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Five Views of Autism

Person-centered

Understanding symptoms, strategies, and services can improve individual lives.

Describing Symptoms

Autistic individuals experience the world through unique neurological profiles that shape their approaches across multiple life domains. Below is a concise overview of common characteristics across these areas, acknowledging that each trait can present both challenges and strengths depending on context and support.

And Remember the Symptoms Wheel

Note: every individual experiences a unique combination of these traits, with intensity and expression varying widely, as illustrated in the "Autism Symptoms Wheel" that captures this natural diversity of neurological experiences.

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Categories of Symptoms

Read below to learn more about ten symptoms that can be considered traits of autism and are attributed to levels 1, 2, or 3 diagnoses of autism. 

COMMUNICATION Style & Expression

  • Unique methods of expressing needs and preferences

  • Varied vocal communication patterns

  • Individualized processing of verbal information

  • Concrete thinking style

  • Distinctive vocal modulation patterns

  • Alternative conversation rhythms

  • Individualized nonverbal communication

  • Unique social cue interpretation

BEHAVIORAL Patterns & Regulation

  • Self-stimulatory behaviors for regulation

  • Expressive movements during dysregulation

  • Property interactions during heightened states

  • Movement exploration tendencies

  • Consistent routine preferences

  • Repetitive comforting movements

  • Personal space navigation variations

  • Sensory exploration behaviors

  • Dietary selectivity patterns

  • Sleep pattern variations

  • Emotional expression intensity

  • Transition processing style

SENSORY

Processing Patterns

  • Sound sensitivity profiles

  • Light sensitivity characteristics

  • Tactile sensitivity patterns

  • Olfactory/gustatory sensitivities

  • Balance and movement processing

  • Body awareness variations

  • Sensory seeking behaviors

  • Environmental filtering style

DAILY LIVING

Skill Development

  • Toileting learning process

  • Eating pattern development

  • Personal care routine establishment

  • Dressing skill progression

  • Safety awareness development

  • Time concept understanding

  • Organizational system development

  • Sequential task learning

SOCIAL Connection Style

  • Friendship formation approach

  • Relationship maintenance patterns

  • Sharing and turn-taking development

  • Peer interaction preferences

  • Social rule understanding process

  • Empathy expression style

  • Perspective-taking development

  • Group activity participation

EMOTIONAL Processing & Awareness

  • Emotion identification development

  • Feeling expression methods

  • Anxiety management strategies

  • Mood regulation approaches

  • Frustration coping development

  • Emotional reciprocity patterns

  • Self-regulation techniques

  • Emotional intensity management

LEARNING or COGNITIVE Processing

  • Attention style variations

  • Memory processing patterns

  • Problem-solving approaches

  • Abstract concept understanding

  • Skill generalization process

  • Executive function development

  • Information processing speed

  • Planning and organization development

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MEDICAL or PHYSICAL Health & Development

  • Gastrointestinal sensitivity patterns

  • Sleep pattern characteristics

  • Neurological variations

  • Motor-communication connections

  • Fine motor skill development

  • Gross motor skill progression

  • Muscle tone variations

INDEPENDENCE or CAREGIVING

Support Dynamics

  • Caregiver energy management

  • Emotional support needs

  • Financial planning considerations

  • Time allocation adjustments

  • Relationship adaptation process

  • Career flexibility requirements

  • Social connection maintenance

  • Mental wellness support

  • Personal time balancing

  • Activity planning adaptations

  • Sibling relationship dynamics

  • Extended family understanding

EDUCATIONAL Support Needs

  • Individualized learning approaches

  • Classroom environment adaptations

  • Learning style accommodations

  • Assessment method variations

  • Homework support strategies

  • Additional learning supports

  • Transition planning requirements

  • Academic skill development pace

Summary

These characteristics reflect the diverse ways autistic individuals experience and interact with the world. Each pattern represents natural neurological variation rather than deficits, highlighting the importance of understanding, appropriate accommodations, and support systems that honor individual differences while recognizing that societal structures often need adaptation to fully include neurodivergent experiences.

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