4 Common Challenges that Individuals with Autism Face
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex condition that encompasses a wide range of symptoms and challenges, varying in intensity and frequency from one individual to another. There is no one-size-fits-all description of autism, as it manifests differently in each person. However, there are four major common areas of functioning that significantly impact the quality of life of individuals on the autism spectrum. In this article, we will explore these challenges in depth.
1. Social-Emotional Reciprocity
One of the foremost challenges individuals with autism face is difficulties in social-emotional reciprocity. This term encompasses various aspects of social interaction:
Difficulty in Engaging in Back-and-Forth Conversations
Imagine a child with autism starting a conversation with their peers about a new video game they played last night. However, they may not notice the subtle cues from their peers, such as signals to contribute or share their own stories. This lack of reciprocity can lead to one-sided conversations that hinder natural interaction.
Struggling to Share Interests with Others
Another common challenge is the inability to gauge the interests of others. For example, a child with autism may see other kids playing with cars and decide to join them, but instead of joining the play, they start explaining intricate historical details about cars without considering the peer’s level of interest. This mismatch in interests can isolate the child from their peers.
Difficulty Expressing and Understanding Emotions
Individuals with autism may also have trouble expressing their emotions effectively. For instance, if a child with autism scrapes their knee while playing and is in pain, their facial expressions might not adequately convey their discomfort. This can lead to misunderstanding and difficulty in providing appropriate support.
2. Non-Verbal Communication
Another area of challenge for individuals with autism involves non-verbal communication during social interactions:
Avoiding Eye Contact
Many individuals with autism struggle with maintaining eye contact during conversations. They may avoid looking into someone’s eyes and instead focus on other objects in the room or even the ceiling, which can affect the quality of their interactions.
Limited Use of Non-Verbal Communication
Some individuals with autism may use limited non-verbal communication, such as facial expressions or changes in tone of voice, making it challenging for others to understand their emotions or level of engagement in a conversation.
3. Developing and Maintaining Relationships
Building and maintaining relationships with peers, outside of caregivers, can be particularly challenging:
Isolation from Peers
During lunch breaks and recess, a child with autism may often isolate themselves from their peers. They might sit alone at a corner table, counting objects or organizing toys. When approached by classmates, they may not make eye contact, respond rarely, or remain absorbed in their current activities.
Difficulty Responding to Different Social Contexts
Individuals with autism may struggle to adapt to various social contexts and unspoken social rules. For example, they may find it challenging to participate in imaginative play with other children who understand and follow the rules of the game.
4. Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors
Restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests are another hallmark of autism:
Obsessive Behaviors
Some individuals with autism may engage in obsessive behaviors, such as lining up objects meticulously every day. Disturbing these arrangements can cause significant distress and agitation.
Challenging to Redirect Attention
Parents and caregivers often find it challenging to redirect the attention of individuals with autism from these repetitive behaviors to other activities.
It’s crucial to remember that the severity and manifestation of these difficulties can vary widely among individuals with autism. While some may excel in specific areas like memory or technical skills, they may still face significant challenges in social communication. Therefore, it is essential to approach each person with autism in an individualized and supportive manner, recognizing their unique strengths and areas of struggle. By fostering understanding and providing appropriate support, we can help individuals with autism thrive and improve their overall quality of life.
Also read: Does Autism Co-Occur with other Disabilities?
About Olga Sirbu
My name is Olga Sirbu, I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Applied Behavioral Analyst. My goal is to support and empower families and individuals on the autism spectrum.
Autism Advance is dedicated to training parents and caregivers, providing practical tips, and teaching individuals how to educate kids with autism.
I share evidence-based practices to help you better understand and support individuals with autism. Learn practical strategies to help individuals with autism reach their full potential, as well as gain a deeper understanding and acceptance of autism.
Thank you for considering Autism Advance as a resource for your autism journey.
