Can a Non-Autistic Person Become Autistic?

Many are under the impression that autism can be acquired or lost. However, this is a misconception, rooted in a lack of understanding of the nature of autism as a neurological condition. Autism, officially termed Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a wide range of challenges, strengths, and support needs. This diversity is highlighted by the term 'spectrum,' indicating the vast variability in how individuals experience and manifest autism.

Understanding Autism as a Spectrum Disorder

Autism is not a condition that can be "become" or "lose" - it is a lifelong condition that exists on a spectrum. This means that while some individuals may experience mild symptoms, others may face more significant challenges. The spectrum representation emphasizes the variability, and no two individuals with autism are exactly the same. They all have their unique set of strengths and challenges, making it essential to treat each person with autism as a unique individual.

Impossibility of Becoming Autistic

One cannot become autistic because it is a neurodevelopmental condition that is determined by genetic and environmental factors during fetal development and early childhood. Once these factors have set, they do not change, and individuals who are not born with the condition cannot acquire it later. The diagnosis of autism is made based on how an individual's brain processes information and their behavior in different situations, and this is inherent and lifelong.

Undiagnosed Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger's syndrome was a term used before the DSM-V to categorize a sub-group of individuals on the autism spectrum who displayed characteristics similar to those of autism but with less significant impairments in language and cognitive development. Asperger's syndrome is now considered a part of Autism Spectrum Disorder. However, there are instances where individuals who may have displayed traits resembling Asperger's might be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. This is particularly true in the case of girls on the autism spectrum, given the subtle differences in how they present compared to boys.

Gender Differences in Autism Presentation

Girls with autism often present differently than boys, and this can lead to undiagnosed cases. The reasons for these differences are multifaceted, involving both biological differences and environmental factors. Gender differences in the presentation of autism can be attributed to the different ways boys and girls are raised and the different expectations placed on them. For example, when a girl exhibits behavior that is stereotypically masculine, such as a fascination with trains (a common trait among boys with autism), it is often dismissed as a phase or a preference rather than a sign of autism. This can result in girls with autism being overlooked or misdiagnosed, leading to a lack of appropriate support and intervention.

Conclusion

Autism is a lifelong condition that exists on a spectrum. It is not something that can be acquired or lost. Individuals who are not born with autism cannot acquire it later. The term 'spectrum' emphasizes the variability in how individuals with autism experience and manifest the condition. Additionally, gender differences can lead to undiagnosed cases of autism in girls, who may present with traits that are less recognized or attributed to autism.