Autism Spectrum Disorder New Perspective

Autism Spectrum Disorder

            Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects many individuals in various ways (Lord et al., 2018). Autism spectrum disorder may affect males and females in differing ways and symptoms may present in varying ways. Assessments utilized to diagnose ASD are characteristically based on behaviors presented by males on the spectrum therefore, making it challenging for females on the spectrum to receive an official diagnosis (Hendrickx, 2015). Much of the current research on autism spectrum disorder is generally focused on the male experience and presented symptoms (Hendrickx, 2015). 

Ruby Woods

Ruby Woods is a 25-year-old Masters in Theatre student and vlog content creator on YouTube diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. She often shares various types of vlogs discussing fashion, daily life, singing, travel, and her experience with being diagnosed with ASD. She frequently discusses her struggles with receiving a diagnosis stating that she was diagnosed with dyslexia and generalized anxiety disorder. Ruby shares that she did not start the process to receive a diagnosis for autism spectrum disorder until her second year of attending university after identifying that she shared in commonly presented symptoms. She attributes her struggles in receiving a diagnosis to being a female on the spectrum and her use of masking to present as neurotypical. Research has showed that masking and replication of neurotypical social interactions is often utilized by females on the spectrum to aid in maintaining social connections (Tierney et al., 2016). 

Self-Concept and Perceptions 

            Ruby shares that in contrast to the typically observed symptom of the inability to express empathy, that she always felt confident in her ability to understand others and their emotions. Studies have shown that empathetic ability may be attributable to varying characteristics of individuals diagnosed with ASD including gender, age, and level of optimal care (Harmsen, 2019). She also shares her perception of self before receiving a diagnosis revealing that she felt as though she was being difficult, didn’t fit in, and that she was a burden to those around her. Ruby reports that after receiving a diagnosis that her concept of self has begun to shift in perspective noting her awareness of being different and that she needs an alternative approach to neurotypical everyday life. 

How this Affects Those Coping with Autism Spectrum Disorder

            Many individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder share in similar self-concepts and perceptions. Various studies have shown that not receiving a diagnosis, particularly for females with ASD, may produce a considerable amount of stress and lack of self-concept/ awareness (Zener, 2019). Obtaining an official diagnosis has shown to increase self-concept/ awareness as well as access to support services (Zener, 2019). Masking or camouflaging is said to continue even after receiving a diagnosis (Allely, 2018). 

How Autism Spectrum Disorder Impacts Physical Development

Physical development is impacted by autism spectrum disorder through the development of motor skills (Hilton et al., 2014). Fine and gross motor deficiencies are both shown in individuals diagnosed with ASD (Hilton et al., 2014). Fine and gross motor deficiencies are said to occur from childhood into adulthood and are often treated through interventions (MacDonald et al. 2014). Many studies have determined a potential relationship between the development of motor skills and social interaction abilities determining that deficiencies in motor skills are correlated with deficiencies in social interaction/ communication (MacDonald et al. 2014). 

How Autism Spectrum Disorder Impacts Psychological Development

            It is common for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to have dual diagnoses with psychological disorders (Fuld, 2018). Some of the most common dual diagnoses include anxiety and depression disorders (Fuld, 2018). Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder are at an increased risk for facing stressful/ traumatic situations thus, exacerbating the symptoms of ASD negatively impacting psychological development (Fuld, 2018). 

How Autism Spectrum Disorder Impacts Social Development

            Deficiencies in social development are commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder (Davis et al., 2014). Social deficiencies are presented in individuals with ASD throughout their lives (Davis et al., 2014). Social deficiencies have the potential to hinder daily social interactions despite being diverse in social ability specifically the diversity shown in males and females (Davis et al., 2014). The inability to connect in a neurotypical manner without masking or camouflaging may negatively impact social development (Davis et al., 2014). 

 

References

Allely, C. S. (2018). Understanding and recognizing the female phenotype of autism spectrum disorder and the “camouflage” hypothesis: a systematic PRISMA review. Advances in Autism.

Davis, N. O., Carter, A. S., & Volkmar, F. R. (2014). Social development in autism. Handbook of autism and pervasive developmental disorders, 1, 212-229.

Fuld, S. (2018). Autism spectrum disorder: the impact of stressful and traumatic life events and implications for clinical practice. Clinical Social Work Journal, 46(3), 210-219.

Harmsen, I. E. (2019). Empathy in autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(10), 3939-3955.

Hendrickx, S. (2015). Women and girls with autism spectrum disorder: Understanding life experiences from early childhood to old age. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Hilton, C. L., Cumpata, K., Klohr, C., Gaetke, S., Artner, A., Johnson, H., & Dobbs, S. (2014). Effects of exergaming on executive function and motor skills in children with autism spectrum disorder: a pilot study. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68(1), 57-65.

Lord, C., Elsabbagh, M., Baird, G., & Veenstra-Vanderweele, J. (2018). Autism spectrum disorder. The lancet, 392(10146), 508-520.

MacDonald, M., Lord, C., & Ulrich, D. A. (2014). Motor skills and calibrated autism severity in young children with autism spectrum disorder. Adapted physical activity quarterly, 31(2), 95-105.

Tierney, S., Burns, J., & Kilbey, E. (2016). Looking behind the mask: Social coping strategies of girls on the autistic spectrum. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 23, 73-83.

Zener, D. (2019). Journey to diagnosis for women with autism. Advances in autism, 5(1), 2-13.