Brain-wiring...simple answer, right? It's more complicated obviously. You can find other definitions online. Here is autismlife.com's perspective on ASD.
ASD is not a choice or something cognitive. It's having a nervous system that's wired differently. This can affect behaviors, mood, reactivity, digestion, you name it! ASD is sometimes broken into 3 categories:
ASD Level 1--High functioning. These were the different kids we remember from high school. The ones that sat in front wanting to answer every question, often unaware of anyone else's input in the classroom. Science lab kids, drama geeks, cross-country runners, whatever--our individual experience labels don't matter--it's the manifestation of plusses and minuses that count. In the past, terms such as Asperger's, PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder--Not Otherwise Specified), or NLD (Non-verbal Learning Disorder) were used. The DSM-5 lumped all of these under the ASD umbrella.
ASD Level 2--Huge range here--could be someone with a few strong perseverations: massive emotional crises multiple-times per day, repetitive movements that seem uncontrolled (could be hand-flapping but this isn't exclusive to level 2), or self-stimulating behaviors that seem mesmerizing to the person doing them.
ASD Level 3--Non-verbal. These individuals tend to not use words or language in ways of a neurotypical (normal) person.
Autismlife.com is primarily focused on ASD Level 1 & 2 due to experience, but we are not exclusive! And this site is designed to support families, caregivers, and autists of any level, type, or ability.
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