What is true: autism includes…?
From the book – Chapter 27: ADHD and Neurodiversity
The right answer
Social-communication difference, restricted interests, sensory sensitivity
Autism spectrum
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Differences in social communication and interaction.
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Restricted or repetitive behaviours and interests.
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Sensory sensitivities (over- or under-reactivity to sound, light, touch, taste).
ARFID (very limited eating because of texture, smell or fear, not a wish to be thin) is common in autistic people. Gut health may also play a part. Neither is a diet cure for autism, but both remind us that the body's needs matter too.
Autism is not a failed performance of small talk. It is a different social and sensory wiring. Support is: predictable routines, sensory mercy, clear language, and school adjustments — not a project to make the child look typical at any cost.
Read the full chapter – Chapter 27: ADHD and Neurodiversity
Stories from real life
- The Boy Who Could Not Stay in the Chair – Vihaan, eight, from Lucknow, was always on the move. He lost his pencil box weekly, blurted answers, and tapped his feet through lessons. His teacher called…
- Always Late, Always Sorry – Priya, thirty-four, a graphic designer in Bengaluru, was brilliant in meetings and a mess in her inbox. She missed deadlines, lost keys, and began tasks at…
- The Girl Who Copied Everyone – Meera, fourteen, from Hyderabad, was polite, top of the class and rarely any trouble. At school she copied how other girls laughed and talked. At home…
- Bright Boy, Cannot Read – Oliver, nine, lives in Bristol with his parents. He is quick in conversation, tells long jokes and is excellent with Lego. But in class his reading…
More on this topic: Children, teenagers and parents – mental health at home and school
More questions
- What is true: dyslexia is…?
- What is true: sharing ADHD stimulant tablets is…?
- What is true: neurodiversity means…?
- The Boy Who Could Not Stay in the Chair – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Always Late, Always Sorry – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Girl Who Copied Everyone – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Bright Boy, Cannot Read – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Blink and the Sniff – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “Arun’S Two Reports”?
- Understanding ADHD (Chapter 27)
- Baby blues or postpartum depression?