Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is outlined in the DSM-V as a developmental disability that causes differences in communication, interpersonal relationships, and social interaction across all aspects of life. The diagnostic criteria also includes restricted and repetitive behaviors/patterns/interests, a propensity for structure/patterned behavior, and a unique relationship with the sensory aspect of environments.. In order for a diagnosis to be made, criteria must be met in these areas, and there must be clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning.

Neurodivergent is a non-medical term that describes people whose brains develop or work differently. The term for other people who are not Neurodivergent is Neurotypical. Allistic is defined as a non-Autistic person.

“Neurodiverse” refers to a community of people whose members are Neurodivergent.

Being Neurodivergent can include a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Dyspraxia, Hyperlexia, OCD, Synesthesia, Down’s Syndrome, and more.

The medical model of Autism is based on seeing Autism as a group of deficits or impairments. Under the medical model, these differences should be ‘fixed’ or changed by medical and other treatments, even when the impairment or difference is not impacting their life negatively. For instance, stimming behaviors would be discouraged. Or eye contact would be taught as a required behavior. The medical model looks at what is ‘wrong’ with the person, instead of what that person needs.

This practice does NOT support the medical model as an approach.

The Social Model of Autism looks at the way that society can make life easier for Autistic people. It includes exploring and accepting their realities and personal experiences. While psychological, intellectual, and sensory variations may cause a person to experience limitations or impairments, society can account for these differences with accommodations to those that present with unique neurology.

In 2013, the DSM-V was released, and Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder and PDD-NOS were replaced by the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Many people used to refer to Aspergers as “high functioning autism.” The term “high functioning” is considered offensive to many Neurodivergent people as it minimizes their internal experience and attempts to assess their “functioning” in relation to their “output” in society or how well they are able to mask their experience. Check out Tom Iland's "The Fallacy of Low and High Functioning Autism"

Many Neurodivergent people have significant struggles with areas that are invisible to others, yet are able to lead very full lives by societies standards.

An Autism diagnosis can be explored with many professionals. Self-diagnosis is welcomed and acknowledged in this practice. Formal diagnostic services offered in my practice can confirm the diagnosis of clients ranging from adolescence to adulthood.

Many clients arrive at my practice after other practitioners invalidated or negated their questions about their Neurodivergence. The average Autistic adult is statistically said to have been misdiagnosed 8 times before an appropriate diagnosis was given. This is because the majority of generalist practitioners are not qualified to assess for Autism. Because Autism is assessed by self-report or family report, it is common that symptoms are written off by professionals as other disorders. Common misdiagnoses include Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Borderline Personality Disorder, OCD, and Narcissistic Personality Disorder. While many people who have Autism also experience, Depression and Anxiety, these diagnoses present differently when there is also a diagnosis of Autism.

Many clients begin to consider a possible diagnosis of Autism by taking an online quiz. The Aspie Quiz is a popular place to start.