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Five Views of Autism

Person-centered

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

Describing Symptoms

Understanding symptoms, strategies, and services can improve individual lives. The purpose of listing out and organizing symptoms is improve lives in situations where help is sought. 

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​While autism encompasses many positive characteristics and strengths, it is also important to acknowledge that certain symptoms can present challenges, particularly when individuals lack proper support or accommodations. These symptoms are not inherently "negative", and cannot be dismissed as "bad behavior". However, they can create difficulties for autistic individuals and/or their caregivers in navigating daily life. The full list is included below under the chart. 

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The information provided on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is based on trusted sources, including the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, peer-reviewed research on sensory, communication, and behavioral challenges, expert guidelines from organizations like the CDC and NIMH, and widely validated clinical knowledge from professionals working with individuals on the autism spectrum.

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The symptoms or categories are listed are not all formally represented in the DSM-5, yet it is important to reflect on all that is reported from various sources. Ten are listed below:

Communication Challenges​​

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  1. Difficulty expressing needs and wants

  2. Limited or no vocal communication

  3. Trouble understanding verbal instructions

  4. Difficulty with abstract concepts

  5. Problems with tone and volume control

  6. Challenges with conversation flow

  7. Limited facial expressions or body language

  8. Trouble understanding social cues

Mild to Severe Behavioral Challenges

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  1. Self-injurious behaviors (head banging, biting, scratching)

  2. Aggressive behaviors toward others

  3. Property destruction

  4. Elopement (wandering/running away)

  5. Rigid routines and resistance to change

  6. Repetitive movements (stimming)

  7. Inappropriate touching or personal space issues

  8. Fecal smearing

  9. Pica (eating non-food items)

  10. Sleep disturbances

  11. Food selectivity or aversion

  12. Meltdowns and tantrums

  13. Difficulty with transitions

Sensory Issues

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  1. Hypersensitivity to sounds

  2. Light sensitivity

  3. Touch sensitivity

  4. Smell/taste sensitivities

  5. Vestibular processing issues

  6. Proprioception challenges

  7. Sensory seeking behaviors

  8. Difficulty filtering environmental stimuli

Daily Living Challenges

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  1. Toileting difficulties

  2. Feeding and eating challenges

  3. Personal hygiene struggles

  4. Dressing difficulties

  5. Safety awareness issues

  6. Time management problems

  7. Organization challenges

  8. Difficulty with sequential tasks

Social Challenges

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  1. Trouble making friends

  2. Difficulty maintaining relationships

  3. Problems with sharing and turn-taking

  4. Limited interest in peer interaction

  5. Trouble understanding social rules

  6. Difficulty with empathy

  7. Problems with perspective-taking

  8. Challenges with group activities

Emotional Regulation

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  1. Difficulty identifying emotions

  2. Problems expressing feelings appropriately

  3. Anxiety and stress management issues

  4. Mood regulation challenges

  5. Frustration tolerance issues

  6. Difficulty with emotional reciprocity

  7. Problems with self-soothing

  8. Emotional overwhelm

Learning and Cognitive Challenges

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  1. Attention and focus issues

  2. Memory difficulties

  3. Problem-solving challenges

  4. Abstract thinking problems

  5. Generalization difficulties

  6. Executive functioning issues

  7. Processing speed variations

  8. Difficulty with planning and organization

Medical/Physical Challenges

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  1. Gastrointestinal issues

  2. Sleep disorders

  3. Seizures (in some cases)

  4. Motor coordination difficulties

  5. Fine motor skill challenges

  6. Gross motor skill issues

  7. Muscle tone problems

  8. Balance and coordination challenges

Independence & Caregiving

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  1. Physical exhaustion

  2. Emotional stress

  3. Financial strain

  4. Time management challenges

  5. Relationship stress

  6. Career limitations

  7. Social isolation

  8. Mental health concerns

  9. Limited personal time

  10. Difficulty planning activities

  11. Sibling impact

  12. Extended family relationships

Educational Challenges

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  1. Need for specialized instruction

  2. Difficulty in traditional classroom settings

  3. Problems with group learning

  4. Assessment challenges

  5. Homework struggles

  6. Need for additional supports

  7. Transition planning difficulties

  8. Academic skill gaps

Summary

These challenges are not reflections of personal failure but are instead indicative of the need for understanding, compassion, and appropriate accommodations. By addressing these more problematic symptoms with the right tools and support, individuals with autism can navigate a world that often doesn't naturally meet their needs, while their strengths are nurtured and celebrated.

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