A view of autism from along the spectrum

The media continues to cover recent rise in autism prevalance. As a parent of two children on the autism spectrum, I follow this coverage closely. Most only touch the surface of the issue, and many appropriately admit that most of the questions about the causes and treatments are still unanswered. I’ve come to the conclusion that the increasing number of people diagnosed with autism is actually a benefit to those that are diagnosed as ‘on the spectrum’.

The media generally overlooks the fact that the definition of autism has not been consistent over the last 25 years. In the US, the ‘official’ source of the definition comes from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association. There have been three versions published since 1980 and each one changed the diagnositic criteria for autism spectrum disorders. In general, the definitions became broader over time so that the label of autism or PDD now applies to more people.

The changing criteria can make it look like the experts can’t make up their minds. I view the changes as a sign that our understanding of autism is evolving. We now recognize that autism presents itself in a variety of ways. We also recognize that these different manifestations are related to one another. Thirty years ago we didn’t recognize the similarities between a child that was highly verbal, intensely focused on a special interest, and prone to trantrums may have many things in common with a non-verbal child who appears aloof to those around them. Now we do and the benfits to both are huge.

The benefits primarily come from the large number of interventions that have been developed over the past several decades. While there is currently no single intervention shown to help all, we now have many approaches to help develop language, socialization, and other life skills. We now know many strategies to help children on the autism spectrum succeed in the educational setting. We have also seen a large number of autistic adults come forward and share their life experiences, helping to pave the way for those that follow them. All this is a reflection of how our understanding of autism continues to evolve. It serves to help those on the spectrum, and society at large. Personally, it helps in my effort to raise my children to be happy, productive adults. And for that, I’m thankful.