanding and nonverbal communication. Sensory and emotional experiences can be extreme for people on the Autism Spectrum. Organisation and planning can be more challenging.
In our experience perhaps the most significant outcomes of theses strengths and difficulties for most people on the Autism Spectrum are increased difficulties with friendships and relationships and anxiety. This anxiety maybe pervasive and everyday or infrequent but extreme. Common triggers include change or pressure from others, and can include triggers that may not seem important to other people.
