Autistic Spectrum edition:

The Guide

The autistic spectrum or ASD is a family of conditions which can affect a number of abilities at different levels.

Generally, autism is mainly associated with problems with communication and social interactions. Also, some people with autism can experience sensory overload and struggle with adapting to change. The moderate levels of autism are totally different from those at classic and severe levels who cannot communicate and are very restricted.

The invisible & moderate element of autism.
In comparison to the above information, independent people of the autistic spectrum (including high-functioning autism & Asperger syndrome) are highly articulate and intelligent. However, they do live with specific difficulties which can affect their day-to-day life and their coping mechanisms. 

The Misinterpretation
Independent people within the autism spectrum can be easily shunned, disbelieved and penalised for being articulate and not being appreciated for gaining certain levels of intelligence. This means they can face hostile attitudes & be wrongly treated as untrustworthy. This can lead to many being forced to mask their difficulties to avoid stigma and negative typecasting.

The examples of associated conditions including mild or moderate levels of the Autistic Spectrum including high functioning Autism & Asperger Syndrome

On-the-spot ability & memory

Anxiety and social anxiety *∆

Inflexible adherence to rules * (Asperger Syndrome)

Stress when their ability and mechanism are compromised.

Note:

*- This can vary depending on the affected abilities, their coping tools and mechanisms associated with a variety of situations, environments and climates.

∆ - Associated with deviating locomotion

also

It is important to be much more aware of a person's limitations with on-the-spot ability & coping mechanisms.

Physical appearance & actions

Physical clumsiness

Non-verbal behaviour * (Asperger Syndrome)

Difficulties in walking straight (Asperger Syndrome)

Note:

*- This can vary depending on the affected abilities, their coping tools and mechanisms associated with a variety of situations, environments and climates.

Communication

Social interaction * (Asperger Syndrome)

Modified level of speech * (Asperger Syndrome)

Lower verbal meaning (High-functioning autism)

Note:

*- This can vary depending on the affected abilities, their coping tools and mechanisms associated with a variety of situations, environments and climates.

Reading, writing & calculation

Spelling, reading

Phonological processing (The manipulation of words)

The other difficulty examples mentioned on this page can also affect skills in reading, writing and calculation skills in Mathematics.

Other difficulties

In addition to the information shown, there are additional types of difficulties an independent person on the autistic spectrum may face including:

* List making

* Memory along with short-term memory

* Remembering instructions

* Difficulty in physical & practical tasks. 

(Some people living with Asperger Syndrome suffer from physical clumsiness, they have to be slightly longer to understand similar actions to prevent causing accidents. Also, they might struggle with multi-tasking)

* Memorising several tasks at once

* Organising time and meeting deadlines.

* The short term memory can have an effect on any reading, writing & calculation

Strengths

There are many strengths when independent people with the autistic spectrum live at a moderate level.

* Visual Memory (Asperger Syndrome)

* High performance in HQ (High functioning Autism)

* Curiosity & interest in many different things

(High functioning Autism)

Find out more about the Autistic Spectrum strengths by visiting the project "Advantage"

Further information

The following organisations had more details on the medical and overall aspects of the Autistic Spectrum, which covers many topics & issues. Many provide a range of services available either to the general public or to businesses and organisations.

* National Autistic Society

* Ambitious about Autism

* Research Autism (UK)

* Autism Europe

Autistic Spectrum Focus