Many people believe that Autism is a linear spectrum from ‘high functioning’ to ‘high dependancy’. These labels lead people to believe that ‘everyone is on the spectrum’ or that some people are just a ‘little autistic’. This is a myth created by the term spectrum.
Whist some neurotypical people can experience similar issues to those with neurodiversity this isn’t due to them being on the spectrum, rather a crossover in some behaviours or reactions to outside stimulus.
The Autism Wheel offers a more accurate and holistic model. Rather than placing individuals along a line, the wheel includes multiple traits, each varying in intensity, such as;
💠sensory sensitivity
💠need for routine
💠communication style
💠emotional regulation
💠motor coordination
This format highlights that each autistic person has a unique. combination of traits that fluctuate in different environments or over time.
Understanding that Autism Spectrum disorder isn’t linear can help everyone to be better allies and avoid negative language or responses, unintentionally invalidating someone with autism rather than being helpful.
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