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What is Autism exactly?

Looby Lou

Sorry to ask a dumb question - but I am none the wiser having read about it on the site - is it an actual physical thing to do with the braiin (a lady who is supporting me and my husband mentioned the hippocampus part of the brain is not so developed in people with autism).  

Its just I am unsure whether the condition is actually real for people like myself - maybe I am just an introvert, and mnay of the things mentioned in the obok I'm reading (Apsergirls) can be applied to a lot of women.

The term "neurodiverse" is used (as opposed to "neurotypical") - but what does this mean exactly?  Is it a neurological disease?

Thanks in advance.

Parents

  • I understand Autism, in all its forms, to be a serious and disabling life-long condition. It affects people in different ways; some people have co-morbid learning disabilities and might need 24/7 supervision. Others, those with High Functioning Autism and Asperger's, might be able to attain some degree of independence, have a job, and in rare cases be able to have a relationship. However, in most cases, the person has few friends ( and sometimes none at all), because of the problems relating to people; they might need a lot of support in order to access the community; many are lonely and isolated. Co-morbid mental health problems are also very common, perhaps due to some inherent brain abnormality or chemical imbalance, although the AS way of thinking can also indirectly result in impaired mental health.

    AS is a biological problem, but no physical tests for diagnosis exist. However, all people with AS share a common neuro-developmental profile, from infancy, despite the different manifestations, and a good clinician will be able to diagnose based on a thorough developmental history.

    Although Autism is a life long condition, it is possible for individuals to develop new skills and to make significant progress.

     

Reply

  • I understand Autism, in all its forms, to be a serious and disabling life-long condition. It affects people in different ways; some people have co-morbid learning disabilities and might need 24/7 supervision. Others, those with High Functioning Autism and Asperger's, might be able to attain some degree of independence, have a job, and in rare cases be able to have a relationship. However, in most cases, the person has few friends ( and sometimes none at all), because of the problems relating to people; they might need a lot of support in order to access the community; many are lonely and isolated. Co-morbid mental health problems are also very common, perhaps due to some inherent brain abnormality or chemical imbalance, although the AS way of thinking can also indirectly result in impaired mental health.

    AS is a biological problem, but no physical tests for diagnosis exist. However, all people with AS share a common neuro-developmental profile, from infancy, despite the different manifestations, and a good clinician will be able to diagnose based on a thorough developmental history.

    Although Autism is a life long condition, it is possible for individuals to develop new skills and to make significant progress.

     

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