We’re reviewing the book “Is This Autism?” by Donna Henderson, Sarah Wayland, and Jamell White. I also have a post on this book that includes additional highlights and take-aways.
On the National Counselor Examination (NCE), the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE), or another counseling exam, you may come across questions related to diagnoses from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR). Although this video is not specifically covering the diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5-TR, you should still gain an improved understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
If you’re a mental health professional, you might also be interested in Is This Autism? A Companion Guide for Diagnosing.
What is person-first language? When it comes to autism, person-first language would mean placing the person before the diagnosis. In this case, you would say “a person with autism”. As a general rule, most people prefer person-first language. However, in the autism community, they tend to prefer identity-first language.
What is identity-first language? In the case of autism, identity-first language would mean place the autism diagnosis first. For example, saying “an autistic person”. In most cases, we tend to avoid identity-first language. However, the autism community tends to prefer identity first language. Most will say that identity-first language in the autism community is because they feel they should be proud of their diagnosis as it is a central piece of them. Others will note that autism is something they can’t “get rid of” or treat with the hopes of fully resolving. Identity-first language is preferred in some other cases also, such as in the Deaf community.
What is Savant Syndrome? For those who are incredibly gifted in some area, this is called Savant Syndrome. It may be that the person has high skills levels in piano, computers, or reading, as a few examples. In the general population, this occurs in about 1% of people. For Autistic people, Savant Syndrome does occur more often, in around 10%-28% Autistic people. However, keep this quote from Is This Autism? in mind: “it is critically important to allow autistic people the privilege of having no superpowers, just as we allow non-autistic people that privilege.”
What is proprioception? Proprioception is our ability to know our body’s position and movement from the sensations of our muscles.
What is the vestibular sense? Our vestibular sense is the signals of movement and position that we get from our inner ear, and helps with equilibrium and sense of balance.
What is interoception? Interoception is the awareness of internal sensations, like a need to use the bathroom, eat, drink, or our emotional state.
What is over-responsivity? In autistic people, refers to our some senses can be heightened or easily lead to overstimulation. Is This Autism? discusses how over-responsivity is from sensory sensitivity, and can result in meltdowns (which would be an externalizing behavior), being startled by a quiet noise (an unusual response), or how Autistic people can avoid stimuli that are offensive.
What is under-responsivity? For autistic people, under-reponsivity refers to how some senses can be dulled in a way that results in little to no sensory response. This can include little reaction to pain, reduced awareness of when to go to the bathroom, or decreased sensitivity to noise.
What are sensory cravings? Autistic people might crave specific sensory experiences. Meaning, they are deeply desiring or wanting to stimulate a specific sense. Sensory cravings can be a broad category, but might include things like chewing on their sleeves, being attracted to a specific texture, or wanting strong pressure applied to them.
What are unusual sensory experiences? For some people with autism, they may have unusual sensory experiences—or times where specific sensations are interpreted in a way that is unexpected for others. Because of this, they will often experience the world in a different way. One of the more extreme examples of this is synesthesia.
What is synesthesia? Although not exclusive to people with Autism, synesthesia is around three times for common in Autistic people. This is a phenomenon where sensory experiences stimulate a seemingly unconnected sense. For example, someone may experience food tasting like a shape or sounds having colors.
