Autism Is Not a Medical Diagnosis but Often Has Co-occurring Medical Complications
Autism is a behavioral condition described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which psychologists and psychiatrists use for diagnoses—not in medical books. People on the autism spectrum have a wide range of abilities and challenges. It is often said that “when you know one person with autism, you know one person with autism.” These are just a few descriptions of people on the spectrum:
- Some people on the spectrum are nonverbal while others talk incessantly.
- Some are very connected to friends and family while others tend to isolate.
- Some are capable of remarkable academic and technical achievement while others suffer profoundly from cognitive disabilities.
- Some engage in obsessive, even ritualistic behaviors and can be a challenge to manage safely in the community while others are gentle and peaceful.
People with autism often suffer seizures, digestive problems and other health concerns. These issues can worsen behaviors and make life truly difficult. This doesn’t mean that individuals with autism cannot improve with proper medical management. James Lyons-Weiler makes the case that people with autism can have improved health outcomes in The Environmental and Genetic Causes of Autism.
