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The visible-light spectrum is a good analogy of spectrum, from red (long wavelength) light to blue (short wavelength) light. Autism shows a spectrum of characters just as light shows a spectrum of wavelengths. The spectrum goes from non-autistic 'normal' or neurotypical individuals (off the lower end of the spectrum) to highly autistic individuals at the far end of the on-spectrum autism slide. The on-spectrum autism spectrum goes from mild conditions such as mild Asperger Syndrome through 'severe' Asperger Syndrome to autism and 'severe' autism. The following shall describe the sweep of characters along the spectrum. Non-autists (as 'neurotypical' might suggest) have no trouble with social interactions. The social trouble starts on the autism spectrum itself. Asperger Syndrome has trouble in social situations but not nearly as severe as the isolation of 'severe' autism. Asperger Syndrome is considered 'high functioning'. Aspergers can do things by themselves, and despite slight (slight compared with 'severe' autism) difficulties can probably well get by. Too bright lights and too loud noises and too crowded crowds can bother an Asperger to hysterics no doubt but the situation presumably gets worse the more 'severe' you are along the spectrum. I am not sure about the 'genius' interest property of autism, but 'spectrum' implies that while the intense and knowledgeable interest of Aspergers drops off towards the 'severe' autism' end of the spectrum. The hyperlearners may be more restricted to the Asperger world as opposed to the hyperautistic world. I do not want to sound prejudiced against 'autism' as opposed to 'Asperger Syndrome'. The relatively able Asperger is in no way more wonderful than the autist who can do nothing but bash their head against the wall all day and the head-bashing (sorry if that sounds stereotypical) autist is in no way less wonderful than the Astronomy-freak Asperger. Where Asperger may need less help with learning, Autism may need more help. Where Asperger needs less careful care, Autism may need more careful care and support.
If there is any confusion, Autism is like a higher taxon that encompasses all autistic and autistoid conditions or descriptions. It contains the Autism of the last paragraph at the far end of the spectrum and also the 'high function' Asperger Syndrome end of the spectrum and all the other autistoid descriptions if there be any as subtaxa of Autism (the higher taxon).
So, it is a spectrum as there is a spectrum of characters all the way along its continuum-like face. High functions slides to low function. All need support but arguably Asperger needs less that 'severe' autism. Isolation shifts from the few-friended Asperger to the no-friended Asperger to the most isolated autist there is. The intense-interest may be around for all, but perhaps Asperger has the mental equipment to make the best of it as opposed to the 'severe' autist.
What else can I help you with?
Asperger Syndrome belongs to which spectrum of disorders?
Asperger's Syndrome is considered to be part of the Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Is Autism a personality or a disorder?
Autism is considered to be a disorder - thus why it's called Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism is certainly not a personality, all Autistic people have vastly different personalities.
Are autistic children disabled?
Yes, a child can be diagnosed both with Autism Spectrum Disorder and a learning disability too. In fact Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is considered a 'cousin' to Autism Spectrum Disorder and is often comorbid with Autism.
What has the author Patricia A Prelock written?
Patricia A. Prelock has written: 'Treatment of autism spectrum disorders' -- subject(s): Autism spectrum disorders in children, Autism spectrum disorders, Treatment
Is OCD a symptom of autism spectrum disorders?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is not a symptom of autism spectrum disorders. However, people with autism spectrum disorders can exhibit behaviors that appear similar to OCD, without having OCD. Also, people with an autism spectrum disorder can have OCD as a comorbid condition.
Is autism axis II or axis III?
Autism is not classified under the Axis system. The Axis system was used in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) for psychiatric diagnoses, but the most recent edition, DSM-5, no longer uses this system. Autism spectrum disorder is now considered a neurodevelopmental disorder in its own category.
What is the scientific name for autism?
The scientific name for autism is autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges with social skills, communication, and repetitive behaviors.
What is an autistic?
Someone who is born on the autism spectrum/has autism spectrum disorder/is autistic. Often used in an offensive manner towards autistic people.
How many persons with autism spectrum disorders have seizure disorders?
I don't know how many people have seizure disorders that are on the autism spectrum. I have when I was experienced it as a small child. There is truly no knowing how many people nowadays in the autism spectrum have seizure disorders.
Where can one find information about autism spectrum disorders?
Information about autism spectrum disorders can be found from many different resources. Some online resources include Autism Science Foundation and CDC.
What is aids autism?
Autism spectrum disorder and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development.
How many strains of autism are there?
Autism isn't a disease or a virus, thus there are no strains of autism. Autism is just autism, it was previously split up into Autism Spectrum Disorder (Classic Autism), Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), childhood disintegrative disorder, and Rett Syndrome - now all are merged under the Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis.
