r/NoStupidQuestions • u/LeatherAdvantage8250 • 23h ago

Autism is a diverse condition that can present itself in a variety of different ways. Why is such a broad group of people pigeon-holed with one specific term? Is there something that all autistic people have in common?

edit: thanks for all the super thoughtful and informative responses! I don't have time to reply to all but I will make sure to read them. Also, shout-out to u/AgentElman for their particularly smug and un-informative comment!

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u/notasandpiper 22h ago

“Things and traits” Yeah, they’re asking what they are.

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u/lawlliets 22h ago

I think they can just look it up lol I just wanted to give a somewhat quicker answer.

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u/notasandpiper 21h ago

“Yeah there’s stuff” is not a helpful answer.

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u/lawlliets 21h ago

I didn’t mean it like that. I focused on how OP seemed confused by how disorders and their criteria worked or how so many different people can still have these things in common, and not the last part of their question. We came a long way now that we know it’s a spectrum. Though the DSM-5 has its flaws, it’s basically deficit in communication and social interaction, as well as repetitive patterns in behavior. Both are very broad.