Autism Spectrum Disorder

When a loved one has Autism, it’s important for you to understand that their experience is unique. Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), affects how they communicate, relate to others, and experience the world. You might notice they struggle with social interactions, while excelling in focused interests or routines. It can feel overwhelming at first, but learning about autism is key to supporting them in a meaningful way. It also can help reduce your own feelings of overwhelm. Remember, Autism is not a problem per se, but a neurological difference. It comes with both strengths and challenges. By adopting the right attitude from the beginning, you can help you and your loved one thrive.

The first thing to keep in mind, is that your loved one often has incredible strengths. They might be deep thinkers, creative, or posess a unique way of seeing the world. It’s important both for you and for them to recognize these strengths. When you point these strengths out and celebrate them, you help foster their growth and also strengthen your connection with them. This can also help you building positive feelings of good will towards them. These

When Your child has Autism

When it comes to your child with autism, early recognition and support are crucial. You might notice signs like difficulty with eye contact, language delays, or repetitive behaviors in your child. These are just a few indicators that they could be on the spectrum. Children with neurological differences often have amazing imaginations and a strong need for routine, which can be nurtured in ways that help them flourish. By helping them learn social skills, manage sensory sensitivities, and navigate their emotions, you can create an environment where they thrive in school, relationships, and play.

When a loved one who is an adult has Autism

Adults with neurological differences face unique challenges and opportunities. Your loved one may have been diagnosed in childhood or later in life. Many adults with autism lead fulfilling lives but can struggle in social settings or managing sensory overload in environments not designed for them. In careers, relationships, or self-advocacy, adults on the spectrum thrive with the right support. Encourage them to embrace their unique perspectives and talents—they offer valuable contributions to communities and workplaces. Also, help them connect with resources to help them work through the challenges. That can mean setting up therapies, community resources or job opportunities.

When you yourself have Autism ( or suspect you do)

If you think you might have autism or have recently been diagnosed, it’s normal to feel a range of emotions. Autism is often diagnosed through assessments that look for signs like challenges with social reciprocity, nonverbal communication differences, and focused interests or repetitive behaviors. These traits are not flaws; they’re just different ways of processing the world. Understanding yourself through a diagnosis can be empowering, leading to greater self-acceptance and allowing you to find the right support to help you thrive.

Whether you’re supporting a loved one or exploring your own autism diagnosis, know that you’re not alone. Autism exists on a spectrum, meaning everyone’s experience is different. No matter where you or your loved one falls on that spectrum, it’s important to know that many Autistic individuals can and do lead rich, successful and fulfilling lives. And many need support to get there. The right support can help you focus on strengths and build a life that honors your unique ways of being, while also addressing challenges. Every person with autism deserves a life filled with fulfillment, joy, and meaningful connection, and you have the power to help make that happen.

The Traditional Medical Model Lens

If you’ve done research on Autism, received a diagnosis or treatment for Autism, you’ve likely encountered the medical model. The Medical Model of autism views the condition primarily as a neurological disorder that affects social, communication, and behavioral skills. In this model, autism is seen through the lens of what’s “missing” or “atypical,” with a focus on diagnosing and treating symptoms. This perspective emphasizes intervention to reduce behaviors that don’t fit into what society considers “normal.” While this model can be useful for identifying autism and securing support services, it often paints a picture of autism as a set of deficits. This can feel limiting, especially when focusing on what’s “wrong” instead of what’s unique or strong about someone with autism. Here are some of the diagnostic criteria typically used:

Diagnostic Criteria for Autism ( according to the Medical Model)

Difficulty with social reciprocity (e.g., problems with back-and-forth conversation)
Nonverbal communication differences (e.g., avoiding eye contact, facial expressions)
Challenges in developing, maintaining, or understanding relationships
Highly focused interests or repetitive behaviors (e.g., routines, fixations on specific topics)
Sensory sensitivities (e.g., being overwhelmed by certain sounds, lights, or textures)

Disadvantages of the medical view of Autism

While the Medical Model can provide clear guidelines for diagnosis and access to support, it also has its disadvantages. When autism is viewed only as a “disorder” to be treated, it can overlook the strengths and unique ways of thinking that often come with it. This approach might lead you or your loved one to feel labeled, limited, or misunderstood. Also, since the Medical Model focuses on normalization it can view Autism as a problem to be “fixed”. Rather than viewing Autism as a valuable expression of difference. Here is where the concept of neurodiversity can be overlooked. Neurodiversity is an important concept that acknowledges that brains work differently, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Also, some autistic adults believe that the medical model has done damage to their self esteem, by encouraging them to mask their true identities, rather than support them.

Advantages of the medical view

Dispite it’s disadvantage, the medical model does still have it’s advantages. It can be helpful in getting a diagnosis, securing therapies, and understanding certain challenges your or your loved on face. If you can get your child diagnosed when they are still young, this can be especially helpful. or when an adult has support needs in the school, home or work environment that are not being met. Having an accurate diagnosis of Autism can be crucial in getting and supporting those needs. It can also be helpful in advocating for yourself or your loved one.

A different view of Autism

Judy Singer and Barry Prizant, both respected experts, have popularized a more empowering view of autism. Instead of defining autism by deficits, this approach recognizes it as a unique way of being. Prizant’s “strengths-based” or “human-centered” model views behaviors not as issues to “fix” but as ways individuals communicate or cope. For instance, repetitive behaviors or fixations are strategies for self-regulation, not traits to eliminate. This perspective encourages understanding the world through the lens of someone with autism and offering support that honors their needs and strengths.

Prizant emphasizes seeing behaviors as adaptive responses to overwhelming situations rather than problems.His approach encourages building environments and relationships that respect neurodiverse ways of thinking. Instead of focusing on changing the person with autism, you work to change the environment and expectations to better support them. This model is much more about collaboration and understanding, helping you and your loved one develop in ways that feel right for them. By focusing on abilities rather than limitations, you create opportunities for success that fit who they are, not just who society expects them to be.

Other important researchers in the area of Neurodiversity include Dr. Damian Milton, Dr. Simon Baron-Cohen, Dr. Temple Grandin, Dr. Luke Beardon, and Dr. Stephen Shore. These researchers and advocates are helping to reshape how society understands autism, emphasizing the value of neurodiversity and fostering environments that celebrate, rather than devalue differences.

Do you or your loved one have Autism and need support?

Find Autism affirming therapist and experts here by calling or emailing us.

Email: admin@danceofchange.com

or call or text the office: (314) 827-5448

We are located in St Louis, Missouri and serve people in the following communities: Webster Groves, Kirkwood, Crestwood, Maplewood, Brentwood, Rockhill, Richmond Heights, Clayton, Shrewsbury, Lindenwood, Ladue, Central West End and the surrounding areas.

We offer in person sessions in our office in Saint Louis, MO in Webster Groves as well as video (Telehealth) session for anyone located in the state of Missouri.

Dance of Change

Relationship Wellness Center of St. Louis