What is Autism?
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that impacts all aspects of a person’s life. It is characterized by differences in social communication and interaction and by restrictive and repetitive behaviours, actions, or interests. Every autistic person has unique strengths and support needs which can fluctuate throughout a person’s life.
Common traits include:
- Unique ways of expressing communication and speech
- A profound commitment to fairness and social justice
- Often Exceptional gift for recognizing patterns
- Deep immersion and joyful passion in areas of interest
- Preference for concrete, literal ways of sharing meaning.
- Navigating abstract ideas and pronouns in personal ways
- Rhythmic repetition in language or vocal expressions (such as echolalia)
- Building connections with peers on one’s own timeline
- Preference for statement-based sharing over questions
- Interpreting social signals like eye contact, expressions, body language, and gestures in neurokin ways
- Self-regulating movements (often called “stimming”), such as rocking, hand movements, chewing, vocal sounds, or repetitions
- Cherishing established rhythms, familiar places, or predictable flows
- Needing gentle time for shifts in flow, plans, or surroundings
- Heightened attunement to sensory experiences like smell, touch, taste, sound, or sight
- Joyful engagement with visual wonders like lights, motion, or exploring mechanisms
Autism is not:
- A disease or something to be “cured.”
- Caused by parenting style or vaccines.
- The same for everyone — there is no single “type” of autism.
🌈 Autism is:
- A natural variation in human neurology.
- A different way of perceiving, thinking, and interacting.
- Often associated with unique strengths, like attention to detail, creativity, persistence, or deep expertise in areas of interest.
Learn more here: https://www.autismbc.ca/blog/what-is-autism/