What it Means to be Autistic

April is Autism Awareness Month, the perfect time to clear up some myths and misconceptions about Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD.

Contributed by: Melissa Armstrong-Brine, PhD | Behavioral Health

Melissa Armstrong-Brine, PhD, is the director of MetroHealth’s Autism and Neurobehavioral Clinic. A licensed clinical psychologist, she helps evaluate children who show signs of autism. Only clinical psychologists or medical doctors trained in neurobehaviors (like neurologists or psychiatrists) can diagnose autism.

“ASD is a medically based diagnosis that has some specific behaviors in two big areas,” Dr. Armstrong-Brine says.

Social Communication

Social communication involves many things, but the main indicator of possible ASD is whether the child or adult can manage the back and forth of conversations and respond appropriately to the emotions of others.

In young children, this can be harder to see. It often becomes more apparent as children are a bit older. Early symptoms can include delayed speech, not smiling at other people, not pointing at people or objects, and little eye contact.

Adults with autism may seem blunt or rude. They often struggle with taking things very literally, not understanding sarcasm or expressions. Adults with autism are often anxious about social situations and may struggle to make friends.

Repetitive and Restrictive Behaviors

These behaviors can be anything from a motor movement, like pacing or hand flapping, to using words in unusual ways or talking over people. Children with autism may use objects in unusual ways, like stacking them instead of playing with them.

People with ASD usually want things to be a particular way and can become upset when they don’t go that way.

Children and adults with autism may be sensitive to loud noises and too much talking. They may also have obsessive interests in very particular and sometimes unusual things, like elevators, cell phone towers or the emblems of cars.

“We all have some repetitive behaviors, but they don’t necessarily impair us. To be a disorder, the behavior has to have a negative impact on your life,” she says.

Other key facts about autism

ASD isn’t an intellectual disability. Many people with ASD have above-average IQs.
ASD symptoms are varied. No two people with ASD have the exact same symptoms.
Kids and adults with autism do want relationships and do want to be included. It’s a myth that they don’t want social interactions.
People with autism can live a happy, healthy, contented life, especially with the right support.

Bonus Recipe

Hidden Veggie Meatballs
Contributed by: Jennifer Bier, MS, RD, LD Manager | Ambulatory Nutrition

Looking for a way to sneak more vegetables into the diet of picky eaters? These meatballs use beans as a filler instead of breadcrumbs for a fiber boost with more protein and no gluten. Mixing in vegetables gives vegetable-haters an easy way to fit some into their diet. Serve with your favorite pasta sauce or with barbecue sauce and a side of rice.

Next Steps

An Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis can be a good thing if it helps your child get the support they need. You can get a referral to the MetroHealth’s Autism and Neurobehavioral Clinic from your pediatrician, who should be your first stop for discussing your concerns.

To schedule an appointment, call 216-778-2222 or visit metrohealth.org/pediatrics.