What is autism? Can you tell for sure if someone is on the spectrum? And are the examples we see in the media an accurate representation of autistic individuals? I believe part of the reason it took me 31 years to discover I’m autistic is that I didn’t have an accurate understanding of what autism REALLY is.

Today we’re diving into the diagnostic criteria presented for autism in the DSM5 to gain a better understanding of autistic experiences. I’ll also share my own description of autism based off of my personal experience and those of other autistic adults whom I’ve studied.

PLUS: The GAMECHANGER diagnostic condition that opened my eyes to why it took me so long to realize I was autistic.

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⏩ Connect with others like you in an Autistic Community Group: https://taylorheaton.as.me/schedule.php

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MORE RESOURCES: https://www.momonthespectrum.life

TIME MARKERS (Click the blue link to jump to that section) ➡

Misunderstanding the term “autism” (1:22)
Tay’s description of autism (2:59)
#actuallyautistic (4:30)
Disorder vs. Difference (4:53)
What is the DSM? (5:12)
Notable changes in the DSM5 (5:45)
DSM5 Diagnostic criteria (6:01)
Deficits in social communication and social interaction (6:19)
Deficits in noverbal communicative behaviors (6:45)
Deficits in relationships (8:35)
Restricted and repetitive behaviors (10:17)
Repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech (10:25)
Insistence on sameness (11:22)
Restricted/fixated interests (12:21)
Hyper/Hyporeactivity to sensory input (13:03)
Final conditions (13:53)
GAME CHANGER CONDITION (14:03)
Important info regarding DSMIV diagnoses (15:24)
Where do we go from here? (16:05)

If you learn something from this video, please consider sharing it with someone to help raise awareness and acceptance. If I would’ve had this information sooner, it would have radically affected my life!

RESOURCES

➡ “Epidemiology of autistic disorder and other pervasive developmental disorders”: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16401...

➡ “Diagnostic Criteria for 299.00 Autism Spectrum Disorder”: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/hcp...

➡ The BEST Sensory Toys and Tips for Autistic Adults:    • Nervous System Regulation in Late Dia...  

➡ Autism DX at 31: How Did I Get Here?:    • How did I not know I was autistic? It...  

➡ The Upsetting History Behind the Term “Aspergers”:    • The Upsetting History Behind the Te...  

TAY’S DESCRIPTION OF AUTISM

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social differences, repetitive behaviors, adherence to rules and routines, intensely focused special interests, unique sensory experiences/needs, and a restless mind. This can feel like a frustrating and continual processing or decoding of the world around them. Balancing these symptoms often leads to meltdowns where it feels like one is incapable of processing more sensory input or shutdowns where one needs to retreat to a silent place for an extended period of time before rejoining in normal activities.

Many times these symptoms are imperceptible to others who are not autistic due to camouflaging or masking. Camouflaging/masking is the process through which autistic people consciously or subconsciously behave in order to appear more socially appropriate. This can affect body language, tone of voice, eye contact, word choice, and more.

People on the spectrum tend to find comfort and relief from overstimulation and overthinking by spending time alone, balancing their sensory experiences, stimming, and working on/studying special interests.



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#autism #autistic #aspergers