What is Autism? #2 – Breanna's Educational Portfolio

For my second Free Inquiry post, I wanted to talk on what ASD is and talk about some strengths and challenges that come along with living with ASD.

Waist up portrait view of the little girl with down syndrome feeling fun while her young mother blowing soap bubbles at home at the morning. Stock photo

Photo by Getty Images on Unsplash

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental difference that shapes how people communicate, interact, and experience the world. It’s called a spectrum because every autistic person is unique, and some may need lots of support in daily life, while others it barely affects the way they live.

People who have ASD might communicate in different ways; sometimes, they can come off as offensive but not in a purposeful way, get hyper-fixated on certain things (usually of interest), and experience the world through their senses more intensely. For example, some bright lights and loud noises can sometimes feel overwhelming, while a routine can feel comforting.

*Autism Sensory Strengths*	*Autism Cognitive Strengths*	*Autism Cognitive Challenges*	*Autism Sensory Challenges*
Visual Hypersensitivity	Correlation with giftedness	High prevalence of PTSD	Sensory overload
Tunnel Vision	Savant Syndrome	Forgetting faces	Meltdowns
Colour Intensity	Powerful Memory	Excessive daydreaming	Shutdowns
Synesthesia	Superior Problem-solving	Low memory of mind	Hyperacusis
Heightened Pitch detection	Hyper focus	Rigid/Inflexible thinking	*Autism Habitual Behaviours*
Superior Auditory Discrimination	Lateral Thinking	Active resting network	Deficit of prediction
Acute hearing	Encyclopedic knowledge	Identifying facial expressions	Prone to addiction

I created this table of Autism Strengths and Challenges.

ASD comes with both challenges and strengths, but neither tells the whole story on its own. By understanding and supporting differences, we can help ASD people feel included and give their unique talents the chance to shine.

Understanding ASD means moving beyond stereotypes and recognizing that differences can also be strengths. Acceptance and support make the biggest difference, not trying to change someone, but creating spaces where everyone can thrive.