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Comprehensive Guide to the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2)
While Prosper Health is a neurodiversity-affirming practice, diagnostic criteria and assessments often use deficit-focused language that isn’t neurodiversity-affirming. We chose to include some of this deficit-based language—which does not reflect how we would usually write about autism—in this article for the sake of accurately portraying diagnostic materials.
Can Autism Be Cured? Why Acceptance Matters More
Autism is a natural variation in human neurodevelopment. Those on the autism spectrum often have unique ways of thinking, learning and interacting with the world. Autistic peoples’ brains are essentially wired differently––and many people want to find the cause of these differences and remove them. In fact, most money going toward autism research is going toward researching the treatment and prevention of autism.
However, studying the causes of autism with the intention of curing it is a controversial topic. Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that cannot––and many argue, should not––be “cured.”
How to Deal with Sensory Overload in Autistic Adults: Effective Strategies and Solutions
Sensory overload is a common challenge for autistic adults. Bright lights and unexpected sounds may seem harmless to some, but to the autistic brain, they can trigger the same physiological responses that bodies enter when facing something dangerous. This is why so many individuals on the autism spectrum find sensory-heavy environments so overwhelming.
A large proportion of autistic adults report experiencing sensory challenges, sometimes known as sensory processing disorder. This can include a heightened sensitivity (hypersensitivity) or reduced sensitivity (hyposensitivity) to sensory experiences. Sensory seeking refers to actively seeking out certain sensory experiences, such as craving deep pressure or being drawn to specific textures or sounds in order to regulate sensory input. On the other hand, for those with heightened sensitivity, everyday environments can quickly become overwhelming, and it can be all too easy to end up in a state of sensory overload.
Overload happens when the nervous system is bombarded with too much information all at once. The body interprets this as a threat, activating a protective mechanism designed to restore balance and prevent further distress. Sensory overload can manifest in many ways—sudden fatigue, difficulty concentrating, anxiety or irritability. Sometimes, it can be mistaken for emotional distress or even a panic attack.
Luckily, there are some helpful strategies for managing and preventing sensory overload. First and foremost, it’s important to remember that the goal is to accommodate sensory needs, not to ‘fix’ them.
