ASD, or, Autism Spectrum Disorder (or, more simply and more commonly known, Autism)

Autism is a disorder you are born with and cannot be cured.

Most common symptoms include:

-Monotone voice
-lack of or too much eye contact
-Stimming (repetitive movements such as rocking back and forth and flapping your hands)
-lack of detection to sarcasm
-lack of understanding social cues
-bizzare accent
-Noise/light/texture sensitivity
-Intense interests
-A strong like for routine
-Not answering their name

If I were to list every symptom, we'd be here all day, because the spectrum is MASSIVE.

However, I will address the most common things people with Autism experience!

Do keep in mind that these experiences differ from person to person due to the spectrum being so big, and someone who struggles with one thing may not struggle at all with what another person with it does. No two people with Autism are alike.

One thing almost all Autistic people experience is Meltdowns. The usual cause for this is overstimulation - where someone's surroundings becomes too overwhelming. (Overstimulation can, of course, be experienced by allistics (AKA, people without Autism)).

It can also be caused by something that seems little to others but is big for them. For example, a routine change.

Something else a lot of Autistic people also experience but is rarely talked about are Shutdowns. These are similar to Meltdowns but not the same. Meltdowns are usually a lot more vocal and sometimes aggressive, whilst Shutdowns are when you sort of 'shut down' and become nonverbal and unable to interact for a certain amount of time. This is also due to overstimulation.

If you read the last chapter - you'll know what I mean by 'hyperfixation.' Autistic people can also experience these (where you have an intense interest from a period of time ranging from a week to a couple of months. These are usually intense and get in the way of work(simplified)).

Something unique to Autism however is 'Special Interests.' These are also when people have intense interests, but a little different. These usually last far longer than a hyperfixation - usually lasting about two or three years, but for others can last far longer. These interests are intense in a different way - more so they sorta become 'apart' of you and can feel insulting when your special interest is critisized because it feels as if they're targetting you - even when they're not. Losing interest in these special interests can make Autistic people depressed.

A lot of Autistic people have problems with social cues. For example, they may be blunt and honest with you and people may interpert that as rude. Sometimes, they may bs unable to detwct sarcasm easily.

Some Autistic people are sensitive to certain things like types of clothing (maybe jeans, wool), material on the wall, certain smells, certain noises and bright lights. These are experienced on a much more intense level than for other people.

Other one third of Autistic people are nonverbal - which means they don't use speech.

Sometimes Autistic People have 'weird accents.' The cause is still kinda uknown, but it usually happens when talking to another person with a different accent.

The way Autistic people talk can be described as 'monotone' and 'flat.' They may also emphasize certain words that sound irregular.

Some Autistic people may learn random facts, usually to do with their special interest. For example, I know an Autistic person who can tell you all the cities in Europe - and another who can tell you loads of facts on different periods of history.

Sometimes Autistic people have more problems with coordination. For example, riding a bike, catching a ball or even tying their shoelaces.

You may have heard of  'Aspergers syndrome.' This is an outdated term as it was used to describe those who were 'more high functioning.' However, this disorder was named after a Nazi and was, more accurately, used to describe white boys who were 'more intelligent' than those who were, er, "re**rded," but still had Autism symptoms.

A more used way to describe people with Autism is their 'need level.' For example, level 1, minimal help required. Level 2, a bit of support required. And level 3, maximum support required.

Autism is classed as a developemental disability.

Myths

-Autism is caused by vaccines
-Only males get Autism
-Autism can be developed
-Autism can be cured
-Autism = stupid
-Autism means you can't be happy

Facts

-Autism is definitely NOT caused by vaccines
-Anyone can have Autism
-Autism is something you are born with
-No, Becky, that diet plan won't cure Autism
-Over half of Autistic people have average or above average IQ
-Plenty of Autistic people are happy

(TW: SUICIDE MENTION)

The two biggest death causes for Autistic people are injury and suicide.