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ASD Defined
Can people with ASD lead rich and full lives?
Yes! However the degree of independence an individual with ASD can achieve may vary depending on the level of severity of autism. Regardless of the impact the autism has, an individual can find an improved ability to live a full life with proper therapy and support.
In This Article:
Not A Disease
DSM-5 Changes In 2013
Aspergers and Autism
Not A Disease
Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is the diagnostic term for what is also called autism. ASD is considered a developmental disability and can cause communication, behavioral, and social difficulties in a wide range of severity from very mild to so extreme that the individual cannot be left alone.
Autism spectrum disorder is not a disease and does not imply cognitive impairment.
Many people with autism are extremely intelligent and creative. The list of those who are believed to be on the spectrum historically, reads like a who’s who of the genius category and includes people like Einstein, Mozart, Sir Isaac Newton, and Thomas Jefferson to name a few.
The way in which ASD influences each individual is unique. Some individuals with ASD have difficulty solving problems, but others may be considered gifted in one or two specific areas. The common requirement that sets apart a diagnosis of ASD are the presences of social difficulties. (Click here to read about Autism As A Social Disability.)
“Many individuals with ASD given the proper support, live very full and rich lives.“
DSM-5 Changes In 2013
When the DSM-5 was published in 2013, the breakdown of ASD was changed. It now includes several diagnoses that used to be separate: autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome.
All of these conditions now fall under the umbrella of ASD – autism spectrum disorder. Regardless of the which definition you use, the rate of autism is dramatically on the rise in the US and around the world. (Click here to read more about A Burgeoning National Crisis.)
Aspergers and Autism
In the United States, use of the term Asperger’s has been discontinued clinically, but other countries in the world still diagnose and recognize Asperger’s as high functioning autism.
While this diagnosis can be devastating to parents and families, it doesn’t need to be.
It points the way to many constructive and positive therapeutic shifts that can be made in parenting, teaching and doing therapy with a child to achieve greater results, and allow the child to reach their full potential in life. (Click here to read about The Newest in Resources for Teens and Young Adults with Autism.)
Many individuals with ASD given the proper support, live very full and rich lives.
Thank you for taking time to understand more, but knowing isn’t enough! Let us help you take the next simple step toward implementing your knowledge for your relief or the relief of others.
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