Characteristics Of Autism

Autism, Anomaly or Evolution?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), more commonly known as autism, is a condition that affects brain development and causes problems relating to social interaction and communication, as well as limited and repetitive behavior. Autism has shaped human evolution, causing a variety of different and creative ways to do work as an effect. Autism is more a form of evolution than it is of an anomaly. ASD is a part of life and it is one worth living.

There are a lot of misconceptions about autism. One being that the qualities it gives to people are impractical skills and that are not related to "real" intellect or even that they are intellectually superior. Research has found that people "on the spectrum" often do function

In fact, research shows that about one third of autism cases are due because of a mutation in genetics and the rest to be hereditary. This shows how autism is a favorable trait that has stayed with us for thousands of years. Autistic traits are shown to be of much importance in the ancient world. Consequently, these traits (such as enhanced memory, superior eye perception, understanding of natural behavior, etc.) were

necessary for the survival of our species. Being autistic meant a role of leadership as our ancestors constantly depended on them because they inherited these traits. Autism should not be considered a mental disability, but more of a mental

This reinforces the idea of how an autistic person is mentally strong and should not be considered inferior to anyone.

As an additional comment, stereotypes commonly used for autistic people have made us think of them as people who should be taken care of as if they had an illness that is slowly killing them. People with autism are first a person like anybody else, not a label or mental disorder. Qualities obtained by being on the spectrum should not be stereotyped to limiting them on who they actually are.

To continue, ASD traits are not only related to being intelligent; they are also related to artistic development. This goes back to ancient times as paintings have been found inside caves. These paintings show some of the spectrum characteristics, such as outstanding memory, attention to detail, and even concentration on small parts rather than on the whole image. Although these traits can also be found in artist without ASD, these are more common between people with ASD. Michelangelo, one of the most influential artists of the Renaissance period is rumored to also, be autistic. He is famously known for his sculptors and is even compared to one of the greatest artists during this time as is Leonardo da Vinci. To emphasize on this, autistic artist, Stephen Wiltshire, is known for drawing a landscape after seeing it just once and do it with extremely fine detail. This proves how being autistic does not limit a person to an inferior group