What Is An Autism?

Because autism is a spectrum disorder that encompasses hundreds of varieties (with infinite variations within these varieties) it can be confusing for a person who does not experience ASD on a daily basis, either by having ASD or a close relative on the spectrum, to understand the many terms and branches of autism. I figured I would dedicate this post to defining the most commonly used and misused terms to help these people to become more familiar with autism.

Autism: This term can have two meanings: It can refer to the autism spectrum (defined below), or to the specific developmental disability. Although Asperger’s Syndrome and autism are similar, people with AS do not have autism, and people with autism do not have AS. However, both have autism spectrum disorders.

Autistic: An adjective used to describe a person who has an autism spectrum disorder. I am autistic, but I do not have autism.

Autism Spectrum Disorders: Any of the hundreds of conditions that are characterized by symptoms that are similar to those of autism. Common ASD’s are autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), and Rett Syndrome. While people with forms like Asperger’s are high-functioning and can lead relatively normal lifestyles, people with forms such as Rett Syndrome are usually severely disabled and require constant attention.

High-Functioning Autism: This condition is not the same as Asperger’s Syndrome. Children with HFA usually follow the same path as moderate-to-low-functioning children until by means of early intervention, aggressive treatment, or for reasons we can’t yet understand, they begin to learn more. While a diagnosis of autism can be “upgraded” to HFA, HFA cannot be “upgraded” to a diagnosis of Asperger’s because they are two very different disorders.

Asperger’s Syndrome: A high-functioning form of autism (not to be confused with high-functioning autism). The main difference between Asperger’s and autism is that people with Asperger’s Syndrome do not experience delays in language development as children with autism do. In fact, many children with Asperger’s are very precocious in the field of vocabulary and begin speaking earlier than their neurotypical counterparts.

Neurotypical: A person who does not have a developmental, psychological or intellectual disability.

Savant Syndrome: A phenomenon which causes remarkable talent in one or more of the areas of music, calculation (dates or arithmetic), or spatial perception. This condition occurs in around 10% of cases of ASD. Its “severity,” that is, the profundity of the ability, is usually directly related to the severity of the ASD.

Catsperger’s

Ever since I was young my mother always told me that while my sister was like a dog, I was like a cat. As a die-hard dog lover this sentiment always offended me greatly as I hated cats. But now that I possess the power of foresight, I can amuse myself with the fact that autistic people are indeed like cats.

We Aspies are very self-driven people: we do not do anything that we do not want to do (at least not without a fight). So when my mother became frustrated with the fact that while I loved to give hugs I hated to receive them her first thought was of the finnicky cat who will purr and rub against a person’s legs one minute and run away at the sight of the person the next.

I am also similar to my cats in that we are able to pick up on the slightest sound, even if it is high-pitched. When we do hear such a sound we tend to become agitated. My cats and I both prefer to eat the same meals every day and value routine (though mine does not consist of 18 hours a day of slumber). The sensation of rubbing against objects for cats can be as calming as pressure for an autistic person.

This similarity to cats (or to any animal) is actually an important observation which is very helpful in understanding people with autism. The comparison between autistic people and animals is quite striking. What makes us alike is probably a combination of our reliance on our instincts and our lacks of empathy. Animals do not have a problem eating each other because they do not feel emotional attachment towards one another (though they may enjoy the company of one another), as do people with autism. We also tend to trust our instincts more and as a result do not easily trust other people. In a similar way animals (particularly domesticated cats) tend to be skittish around humans whom they do not recognize.

For these reasons it comes as no surprise that I have a strong connection with my three cats. I find that they can be interesting to watch and can be very comforting to spend time with when I am upset. It would seem that cats and autism just go together like abrupt blog endings and my tiredness. Good night!

Nicole D'Angelo is a 17-year-old Warren resident diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. She is also an Autism Awareness Ambassador for Autism NJ, working to increase awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders during Autism Awareness Month. Warren Patch will continue to publish Nicole's blog to help others learn more about the diagnosis and gain a better understanding of those living with autism.