BY ISABELLA BEELER

All Autism diagnoses are not the same. A lot of people know that there is a spectrum. That is true, but it is not just “very Autistic” or “little Autistic”. There are 6 examples of struggles/strengths on the spectrum. They are language, sensory needs, perception, motor skills, special interests, and executive functioning. Some people on the spectrum might struggle with one thing a lot. Others might not struggle with that and struggle with something different. Some might struggle a little bit with some things. 

Language is the first struggle on the spectrum. Some people on the spectrum don’t talk at all. Other people can talk, but get anxious about saying what they think and how others respond to it. People on the spectrum also struggle with their tone and inflection. They talk in monotone and either really quietly or loudly. People on the spectrum struggle with all that, but can sometimes overcome their struggles. Some of them don’t even struggle with this to begin with.

The next struggle on the spectrum is sensory needs. Most people on the spectrum experience sensory processing differences, meaning they may be hypersensitive (over-responsive) or hyposensitive (under-responsive) to sounds, sights, smells, tastes, and touch. For example, the sounds of chewing and loud breathing. Some can’t handle loud noises either. Now, everybody is different. Some people might struggle a lot or a little with this. Some people also might struggle with some of these sensory issues and not with others. People on the spectrum cope with this by stimming. They either fidget or shake. They also cope by wearing headphones or leaving the room for a little bit. Sometimes they can stand the noises and other times they can’t. 

Perception is strength on the spectrum. It is referred to as a “superpower”. People on the spectrum can be really smart. They can have a good and accurate memory. They can also have detailed-focused thinking. People on the spectrum can also struggle with perception. They can struggle to see things from other people’s perspectives. They also have a really strong sense of justice. They can be really bothered by things that are unfair or not accurate. They can have a hard time at letting things go.

Motor skills is another struggle. People on the spectrum can struggle with gross motor skills like walking, running, jumping, and balancing. They can have trouble with ball skills and using a swing. They usually just have a delay. Dancing can help them overcome this struggle tremendously. People on the spectrum can also struggle with hand-eye coordination and sensory processing.

People on the spectrum have special interests. Non-neurodivergent people go through phases of what they are interested in. Neurodivergent people’s interests mostly stay the same. They have specific interests and don’t really like to do anything else. Some neurodivergent people might still do the stuff they aren’t interested in, though. Some interests might change, too. A positive thing about having special interests is that if they keep on doing what they are interested in, like a sport, they can become really good at it. That is because they are doing it a lot.

People on the spectrum can also struggle with executive functioning. They can struggle with planning, prioritizing, time management, emotional regulation, adapting to change, controlling impulses, working memory, and staying focused. On the contrary, some of them have a really good memory. People can be on the spectrum and not struggle with all of these. Some might struggle more than others. Struggling with executive functioning can impact people’s daily life. They might need a lot of help. Some need a little bit of help, but are mostly independent. 504 plans can help them at school.They can use their 504 plan a lot or a little. Therapy can help them regulate their emotions. 

In summary, all people on the spectrum are different. Everyone can struggle/not struggle with different and similar things and have Autism. Even people without Autism might struggle a little bit with these things. Also, it is fine that people struggle with this stuff. There is nothing wrong with Autism. Some people can overcome their struggles and Autism can give people strengths. Autism just means that people’s brains are wired differently. Everyone on and off the spectrum are all unique as well. That is okay.