Autism looks different in every child. Some speak in full sentences, hold down jobs, and live independently. Others never develop verbal language and need assistance with everything from getting dressed to staying safe. The gap between these experiences is enormous, which is exactly why the DSM-5 introduced three levels of autism back in 2013. [...]
Asperger's syndrome still comes up a lot when people talk about autism, even though the medical terms have changed. What is Aspergers, exactly? The term used to describe kids who talked on time - or even early - but couldn't quite figure out the social rules everyone else seemed to get instinctively. Their vocabulary [...]
What is masking in autism? It's when autistic people hide their natural behaviors to fit in. Someone forces eye contact even though it's uncomfortable. They rehearse conversations for hours beforehand. Instead of flapping their hands, they tap their toes inside their shoes where no one can see. This constant act drains you completely. Every [...]
This Scribble blog post was written by Hollie Gillespie, Occupational Therapist Does your child find it tricky in social situations? Sometimes get stuck on their own ideas and find it hard to be flexible when things don’t go to plan? Follow their own plan without regard for their peers? Struggle relating to their peers’ [...]
