What are the traits of Autism that set it apart from other neurological conditions? How does an Autistic brain process information differently from others?
In Unmasking Autism, Devon Price explores the complex nature of Autism as a neurological condition that affects every aspect of a person’s life. From unique brain connectivity patterns to distinct information processing styles, Price reveals how Autism shapes the way individuals experience and interact with the world.
Keep reading to discover what the traits of autism are and gain a deeper understanding of this often misunderstood neurological condition.
The Meaning & Traits of Autism
What are the traits of Autism, and what exactly does “Autism” mean? We’ll explore Price’s definition, as well as the characteristics Autism can entail.
Price defines Autism as a neurological, developmental disability that’s genetically heritable and affects how a person’s brain processes information. Specifically, Autistic brains have more excitable neurons, meaning they respond more easily to stimuli and aren’t as effective at filtering input. Autistic brains also have greater connectivity between neurons in some brain areas, as well as less connectivity in other areas, than allistic (or non-Autistic) brains do. However, because every Autistic brain is different, we can’t easily identify which specific areas tend to be more or less connected compared to allistic brains.
| Research on Filtering and Connectivity Autistic people’s difficulty in filtering input may be exacerbated by distractions that come from inside their brains as well. Research suggests that Autistic people have a higher amount of internal noise than allistic people, in addition to impairments in filtering external noise. In fact, one study found that Autistic brains produce, on average, about 42% more information at rest than allistic brains do. Additionally, while individual differences make it difficult to precisely pinpoint areas of greater or lesser neuronal connectivity, some research does point to the unimodal-subcortical networks (responsible for sensory processing) as areas of higher connectivity in Autistic brains. Insights like these can help us better understand how Autism impacts and presents in the brain, which can lead to improved diagnostic and treatment practices. |
Price also explains that Autism is characterized by a bottom-up processing style. This means Autistic people take in all the details of an environment or situation and process them separately before integrating them into a bigger-picture understanding. Because of this, Autistic people can have trouble distinguishing between “important” and “unimportant” details. In contrast, allistic people tend to use top-down processing, where they start from a comprehensive view of something and then narrow it down, allowing them to more easily identify the important details.
(Shortform note: The distinction between bottom-up and top-down processing is similar to the distinction between inductive and deductive reasoning, respectively. As in bottom-up processing, inductive reasoning involves taking observations or data and generalizing them into broader conclusions. In contrast, deductive reasoning involves taking a general premise and using it to draw specific conclusions. It should be noted that this comparison is a simplification and doesn’t necessarily mean that Autistic people are better or worse at either inductive or deductive reasoning, but the processes bear some resemblance. And indeed, some argue that, for example, academia’s focus on deductive reasoning unfairly disadvantages Autistic people.)
Additionally, writes Price, Autistic people tend to process things more logically and less intuitively than allistic people. They may not rely as much on logical shortcuts and biases to understand information and make decisions. This means Autistic people often take longer to process information than allistic people do, but it can also make them less likely to make mistakes in their reasoning.
(Shortform note: The two different processing styles Price describes align with the Dual Process Theory in psychology. According to this theory, all people have two different types of processing: the quicker, more intuitive style (type 1) and the slower, more logical style (type 2). Most people rely largely on type 1 processing until they make an error, at which point they activate their type 2 thinking to process more deeply and correct the error. However, research shows that we’re capable of engaging either processing type consciously when time or other circumstances necessitate it. So while Autistic people generally rely more heavily on type 2 processing, they can activate their type 1 thinking to make quick decisions in certain contexts.)
Price explains that Autism isn’t limited to certain areas of a person’s functioning. Rather, it affects every aspect of their existence—mentally, physically, emotionally, socially, and so on—and can’t be separated from who they are.
(Shortform note: Despite the fact that a person’s Autism can’t be separated from who they are, many Autistic people have been told that they shouldn’t make Autism their whole personality. They may also be accused of using Autism as an excuse for things they can’t do. However, these attitudes fail to acknowledge how innate Autism is to a person’s functioning. One Autistic writer made the comparison to telling a person who can’t walk not to use that as an excuse for not walking. An Autistic X (formerly Twitter)-user likened Autism to the control center of their existence. These perspectives help clarify how central Autism is to a person’s essential self.)
Other Autism Traits
In addition to these qualities, Price describes many traits associated with Autism, including:
Special interests: Autistic people often have intense passions or areas of interest. Price explains that engaging with special interests is associated with improved well-being and can aid in development of things like social and motor skills.
(Shortform note: Research suggests that Autistic people derive a similar neurological reward from engaging in their special interests as allistic people do from interacting with others. This may help explain why Autistic people often have less intrinsic motivation to seek out social interaction than allistic people do.)
Sensory sensitivities: Autistic people’s greater sensitivity to sensory input, along with the fact that their brains don’t habituate to stimuli the way neurotypical brains do, can lead to sensory pain and overwhelm. (To clarify, “neurotypical” means characterized by a type of neurological functioning that aligns with what’s generally considered “normal”; and “neurodivergent” or “neurodiverse” means “not neurotypical.” All neurotypical people are allistic, but not all allistic people are neurotypical, meaning some allistic people are neurodivergent in other ways, such as those with ADHD, attachment disorders, brain injuries, or other undiagnosed differences).
(Shortform note: Autistic people often experience the oversensitivity Price describes, but they can also be prone to sensory undersensitivity, such as poor depth perception or unusually high pain tolerance. Autistic people aren’t necessarily oversensitive or undersensitive in general, but may instead experience either oversensitivity or undersensitivity in different contexts and degrees.)
Repetitive behaviors and routines: Repetition and routines can help Autistic people function in a confusing and unpredictable world.
(Shortform note: While routines can help Autistic people function better, experts note that routines imposed by others (as opposed to routines that Autistic people develop for themselves) can be distressing, as imposed routines interfere with their sense of control and autonomy.)
Stimming: Stimming is any behavior used to stimulate, comfort, or express yourself, such as fidgeting, hand-flapping, repeating words or phrases, or listening to specific sounds on repeat.
(Shortform note: While they sometimes look similar, stims are not the same thing as tics or compulsions. All three are seemingly involuntary repetitive behaviors, but tics (associated with Tourette Syndrome) are preceded by a distressing sensation called a “premonitory urge.” Compulsions (associated with obsessive compulsive disorder) are behaviors developed to reduce the distress caused by obsessive thoughts. While Autistic people may exhibit these behaviors for other reasons, such as co-morbidities, only stims are considered an Autistic trait.)
Difficulty with social interactions: Autistic people often struggle with social cues and may have trouble knowing when or how much to speak in conversations. Differences in Autistic and allistic communication styles can also lead to frequent misunderstandings.
(Shortform note: Autistic people’s difficulties with social interaction can sometimes lead them to be mistreated by others. Research shows that Autistic children are significantly more likely to be bullied than allistic children. However, experts suggest that educating children about Autism and neurodivergence could help reduce bullying rates and mistreatment of Autistic children.)
Executive functioning problems: Autistic people often struggle to plan, start, or switch between tasks. They can also be prone to decision fatigue (when the brain gets overwhelmed from having to make too many choices).
(Shortform note: Executive functioning encompasses more than just the ability to plan, start, and switch tasks. It also includes things like problem-solving, impulse control, and cognitive flexibility. This means that people with executive functioning difficulties may struggle to control impulsive behaviors, for example, or methodically go through the steps of effectively solving a problem. As these difficulties increase with decision fatigue, they can also lead to decision paralysis—when you’re so overwhelmed by options that you can’t make a decision at all. Anyone can experience decision fatigue and paralysis, but Autistic people and others with executive functioning difficulties are more prone to them.)
Price explains that these behaviors serve important functions for Autistic individuals, such as self-regulation and expression of emotions. However, these differences can also cause allistic people to view Autistic people as awkward, unpleasant, or even creepy. As a result, Autistic people often mask their traits, meaning they pretend to be allistic in order to get by.
(Shortform note: The above behaviors can be specifically helpful for a type of self-regulation involving the nervous system. Research shows that Autistic people tend to experience more nervous system dysregulation—meaning the parts of their nervous system dedicated to handling stressors and the parts dedicated to recovering from stress are out of sync—than allistic people. People who mask often exhibit faux regulation, where they appear to be calm and regulated but are internally very stressed and out of sync. As we’ll see next with other aspects of masking, this can make it easier to appear neurotypical, but is harmful in the long run.)
