{"id":137557,"date":"2024-12-04T11:12:28","date_gmt":"2024-12-04T15:12:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/?p=137557"},"modified":"2024-12-11T11:15:57","modified_gmt":"2024-12-11T15:15:57","slug":"what-are-the-traits-of-autism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/what-are-the-traits-of-autism\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are the Traits of Autism? Devon Price Explains"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>What are the traits of Autism that set it apart from other neurological conditions? How does an Autistic brain process information differently from others?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In <em>Unmasking Autism<\/em>, Devon Price explores the complex nature of Autism as a neurological condition that affects every aspect of a person&#8217;s life. From unique brain connectivity patterns to distinct information processing styles, Price reveals how Autism shapes the way individuals experience and interact with the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep reading to discover what the traits of autism are and gain a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-understand-anything-deeply\/\">deeper understanding<\/a> of this often misunderstood neurological condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-meaning-amp-traits-of-autism\">The Meaning &amp; Traits of Autism<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What are the traits of Autism, and what exactly does &#8220;Autism&#8221; mean? We\u2019ll explore Price\u2019s definition, as well as the characteristics Autism can entail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Price defines Autism as a neurological, developmental disability that\u2019s genetically heritable and affects how a person\u2019s brain processes information. Specifically, Autistic brains have more excitable neurons, meaning they respond more easily to stimuli and aren\u2019t as effective at filtering input. Autistic brains also have greater connectivity between neurons in some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/what-are-the-regions-of-the-brain\/\">brain areas<\/a>, as well as less connectivity in other areas, than allistic (or non-Autistic) brains do. However, because every Autistic brain is different, we can\u2019t easily identify which specific areas tend to be more or less connected compared to allistic brains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Research on Filtering and Connectivity<\/strong><br><br>Autistic people\u2019s difficulty in filtering input may be exacerbated by distractions that come from <em>inside<\/em> their brains as well. Research suggests that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41598-017-17676-5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Autistic people have a higher amount of internal noise<\/a> than allistic people, in addition to impairments in filtering external noise. In fact, one study found that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedaily.com\/releases\/2014\/01\/140131130630.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Autistic brains produce, on average, about 42% more information at rest<\/a> than allistic brains do.<br><br>Additionally, while individual differences make it difficult to precisely pinpoint areas of greater or lesser neuronal connectivity, some research does point to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedaily.com\/releases\/2019\/01\/190130161640.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the unimodal-subcortical networks (responsible for sensory processing)<\/a> as areas of higher connectivity in Autistic brains. Insights like these can help us better understand how Autism impacts and presents in the brain, which can lead to improved diagnostic and treatment practices.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Price also explains that <strong>Autism is characterized by a bottom-up processing style.<\/strong> This means Autistic people take in all the details of an environment or situation and process them separately before integrating them into a bigger-picture understanding. Because of this, Autistic people can have trouble distinguishing between \u201cimportant\u201d and \u201cunimportant\u201d details. In contrast, allistic people tend to use top-down processing, where they start from a comprehensive view of something and then narrow it down, allowing them to more easily identify the important details.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(Shortform note: The distinction between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/bottom-up-processing-and-top-down-processing\/\">bottom-up and top-down processing<\/a> is similar to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.livescience.com\/21569-deduction-vs-induction.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the distinction between inductive and deductive reasoning<\/a>, respectively. As in bottom-up processing, inductive reasoning involves taking observations or data and generalizing them into broader conclusions. In contrast, deductive reasoning involves taking a general premise and using it to draw specific conclusions. It should be noted that this comparison is a simplification and doesn\u2019t necessarily mean that Autistic people are better or worse at either inductive or deductive reasoning, but the processes bear some resemblance. And indeed, some argue that, for example, <a href=\"https:\/\/autisticphd.com\/theblog\/what-is-bottom-up-thinking-in-autism\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">academia\u2019s focus on deductive reasoning unfairly disadvantages Autistic people<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, writes Price, <strong>Autistic people tend to process things more logically and less intuitively than allistic people.<\/strong> They may not rely as much on logical shortcuts and biases to understand information and make decisions. This means Autistic people often take longer to process information than allistic people do, but it can also make them less likely to make mistakes in their reasoning.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(Shortform note: The two different processing styles Price describes align with <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC6056761\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the Dual Process Theory in psychology<\/a>. According to this theory, all people have two different types of processing: the quicker, more intuitive style (type 1) and the slower, more logical style (type 2). Most people rely largely on type 1 processing until they make an error, at which point they activate their type 2 thinking to process more deeply and correct the error. However, research shows that <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10291371\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">we\u2019re capable of engaging either processing type consciously<\/a> when time or other circumstances necessitate it. So while Autistic people generally rely more heavily on type 2 processing, they can activate their type 1 thinking to make quick decisions in certain contexts.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Price explains that Autism isn\u2019t limited to certain areas of a person\u2019s functioning. Rather, it affects every aspect of their existence\u2014mentally, physically, emotionally, socially, and so on\u2014and can\u2019t be separated from who they are.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(Shortform note: Despite the fact that a person\u2019s Autism can\u2019t be separated from who they are, many Autistic people have been told that <a href=\"https:\/\/neurodivergentrebel.substack.com\/p\/youre-more-than-your-autism-or-stop\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">they shouldn\u2019t make Autism their whole personality<\/a>. They may also be accused of <a href=\"https:\/\/unwrittengrace.wordpress.com\/2023\/04\/10\/dont-use-autism-as-an-excuse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">using Autism as an excuse for things they can\u2019t do<\/a>. However, these attitudes fail to acknowledge how innate Autism is to a person\u2019s functioning. One Autistic writer made the comparison to <a href=\"https:\/\/thelutherancolumn.com\/2024\/07\/22\/what-ive-learned-about-my-autism\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">telling a person who can\u2019t walk not to use that as an excuse for not walking<\/a>. An Autistic X (formerly Twitter)-user <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/pot8um\/status\/1636543768693293056\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">likened Autism to the control center of their existence<\/a>. These perspectives help clarify how central Autism is to a person\u2019s essential self.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-other-autism-nbsp-traits\">Other Autism&nbsp;Traits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to these qualities, Price describes many traits associated with Autism, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/cognitive-patterns\/\">Special interests<\/a>:<\/strong> Autistic people often have intense passions or areas of interest. Price explains that engaging with special interests is associated with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-well-being\/\">improved well-being<\/a> and can aid in development of things like social and motor skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(Shortform note: Research suggests that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetransmitter.org\/spectrum\/the-benefits-of-special-interests-in-autism\/?fspec=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Autistic people derive a similar neurological reward from engaging in their special interests<\/a> as allistic people do from interacting with others. This may help explain why Autistic people often have less <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/intrinsic-motivation-psychology\/\">intrinsic motivation<\/a> to seek out social interaction than allistic people do.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/sensory-processing-issues\/\">Sensory sensitivities<\/a>:<\/strong> Autistic people\u2019s greater sensitivity to sensory input, along with the fact that their brains don\u2019t habituate to stimuli the way neurotypical brains do, can lead to sensory pain and overwhelm. (To clarify, \u201cneurotypical\u201d means characterized by a type of neurological functioning that aligns with what\u2019s generally considered \u201cnormal\u201d; and \u201cneurodivergent\u201d or \u201cneurodiverse\u201d means \u201cnot neurotypical.\u201d All neurotypical people are allistic, but not all allistic people are neurotypical, meaning some allistic people are neurodivergent in other ways, such as those with ADHD, attachment disorders, brain injuries, or other undiagnosed differences).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(Shortform note: Autistic people often experience the oversensitivity Price describes, but <a href=\"https:\/\/www.autism.org.uk\/advice-and-guidance\/topics\/sensory-differences\/sensory-differences\/all-audiences\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">they can also be prone to sensory undersensitivity<\/a>, such as poor depth perception or unusually high pain tolerance. Autistic people aren\u2019t necessarily oversensitive or undersensitive in general, but may instead experience either oversensitivity or undersensitivity in different contexts and degrees.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Repetitive behaviors and routines:<\/strong> Repetition and routines can help Autistic people function in a confusing and unpredictable world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(Shortform note: While routines can help Autistic people function better, experts note that routines imposed by <em>others <\/em>(as opposed to routines that Autistic people develop for themselves) can be distressing, as imposed routines <a href=\"https:\/\/thinkingautismguide.com\/2022\/04\/understanding-how-routines-can-help-autistic-people.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">interfere with their sense of control and autonomy<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Stimming:<\/strong> Stimming is any behavior used to stimulate, comfort, or express yourself, such as fidgeting, hand-flapping, repeating words or phrases, or listening to specific sounds on repeat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(Shortform note: While they sometimes look similar, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.treatmyocd.com\/what-is-ocd\/info\/related-symptoms-conditions\/whats-the-difference-between-stims-tics-and-compulsions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">stims are not the same thing as tics or compulsions<\/a>. All three are seemingly involuntary repetitive behaviors, but tics (associated with Tourette Syndrome) are preceded by a distressing sensation called a \u201cpremonitory urge.\u201d Compulsions (associated with obsessive compulsive disorder) are behaviors developed to reduce the distress caused by obsessive thoughts. While Autistic people may exhibit these behaviors for other reasons, such as co-morbidities, only stims are considered an Autistic trait.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Difficulty with social interactions:<\/strong> Autistic people often struggle with social cues and may have trouble knowing when or how much to speak in conversations. Differences in Autistic and allistic communication styles can also lead to frequent misunderstandings.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(Shortform note: Autistic people\u2019s difficulties with social interaction can sometimes lead them to be mistreated by others. Research shows that <a href=\"https:\/\/phys.org\/news\/2022-06-kids-autism-spectrum-bullying-schools.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Autistic children are significantly more likely to be bullied than allistic children<\/a>. However, experts suggest that educating children about Autism and neurodivergence could help reduce bullying rates and mistreatment of Autistic children.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Executive functioning problems:<\/strong> Autistic people often struggle to plan, start, or switch between tasks. They can also be prone to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/john-tierney-decision-fatigue\/\">decision fatigue<\/a> (when the brain gets overwhelmed from having to make <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/too-many-options\/\">too many choices<\/a>).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(Shortform note: Executive functioning encompasses more than just the ability to plan, start, and switch tasks. It also includes things like <a href=\"https:\/\/autismawarenesscentre.com\/executive-function-what-is-it-and-how-do-we-support-it-in-those-with-autism-part-i\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">problem-solving, impulse control, and cognitive flexibility<\/a>. This means that people with executive functioning difficulties may struggle to control impulsive behaviors, for example, or methodically go through the steps of effectively solving a problem. As these difficulties increase with decision fatigue, they can also lead to <a href=\"https:\/\/reclaim.ai\/blog\/prevent-decision-paralysis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">decision paralysis<\/a>\u2014when you\u2019re so overwhelmed by options that you can\u2019t <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/be-decisive\/\">make a decision<\/a> at all. Anyone can experience decision fatigue and paralysis, but Autistic people and others with executive functioning difficulties are more prone to them.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Price explains that these behaviors serve important functions for Autistic individuals, such as self-regulation and expression of emotions. However, these differences can also cause allistic people to view Autistic people as awkward, unpleasant, or even creepy. As a result, Autistic people often mask their traits, meaning they pretend to be allistic in order to get by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(Shortform note: The above behaviors can be specifically helpful for a type of <a href=\"https:\/\/neurodivergentinsights.com\/blog\/autistic-adhd-nervous-system\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">self-regulation involving the nervous system<\/a>. Research shows that Autistic people tend to experience more nervous system dysregulation\u2014meaning the parts of their nervous system dedicated to handling stressors and the parts dedicated to recovering from stress are out of sync\u2014than allistic people. People who mask often exhibit <em>faux regulation<\/em>, where they appear to be calm and regulated but are internally very stressed and out of sync. As we\u2019ll see next with other aspects of masking, this can make it easier to appear neurotypical, but is harmful in the long run.)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What are the traits of Autism that set it apart from other neurological conditions? How does an Autistic brain process information differently from others? In Unmasking Autism, Devon Price explores the complex nature of Autism as a neurological condition that affects every aspect of a person&#8217;s life. From unique brain connectivity patterns to distinct information processing styles, Price reveals how Autism shapes the way individuals experience and interact with the world. Keep reading to discover what the traits of autism are and gain a deeper understanding of this often misunderstood neurological condition.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":137566,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[1691],"class_list":["post-137557","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-psychology","tag-unmasking-autism","","tg-column-two"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.3 (Yoast SEO v24.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What Are the Traits of Autism? 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