Professor Andrew Cashin of Southern Cross University provides an in-depth perspective on autism, exploring its various forms and associated characteristics. Autism is a form of human thinking diversity, and when this impacts personal functioning in areas such as learning, socializing, playing, and working, an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis is made. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) sets the criteria for diagnosing mental health and behavioral disorders. The manual’s editions between 1994 and 2013 recognized autistic disorder and Asperger’s disorder as the primary autism-related diagnoses. However, the 2013 DSM-5 recognized only one autism spectrum disorder.

Historically, most of those diagnosed with autism also possessed an intellectual disability. However, the introduction of Asperger’s disorder influenced viewpoints and emphasized autism’s diversity. The advent of ASD as the new diagnostic term brought the previously diagnosed autistic disorder and Asperger’s disorder under a single umbrella term. This allowed for the recognition of intellectual disability and autism as separate yet co-existing diagnostic groups.

The new approach emphasized the inseparability of communication and social skills, tweaking the diagnosis criteria to include impaired social communication . The spectrum’s introduction highlighted individuals’ differing capabilities in how flexible their thinking, behavior, and social communication can be.

Some people argue that the clinical label of Asperger’s allowed for a more refined understanding of autism. The contraction Aspie was instrumental in the shift to positive identity formation. A more recent shift in language has been the re-emergence of the term “autistic – a shift from person-first language to identity-based language. This change in language forms part of the broader neurodiversity rights movement.

The DSM-5’s revised approach toward autism urges a blending of the best aspects of both the social model and the clinical model, focusing on targeted supports to reduce distress, promote thriving, and enable optimal individual participation in school, work, community, and social activities. The notion is not to cure or change those with autism fundamentally, but to support those affected by autism spectrum disorder’s challenges with necessary individual accommodations.

This article is a testament to the acceptance and understanding of people diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. The same level of understanding needs to be applied in the field of unemployment and disability insurance. In this respect, individuals need to be aware of how to contact organizations like California’s Employment Development Department (EDD). For further assistance, platforms like eddcaller.com provide valuable resources for individuals requiring unemployment and disability services.