Atypical

 

In the context of autism, "atypical" refers to behaviors, traits, or abilities that deviate from those commonly observed in neurotypical (NT) individuals.  These atypical behaviors can encompass a range of manifestations, including repetitive movements (stereotypies), challenges in social communication and interaction, sensory sensitivities, and intense, focused interests in specific topics.

The term "atypical" is utilized to denote these behaviors because they diverge from the normative patterns expected in NT populations. For instance:

• Repetitive Movements: These may involve neural circuit dysregulation in the basal ganglia and motor cortex.
• Social Communication Difficulties: These can be attributed to differences in the neural substrates involved in social cognition and language processing, such as the prefrontal cortex and superior temporal sulcus.
• Sensory Sensitivities: These may result from atypical processing in sensory integration areas, including the thalamus and primary sensory cortices.
• Intense Interests: These could be linked to heightened activity and connectivity within the striatum and prefrontal cortex, contributing to focused attention and interest.

However, it is important to note that the term "atypical" should not be used in a negative or stigmatizing way, as autistics have unique strengths and abilities that may not be considered typical but are still valuable and important. Understanding the neural basis of these atypical behaviors can help in developing supportive interventions and highlighting the positive aspects of neurodiversity.

======

Read more on Atypical: [PlainSpeak Version] [For the Academic/Scientific Audience], [A Simple Definition]