Individual Differences

Individual Differences

Variety of Symptoms

  • People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) display a wide range of symptoms.
  • Some individuals might show mild signs, while others might have more severe forms.
  • The symptoms can include challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication.

Severity Levels

  • The DSM-5 defines three levels of autism severity based on the level of support required, ranging from requiring support, requiring substantial support to requiring very substantial support.
  • The level of severity can influence a person’s ability to live independently.

Comorbidity

  • Autism frequently co-occurs with other conditions, which can include ADHD, anxiety, depression, and epilepsy.
  • Comorbidity can make diagnosis more challenging and may complicate treatment approaches.

Age of Onset

  • ASD symptoms can appear in the first 2 years of life, and these cases are generally categorised as early-onset autism.
  • Late-onset autism refers to cases where symptoms are not noticed until after social demands exceed the child’s capabilities.

Gender Differences

  • Autism is significantly more common in males than in females, with about 4 males diagnosed for every 1 female.
  • However, the difference may in part be due to underdiagnosis in females, who often present with less typically ‘autistic’ behaviours.

Environmental Factors

  • Environmental factors can also influence the manifestation of autism.
  • For example, support and understanding from families, schools, and communities can help improve social integration and independence for those with ASD.

Limitations of Individual Differences Perspective

  • While the individual differences perspective recognises the diversity in ASD presentation, it can inadvertently lead to stereotyping or bias.
  • Misconceptions or bias about ASD can result in a lack of support or inappropriate treatment approaches.
  • In addition, the perspective doesn’t adequately address the physiological aspects and the genetic basis of ASD.