Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex and diverse condition that affects how people perceive, communicate, and interact with others. ASD is not a single disorder, but a spectrum of different types and traits that vary from person to person. However, many people tend to think of ASD as a linear scale, where one can have more or less autism, or be higher or lower functioning. This view can be problematic, as it can lead to unfair comparisons, stereotypes, and stigma. In this essay, I will argue that ASD should be understood as a multidimensional spectrum, where each person has a unique profile of strengths and challenges.
The Problem with the Linear Scale
One of the reasons why people think of ASD as a linear scale is because of the way it is diagnosed. ASD is currently classified into three levels of support needs, based on the severity of social communication and restricted or repetitive behaviors. Level 1 includes people who require minimal support, level 2 includes people who require moderate support, and level 3 includes people who require substantial support. These levels are often associated with labels such as “high-functioning” or “low-functioning”, which imply that some people have more or less autism than others.
However, these labels can be misleading and harmful, as they do not capture the diversity and complexity of ASD. For example, some people who are labeled as “high-functioning” may struggle with mental health issues, sensory overload, or social isolation, while some people who are labeled as “low-functioning” may have exceptional abilities, creativity, or resilience. Moreover, these labels can create unrealistic expectations or assumptions about what people with ASD can or cannot do, and how they should behave or live their lives.
Another reason why people think of ASD as a linear scale is because of the way it is portrayed in the media and popular culture. Many stories and representations of ASD tend to focus on either the extreme ends of the spectrum, such as savants or non-verbal individuals, or on the average or typical cases, such as those who have average intelligence and can live independently. These stories and representations can create stereotypes and myths about ASD, such as that all people with ASD are either geniuses or disabled, or that all people with ASD are alike and share the same characteristics.
However, these stereotypes and myths can be inaccurate and harmful, as they do not reflect the reality and diversity of ASD. For example, not all people with ASD have extraordinary talents or skills, nor do they all have intellectual disabilities or learning difficulties. Furthermore, not all people with ASD have the same symptoms or experiences, nor do they all need the same support or interventions. Each person with ASD is different and has their own personality, preferences, talents, and dreams.
The Benefits of the Multidimensional Spectrum
A better way to understand ASD is to think of it as a multidimensional spectrum, where each person has a unique profile of strengths and challenges across different domains. These domains can include social communication and interaction skills, restricted or repetitive behaviors and interests, sensory processing abilities, learning styles, attention span, emotional regulation, coping skills, and more. Each domain can be represented by a section in a pie chart or a wheel3, where the size of the section indicates the degree or intensity of the trait or behavior.
The multidimensional spectrum model has several benefits over the linear scale model. First, it acknowledges the diversity and complexity of ASD, and recognizes that each person with ASD is an individual with their own strengths and challenges. Second, it avoids the use of labels such as “high-functioning” or “low-functioning”, which can be stigmatizing and oversimplifying. Third, it allows for a more holistic and comprehensive assessment of each person’s needs and abilities and helps to identify areas where they may need more support or intervention. Fourth, it allows for a more flexible and dynamic view of ASD and acknowledges that each person’s profile may change over time or across different situations.
In conclusion, ASD is not a linear scale, but a multidimensional spectrum. Each person with ASD has a unique profile of strengths and challenges across different domains. Thinking of ASD in this way can help us to better understand and support people with ASD in their lives.