What is Autism? ​

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is classified as a developmental disability that limits a person’s ability to learn necessary social behavior and other skills in typical settings. According to the Centers for Disease Control (LINK to https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html), the prevalence of ASD is currently 1 in 36 births.

Autism is referred to as a “spectrum disorder” because the manner and degree to which a person may experience the characteristics commonly associated with autism can vary drastically.  There are two common threads, however: Social Behavior and Repetitive Behavior.

    1. Social Communication and Interactions: All people diagnosed with ASD experience problems developing social skills. For example, they likely struggle communicating clearly with others in what most people would consider “socially appropriate.” They will also more than likely struggle to understand the perspectives of others. The degree to which this occurs and the form it takes depends on the individual.
    2. Restricted or Repetitive Behaviors: All people diagnosed with autism experience some form of restricted or repetitive behaviors. This can take any form, including repetitive language, repetitive physical or play behaviors, restricted and intense interests, insistence on sameness, and/or sensory hyper- or hyporeactivity.

Otherwise, the behavioral characteristics of a person with ASD is highly varied. Here are some characteristics that may or may not be present.
  • Some people demonstrate severe maladaptive behavior such as aggression, property destruction, or self-injurious behavior.
  • Some people with autism develop limited spoken language, and instead can be taught to use sign language, picture exchange, or other augmentative communication. Others diagnosed with autism are verbally proficient, but may struggle identifying the right time, place, and audience for their conversational topics.
  • Some people with autism have many friends, but struggle to understand them. Some people with autism prefer to have a limited social circle, and still others choose not to make friends, either by choice or (sadly) due the punishing effects of bad past experiences when they have tried to make friends and failed to do so.
  • Some people are highly ritualistic and become agitated when a routine is not followed, while others can be more flexible.
  • Some people have aversive reactions to sensory input such as hypersensitivity to sounds, light, or touch, while others do not. Still others may actually seek out sensory input such as by staring at lights, long lines and circles, crashing into things and seeking big hugs, placing items in their mouths, etc.
  • Some people withdraw socially, preferring to be alone or with only their highest-preferred people.
  • Some people have very limited language skills. Others have average language skills. Still others have unusually high verbal skills, far exceeding their same-age peers.
  • Some people have IQs that are low, some people have IQ scores that vary greatly from skill to skill, and some have IQs that are in the genius range.
  • Some have unusual eating or sleeping habits.
  • Some demonstrate delays in fine motor and/or gross motor skills.
  • Some have cooccurring diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, attention deficit disorders, seizures, etc.
How can we help you today?​
Copyright © 2015  | 7500 Arroyo Circle, Suite 180, Gilroy, CA 95020 | 408-418-7121  |