Low functioning autism is the most severe form of autism. Stims (hand flapping, rocking, palm rubbing, rubbing objects) are more pronounced, lacking in speech or echoing what speech was heard. There are low functioning autistics that can type their thoughts but have difficulty with speech itself. Sensory issues can lead to self injury including banging their head, hitting themselves, ripping their hair out. Speech delay as a child. Lack of eye contact (usually focusing on the lips)
Fascination with spinning objects as a child and adult, hand flapping, lining up toys instead of playing with them as a child, meltdowns (like tantrums but can last hours where as a tantrum lasts for minutes and usually occurs if a child doesn't get their way. Meltdowns are usually as a result of change in routine, sensory issues, new foods, teeth brushing, potty training etc..
Can tell within 1-5 minutes this person has autism.
High functioning autism. Some people claim there is no difference between someone with aspergers and high functioning autism but I disagree. High functioning autism often are speech delayed but develop speech later, have the same stims as low functioning autistics but milder degree. Can appear as adults to have aspergers with speech but more stimmy behaviors than aspergers, day dreamy look in the eyes, harder time expressing words, sensory issues, very little friends but happy not having friends. Little to no eye contact, usually focusing on the mouth. Can live independantly but often has trouble getting a job over interviews due to the eye contact and getting the right words out.
Can tell within 15-30 minutes of meeting that the person has autism.
Aspergers- mildest form of autism. No speech delay present as a kid. Has some stims, appears akward, talks about only their interests (described as one-sided conversation), has some sensory issues, doesn't pick up on social cues on time, may not understand when others are joking. Thought of as the socially akward type with little social skills. Some can master eye contact while others have difficulty in this areas as adults. Can live independantly but has trouble with getting jobs due to interviews for the same reason as high functioning autistics.
Can tell this person has autism if you are a very good friend or live with the person. Unless you know about aspergers and have a radar then generally within 30-60 minutes.
The lack of empathy described in autistics is really the lack of theory of mind present as children which can be enhanced growing up with enough practice.
There is empathy present however in regards to picking up on the "vibe" of people and if someone with autism can sense another person is sad, the person with autism will mirror that feeling even if the person is doing their best to mask their emotions.
Autism isn't the same for all with autism. There is no proper mold. Not all have the same stereotypical hobbies either.
- Post from lipstickalley.com
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