What is the autism spectrum, and what does it mean for my child?
Why autism is called a spectrum, why functioning labels can mislead and how to build a more useful picture of an individual child.
The short answer
The autism spectrum describes the many different ways autistic characteristics and support needs can combine. It is not a scale from slightly autistic to more autistic. A child may communicate fluently yet need substantial help with change and daily living, or use little speech while understanding far more than other people assume. Skills can also be available in one setting and inaccessible under sensory, social or emotional pressure. A useful profile records the child's communication, sensory experience, flexibility, interests, learning, daily living skills and recovery needs separately, then identifies the conditions that help in each area.
- The spectrum is a varied profile, not one straight line.
- A single label such as high or low functioning hides important needs and abilities.
- Speech, intelligence and independence do not have a simple relationship.
- Capacity can change with familiarity, sensory load, communication and stress.
- Support should be based on the task and setting, not a global assumption.
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