Where awareness tell us about autism as a condition, acceptance shines a light on real autistic people, living real lives. By accepting autistic children and adults as they are, and celebrating their strengths, talents and contributions to society, we open the door to compassion and understanding.
Research suggests that autistic employees were as much as 140% more productive than their neuro-typical colleagues. This is because autistic individuals have an increased ability to focus on certain tasks and can concentrate for an extended period of time.
Having a child on the autism spectrum gives to us the opportunity to obtain the gifts of understanding and patience. Autism gives to us a chance to be more than we might otherwise be as parents, grandparents, friends or family. With autism we have an opportunity to see something that can give us insight into ourselves.
Though most symptoms of autism are deficits by nature, some people with autism, known as savants, display special abilities as a result of their condition. Savant abilities are not just special; they are extraordinarily special abilities that cannot be duplicated by most other human beings.
About 70% of autistic people have an intellectual disability, which means they have an IQ lower than 70. The remaining 30% have intelligence that ranges from average to gifted. Autism and intelligence are two separate characteristics. A person can be autistic with any level of intelligence.
Success in Autistic Adults
Some adults with diagnosed autism are moderately to highly successful people. 6 Some are happily married and partnered, and many are fully employed. Some have even become role models for young adults on the spectrum who hope to live full, independent lives.
The best thing you can do is be honest with them if you choose to tell them about your diagnosis. When you tell them, be clear about the types of accommodations you need. This will help you avoid uncomfortable situations during your shifts.
Advances in diagnostic capabilities and greater understanding and awareness of autism spectrum disorder seem to be largely driving the increase, the Rutgers researchers said. But there's probably more to the story: Genetic factors, and perhaps some environmental ones, too, might also be contributing to the trend.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Some people with ASD have a known difference, such as a genetic condition. Other causes are not yet known. Scientists believe there are multiple causes of ASD that act together to change the most common ways people develop.
You have to believe in who you are and not let autism define you. Don't let anyone or your self-doubts ever hold you back. Autism is never an excuse for not reaching your full potential.
Most Autistic Adults Are Underemployed
It's estimated that around half of autistic adults are employed. 1 Of those, many have only part-time jobs or are doing work for which they're overqualified. There are also many autistic people working as volunteers or in programs outside the mainstream.
You are not under any legal obligation to disclose that you have autism in your cover letter and it is recommended that this is a matter more aligned to open, two-way discussion with a prospective employer, once the employer expresses interest in proceeding with your application to the next step.
On the whole, however, autistic people tend to face problems in the workplace, like interpersonal issues or sensory overload. Workplace issues may lead to autistic people leaving jobs, being overlooked for promotions, or experiencing work-related mental health issues.
Having an extraordinarily good memory (being able to remember facts for a long period of time). Being precise and detail orientated. Exceptional honesty and reliability. Being dependable in regards to schedules and routines.
1 in 100 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder as of 2021. Autism prevalence has increased 178% since 2000. The country with the highest rate of diagnosed autism in the world is Qatar, and the country with the lowest rate is France. Around 4 times as many boys have autism as girls.
For people on the autism spectrum, the world is a bewildering place. With oversensitive sensory systems, they battle to process the maelstrom of information flowing into their brains. Often the result is sensory overload, leading to signature behaviours such as tantrums, anxiety and social withdrawal.
Autistic people can live a full life
Being autistic does not have to stop you having a good life. Like everyone, autistic people have things they're good at as well as things they struggle with. Being autistic does not mean you can never make friends, have relationships or get a job.
Autism Prevalence
Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls. Most children were still being diagnosed after age 4, though autism can be reliably diagnosed as early as age 2.
Summary: Research in the past several years has shown that children can outgrow a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), once considered a lifelong condition. In a new study, researchers have found that the vast majority of such children still have difficulties that require therapeutic and educational support.
Albert Einstein
While he was not formally diagnosed, leading psychiatrists believe that Einstein was autistic due to his tendency to repeat phrases, difficulties with social interactions, and extreme focus on his work.
Inheritance. ASD has a tendency to run in families, but the inheritance pattern is usually unknown. People with gene changes associated with ASD generally inherit an increased risk of developing the condition, rather than the condition itself.
Due to the behavioural, information processing and sensory aspects of their diagnosis, many people on the autism spectrum often prefer familiar environments with a predictable routine. Restricted and repetitive interests, sensory processing differences and heightened anxiety can make even small changes stressful.