Autism is normal thought of spectrum (linear most of time with low and high functioning on either end) but there couple new models that explain it better than that simple spectrum. And explaining it in only this way does not assess the person with Autism strengths because it is based on you being affected by the person's Autism instead of the person.
This includes that fact in most case, Autism is diagnosed in 3 Levels based on someone needs for support. Level 1 being less amount of support through Level 3 being the most amount of support. So even being diagnosed is based on how much you are effect by someone's Autism and not based on actual struggles the person deals with.
One model is like an equalizer with 10 "typical" traits for Autism. Those "typical" traits are non-verbal, stimming, eye contact, special interests, literal minded, fearless, sensory overload, routines, solitary, and special cues. It explains that only the iceberg of traits that could be on someone's equalizer. Each person has different settings and they can change based on stress and so the old model is harmful because it is incorrect way to look at Autism.
Another model is circle with 10 more known "traits" for Autism. Those known traits are depression, fixations, abnormal/flat speech, noise sensitivity, social difficulty, anxiety, abnormal posture, poor eye contact, tics/fidgets, and aggression. Similar to the equalizer model it can be different in the person. But it is shade based on how more someone, who has Autism struggle with that "trait" so it could be colored differently based on the person. For example, I would have high shaded sections for abnormal speech, anxiety, and abnormal posture. Lower shaded sections for noise sensitivity, poor eye contact, and social difficulty. Almost non-exist shaded in depression, fixations, tic/fidgets, and aggression. In the reality, this model probably explain Autism in way that more people can visualize.
Similar to the second model in the circle but instead there is only 6 traits. Those traits are perception, executive function, sensory filter, language, and motor skills. Basically this model allows someone to mark on circle where the person with autism is with those traits. The problem with this model, it is more about whether or not someone can notice the struggle the person with autism has otherwise it get ignored by people. Executive function which in many case time-management skills along with personal hygiene is something not only autistic struggle with.
These 3 newer model explain autism better than the linear spectrum argument or the diagnose based the levels of support an autistic needs. It is something to think about when you hear or say someone is low or high functioning autistic.
"Things people like about me because I am autistic: Out of the box thinking. Endless creativity. Ability to recall information I find interesting. Artistic skills in many different areas. Intense positive emotions. Bluntness and honesty. Loyalty. Attention to detail. Great sense of justice. Things people do not like about me because I am autistic: Meltdowns. Being overly emotional. Getting overstimulated easily. Avoiding eye-contact. "Picky" eater. Black or white thinking. Moodiness. Having my headphones on all the time. Answering questions with another question. Intense negative emotions. Literal interpretation of what people say figuratively. Asking for clarification often. Touch aversion. Saying things that are considered rude. Not understanding jokes. Wanting to be alone. Stimming. You cannot have one side without the other. Accepting Autistic people only when it is convenient for you, it is not acceptance."-The Autistic Life
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Autism, From Someone Who Is On The Spectrum
SaggisticaAutism from the perspective of a woman on the spectrum
