Autistic disorder, often referred to as classic autism, is one of the more recognizable forms of autism spectrum disorder. It encompasses a wide range of characteristics that primarily affect social interaction, communication, behavior, and cognition.
That said, autistic disorder can manifest in various ways, as every individual with autism is unique. Although the term “Autistic Disorder” was once widely used in clinical settings, it has largely been absorbed into the broader definition of autism under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
However, many people still use the term to describe individuals who experience more pronounced or classic symptoms of autism.
Here, we’ll look at the common characteristics of autistic disorder to help readers understand the behaviors, communication styles, cognitive patterns, and sensory sensitivities associated with this condition.
Social Interaction Challenges
One of the hallmark features of autistic disorder is difficulty in social interaction. These challenges often become apparent in early childhood and may persist throughout adulthood.
People with autism tend to struggle with understanding social cues, recognizing emotions, and forming interpersonal connections.
Individuals with autistic disorder often have trouble interpreting non-verbal communication, such as facial expressions, body language, and eye contact. For instance, a child with autism may avoid making eye contact with others or may not respond to a smile in the same way a neurotypical child would.
This difficulty in reading social cues can make it challenging to engage in meaningful social interactions and form relationships.
Since social interactions can be overwhelming or confusing for people with autism, forming friendships can be a challenge. Many individuals with Autistic Disorder might prefer solitary activities, and some may appear to lack interest in playing or interacting with peers.
However, this does not mean they are uninterested in relationships – rather, their way of expressing and understanding friendship is often different.
Communication Difficulties
Communication challenges are another significant aspect of Autistic Disorder. These difficulties can range from mild to severe, depending on the individual, and may affect both verbal and non-verbal communication.
In early childhood, many children with autism show delayed speech development. Some may not begin speaking until later than expected, while others may not develop spoken language at all.
For children who do speak, language may be used in unconventional ways, such as repeating words or phrases out of context (a behavior known as echolalia).
In more severe cases of Autistic Disorder, non-verbal communication methods such as gestures, picture boards, or sign language may be used to help with communication.
For those who can speak, engaging in conversations may still be difficult. People with autism often struggle to maintain a two-way dialogue. They may speak at length about a specific topic of interest without recognizing when others have lost interest or when it is time to let someone else speak.
Additionally, they may find it challenging to change the subject or adapt their conversation based on the reactions of their conversation partner.
Individuals with Autistic Disorder tend to take things literally. They may struggle with understanding figurative language, such as idioms, sarcasm, or jokes.
For example, if someone says, “It’s raining cats and dogs,” a person with autism might be confused because they interpret the statement rather than understand its figurative meaning.
Repetitive Behaviors and Restricted Interests
One of the key characteristics of Autistic Disorder is the presence of repetitive behaviors and restricted interests. These behaviors provide comfort and predictability for individuals with autism, helping them manage anxiety and sensory overload.
Repetitive behaviors, also known as stimming, can include hand-flapping, rocking, spinning, or other repetitive movements. Stimming is often used by people with autism as a way to self-soothe or manage sensory input.
While these behaviors are typically harmless, they may appear unusual to those unfamiliar with autism.
Also, individuals with Autistic Disorder often develop intense, narrow interests in specific topics. These interests can range from highly detailed areas, such as train schedules or the inner workings of a particular machine, to broader subjects like animals, science, or numbers.
While a special interest can provide a deep sense of satisfaction and knowledge for the individual, it can sometimes lead to social isolation if others do not share the same level of enthusiasm.
Sensory Sensitivities
Sensory processing issues are a common characteristic of Autistic Disorder. These issues arise when the brain has difficulty organizing and responding to sensory input, such as sounds, lights, textures, or smells.
Many individuals with autism experience heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli. This hypersensitivity can make certain environments overwhelming.
For example, loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells may cause discomfort or anxiety. A busy, noisy shopping mall or a brightly lit classroom can be overstimulating for someone with an Autistic Disorder, leading to withdrawal or meltdowns.
On the other hand, some people with Autistic Disorder may have reduced sensitivity to sensory stimuli (hyposensitivity). They may not notice certain sensory inputs, such as pain or temperature changes, or they may seek out intense sensory experiences to compensate.
For instance, a child with autism might enjoy spinning in circles or pressing their body against soft surfaces to feel more grounded.
When the sensory system is overwhelmed by too much input, it can lead to sensory overload. Sensory overload can cause distress, irritability, and meltdowns. A person with autism may react to sensory overload by covering their ears, withdrawing from the situation, or engaging in stimming behaviors to calm themselves.
Cognitive Patterns and Learning Styles
Cognitive patterns in individuals with Autistic Disorder can vary widely. While some individuals may have intellectual disabilities, others may exhibit average or even superior intelligence.
Regardless of intellectual ability, people with autism often have distinct ways of thinking and processing information.
Many individuals with Autistic Disorder have a heightened ability to focus on details. This can be an advantage in certain tasks, such as solving puzzles, memorizing facts, or working on projects that require attention to minute details. However, this strength may also make it difficult to see the bigger picture or to shift focus between different tasks.
People with Autistic Disorder often excel in concrete thinking – processing facts and information that are literal, clear, and well-defined. However, they may struggle with abstract thinking, which requires interpreting non-literal information or making inferences.
For example, while they might easily grasp mathematical concepts, they may find it more challenging to understand abstract ideas in subjects like literature or philosophy.
Emotional Regulation and Meltdowns
Managing emotions can be a significant challenge for people with Autistic Disorder. Many individuals experience intense emotions but may have difficulty expressing or regulating them in typical ways.
While individuals with Autistic Disorder experience emotions just like everyone else, they may have difficulty expressing them verbally or through facial expressions. This can lead to misunderstandings, as others might assume the person is disinterested or unfeeling.
In reality, individuals with autism may simply express emotions differently, or they may need additional support to communicate how they feel.
That said, it’s essential to distinguish between meltdowns and tantrums, especially in children with Autistic Disorder. A meltdown is an intense emotional response to overwhelming situations, often caused by sensory overload or frustration. Unlike a tantrum, which is goal-oriented (e.g., a child might throw a tantrum to get a toy), a meltdown is a loss of control and is not used to manipulate others.
Conclusion
Autistic Disorder, or classic autism, is a complex condition characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, behavior, and sensory processing. While the specific traits can vary widely from person to person, the difficulties in understanding social cues, engaging in conversations, managing sensory input, and regulating emotions are common across individuals with this diagnosis.
It’s important to remember that every individual with an Autistic Disorder is unique. Some may excel in particular areas, such as detailed thinking or visual learning, while others may need more support to navigate daily life.
Understanding the characteristics of Autistic Disorder allows us to offer better support, create more inclusive environments, and foster a deeper appreciation for the diverse ways in which people with autism experience the world. Providing tailored interventions, such as ABA therapy in Charlotte, North Carolina, can play a crucial role in improving outcomes for individuals on the autism spectrum.
If you’re looking for personalized, expert care, we at Eagle’s Will ABA are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how our ABA therapy can make a positive difference in your child’s life.
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