In a group of 100 teenagers, most think in similar ways despite their different appearances. Yet 1-2 of them experience the world through an atypical lens - they are on the autism spectrum. This neurodevelopmental condition affects boys four times more frequently than girls, possibly because their symptoms are more easily identified.

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not a disease with a cure, but rather a different way of experiencing and processing the world. People with autism are born with neurodivergent traits that often include heightened sensory perception and a strong desire for logic and patterns. Many seek repetitive behaviors and may appear asocial or avoid eye contact.

The term "spectrum" acknowledges the wide range of experiences and support needs among those with autism:

• On one end are those with what was previously called Asperger's syndrome - highly intelligent individuals with exceptional abilities in specific areas
• In the middle are those with average intelligence who may struggle with certain learning tasks
• On the far end are those with more significant learning disabilities requiring substantial support

Timo's Story: Life Through a Different Lens

Consider Timo, a young boy whose autism helps illustrate how a neurodivergent mind functions. His mother noticed early warning signs: he avoided eye contact, became upset when hugged, rarely smiled, and often had tantrums during social play. By age four, his limited speech development prompted his mother to seek professional help, leading to his diagnosis of mild autism spectrum disorder.

The Autistic Experience

Atypical Perception

While neurotypical children naturally categorize things (recognizing all barking four-legged animals as "dogs"), Timo's brain processes each type of dog as unique and individual. This attention to detail makes him less susceptible to cognitive biases but also means new experiences can feel overwhelmingly complex. To manage this, he relies on rigid daily routines that limit sensory input.

Heightened Sensitivity

Timo's brain amplifies sensory input - he hears everything and has an extremely sensitive sense of touch. This "superpower" becomes challenging in noisy environments where simultaneous conversations become unintelligible. His sensitivity affects everyday experiences:

• Certain food textures or flavors become impossible to tolerate
• Walking barefoot on wet grass or playing in dirt can be overwhelming

Fascination With Logic

Timo naturally seeks patterns that bring order to his world. He may develop structured movements and become upset when patterns break - for example, when someone counts to 8 but doesn't continue to 10. This can sometimes manifest alongside obsessive-compulsive tendencies.

Social Disconnection

Social settings overwhelm Timo's sensitivity and need for order. Human emotions don't follow predictable patterns, making them difficult for him to interpret. This often leads to misunderstandings and social withdrawal. From his perspective, most conversations seem illogical and uninteresting.

Therapy and Acceptance

For four years, Timo worked with a therapist who helped him identify facial expressions and their corresponding emotions. While he improved at recognizing emotions, he still shows little interest in reading faces or forming new social connections. He has two friends who share his interests, which satisfies his social needs.

This raises important questions about our approach to autism. Since autism represents a different way of experiencing the world rather than an illness, should we:

• Focus on therapy to help those with autism adapt to neurotypical expectations?
• Celebrate neurodiversity and accept different ways of experiencing the world?
• Find a balance between both approaches?

Perhaps the most important change needed isn't in autistic minds, but in our stereotypical perspective about what constitutes "normal" cognitive functioning.