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Can Someone Explain Autism to Me
Someone told my mom that they think I may be autistic, but she doesn't think I am. Some kids I know are in special ed because they're autistic. What does this mean?
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The autism spectrum describes a large range of neurodevelopmental disorders. Basically, it's a way in which the brains develops and behaves that is very differently than it typically would.
The reason it's called a 'spectrum' is because it can look very, very different for each different person. Some people with autism cannot speak, and struggle to communicate with other people for their entire lives. They need permanent support and cannot live safely alone. Other people never even know they have autism, and learn to cope with or even benefit from, the quirks and differences that their brain has. There are also tons of other people between those two points - who maybe need extra help, but can cope well enough, or those who really don't need much help with schoolwork, but struggle with their situation in other ways, often with interpersonal skills.
Are you on the autism spectrum? Probably not. Way too many people throw out 'Autistic' to describe anything they see in a young person that they think is 'not normal'. There are a ton of other reasons to be shy, or confused, or excited or smart, then having autism. I'd be more likely to trust your mom on this, then some busy-body stranger trying to diagnose you. However, it is possible you have autism. Some people do and it's just never a big deal for them. If you are struggling in school or with social skills, it might be good to talk to someone about your struggles and see if there might be something behind them - something like autism - but there is no real reason to assume it is autism unless someone with the education and expertise to make that diagnosis talks to you about. It's also not that big a deal if you do have autism - it's just something that can be good to know, because it can help you figure what works for you and what doesn't a bit quicker.
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