Atypical

 

Plainspeak. Plain Language Version

What "Atypical" Means in Autism

In autism, "atypical" means having behaviors or traits that are different from what most people without autism (neurotypicals) have. These different behaviors can include things like:

• Repetitive Movements: Doing the same movements over and over.
• Social Communication Challenges: Finding it hard to talk to and interact with other people.
• Sensory Sensitivities: Being very sensitive to lights, sounds, or other sensory inputs.
• Intense Interests: Having very strong interests in specific topics.

We use the word "atypical" because these behaviors are not common in people without autism. But it's important to remember that "atypical" doesn't mean bad. Autistic people have special strengths and abilities that are different but still important and valuable. Understanding these differences helps us support autistic people better and appreciate their unique contributions.

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