Autism and SLPs

Perspectives from a Speech Language Pathologist

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What is Autism?

Autism is called a "spectrum" disorder ... meaning that there are different types of autism and levels of severity. Autism is a actually a short name for Autism Spectrum Disorders, or ASD. It is called a "spectrum" disorder beause depending on the type of autism someone has, he or she will have different kinds and levels of problems and learning challenges.

What does it look like?

There is usually nothing about how a person with autism looks that sets them apart from other people. People with ASDs have impairments with social, emotional, and communication skills. They might repeat certain behaviors again and again (like hand flapping), become over-stimulated, have no interest in peer relationships, make little to no eye contact, have little or no spoken language, and might have trouble changing their daily routine (unexpected firedrill during music class can be very upsetting). Many people with ASDs also have different ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to things. ASD begins before the age of 3 and lasts throughout a person's life. It is important to note that some people without ASDs might also have some of these symptoms.

Please keep in mind each person with autism is completely different, just as we are all different.