What does “spectrum” mean in Autism Spectrum Disorder?
As a parent, you may have heard the word “spectrum” when people talk about “autism spectrum disorder” (ASD). But what does this word really mean? A common misconception is that this word “spectrum” refers to a scale - from “mild” autism to “severe” autism. This is not the case!
Rather, the term “spectrum” refers to the huge amount of ways in which autism can present or manifest. Each individual with ASD is completely unique, and therefore each child will exhibit a different combination of strengths and needs. In this way, the term “spectrum” is used to describe the wide range and variety of skills, strengths, challenges and symptoms associated with ASD. No two people with ASD will be exactly alike, and there is no single set of symptoms or behaviors that define autism.
The “spectrum” concept also aims to explain why individuals with ASD may need different levels of support and interventions. For example, one person with ASD may need more intensive supports in a specific area of functioning than another. When a person is diagnosed with autism, there are three “levels” of support that the person might require, with level 1 being the least support and level 3 being the most support. Whilst this is, to some degree, related in part to underlying strengths and difficulties of the individual, with early intervention and consistent support, children may need less and less support over time, as they develop, learn, and grow. For others, the level of support needed will remain stable, and for others yet, it might increase during certain periods of their life.
In summary, it’s important to remember that the “spectrum” concept can be applied to all individuals with ASD, and that each individual may require different types of interventions. Understanding the spectrum concept can help parents better understand the wide range of strengths and needs of their child. It can also help them to have realistic expectations and to be more attuned to the challenges that come with supporting their child’s development.