What is the Broad Autism Phenotype?

[@alexsautismacceptancechann1459]

And I’m sorry, but I HATE it when people say “everyone is a little bit autistic”. No, everyone is not.

[@UpsideDown853]

Hey, I sort of disagree with you here, but it may be due to individual experience as well. I have never been told "everyone is a little autistic". I have heard things similar in different contexts and it was usually used as a way of saying: "well, EVERYBODY feels that way, so why can't you just stop complaining and act normal". It's used to delegitimise your personal difficulty in performing as expected. That being said, Autism literally is a Spektrum, and therefore implies, that everyone (or at least many) lies within it to a certain degree (I feel Spektrum doesn't quite reflect the complexity of neurodiversity, it's probably more like a n-dimensional plane). Different people stray differently from the idealised norm. Also: the 'severity' of autism does not relate to the severity of someones suffering or daily difficulties. Someone with less autism, who lives in a crowded city may experience more sensory overload than a "more" autistic person who lives in a quiet cabin in the woods. Same can be said for other symptoms. Deaf autistic children may be more capable of eye contact, because their language requires attentiveness towards the body. So compared to their autistic peers they may seem friendlier, though in their own community it's noticed. Or where I live everything is very scheduled, so nobody notices it when you have tight set routines or rules, because it is less apparent. Even if you were to be super extrem about it, this culture has a higher acceptance for that behaviour. So yeah, I would say everybody has some traits or characteristics of autism, but it's only Autism when you have all or enough symptoms in a certain dynamic. Basically like how everybody experiences back pain or has a little curve in their spine. Doesn't mean you share my experience of being corset-bound with scoliosis. Open to your perspective, this is just mine :)

[@gonnfishy2987]

“EVERYONE IS A LITTLE BIT NEUROTYPICAL” just doesn’t have that ring does it. i share your view partly because although its reasonable to assume there are a few HFA and undiagnosed adults out there, when your sister is non verbal and the agonies she endures live on and on inside yourself, it’s really hard to find credibility in that “neato” belief. i think phenotyping is , if it comes to bear, will be so called “inclusive” but let the wrong people access excuses like Oh that’s my autism i can be a c*nt sometimes you probably don’t get it. NOT GOOD

[@UpsideDown853]

@@gonnfishy2987 Personally, I feel the biggest problem isn't in how many people are diagnosed with ASD, but rather that this issue is linked to resources available. I presume being protective of the label has a lot to do with how much the (local) community is struggling already. Having a broader definition can make it harder to get the exact needs met, especially because our ableist society tends to prioritise the needs of the "higher" functioning citizens more. Meaning less resources for more people with a focus on the "performers". And I definitely agree that we aren't meeting the needs of those farther along on the spectrum. There isn't a lot of room left for their voices. That doesn't take away from other people's struggles though. The suffering can even be the same. The difference lies in the difficulty with addressing the needs. If we all keep an eye out for each other, and try to be really mindful of allowing space for everyone to communicate (verbal or not, this means Ntypical people will need to adjust eventually) within the ASD community, I am hopeful that the constellation of various people and backgrounds will help make a positiv impact for all. No one should be made to feel uncomfortable or unable to cope, even if they mange to pass off as normal. And for those that don't, we need to finally find a way to include them as well.

[@mariamurphy4631]

Uh huh. So I suppose we are all a little bit pregnant too..... 😉

[@davef2975]

@@UpsideDown853 With no offense intended, you talked in a circle that nullified your own argument. Simply put, the label "Autism" (Now Autism Spectrum Disorder) is and should only be applied when a person has demonstrated enough of the recognized traits at enough severity and duration. It has become far too common for a person to think any of the recognized traits listed under Autism in the DSM is UNIQUE to Autism and therefor, simply because they think they exhibit one or two similar traits, they are "a little Autistic." It is correct that any single trait listed under Autism can be seen in the general public. Most people have a threshold at which sound upsets them. That does not make everyone Autistic. Everyone has some little thing they do when they are anxious (like tapping their foot), but that does not make them Autistic. You are either pregnant or not. Either you have demonstrated or evaluated as to showing enough of the traits, severity, and duration to qualify for the diagnosis of Autism, you have not. Another common error is people make these assumptions based only on current behavior. The only caveat to recognize is under the DSM-5, Autism Spectrum Disorder is broken down into 3 levels and the levels reflect the amount of support a person needs, not specific traits (or grouping there of). Level one is what most would call "High Functioning" as the person requires only mild assistance to function daily. Level two is for those who may require moderated assistance to function daily. A person can be non-verbal and still be at level two. Level three is for those who require constant assistance to function daily. It is not the mix of traits that is important, as much as the needs for support. Given, these descriptions are generalities, but the point is all levels are still labeled as "Autistic", but take note there is not such thing as "a little Autistic." If you read one of my other comments here, I explain that not all traits may be present at the same time. Some are heavily influenced by environment. This is why it is critical for people to understand an honest diagnosis of Autism can only be attained when the entire lifetime of behavior is taken in review. We are born Autistic, but trait presentation and severity vary over a lifetime. Being ready to turn 70, I think I qualify to some degree as to having some knowledge of Autism over a lifetime. For clarity: "Spectrum" is spelled in the English Language with a "C", not a "K." Also......I am Autistic, but that does no mean I am "suffering".

[@ozono27]

One thing I wonder a lot is... I know that "dissorder", implies that there is disability, in the sense that the person is supposed to be unable to go through a normal life for their age, without support. I can see a problem here, that is difficult to objetivize, I think: how intense has to be your distress, to say that support is required? I can see that I had two parents that had some aspects in the way things worked in our house that were really appropiate for my autistic traits. My mom always kept everything in the same place, had strict routines, and they both gave me books and information about anything I asked (and I asked a lot). At 13 yo, I had a pile of books about maths, dinosaurs, astronomy and ancient civilizations. They encouraged all this interests. Also, they worked everyday in reminding (gently) me to look at people's eyes, no matter how much I hated it, because only rude people didn't do it. I didn't want to be rude, so I learnt to look at eyebrows, in the middle of the eyes, etc. My dad was a professor, and I went and watched him teach and answer questions from students. My mom 3 days out of 7 in a week, had people visiting, and ordered me since I was 5 yo, to say "hi, how are you, do you want water, coffee or juice?" and answer what they asked. I wanted to dive deep into the farthest corner of the house, but because it was "rude" I just did it, because I wanted to do things right. After many years, I did it as a script, and naturally learnt that after a while I could hide and recover, recharging with books, stimming or videogames. Though I have had LOTS awful situations as an adult, lost opportunities for being weird, or being unable to be organized, or coming as arrogant, etc... I almost always could wait to scream, hit a pillow, and explode in private. So, with different parents, I see clearly how I could have needed support. But I was, and I am in distress, permanently. I know, because I have a wife, and a phd and a job, I will not be considered as needing support. I wonder how many people with actual ASD diagnosis, with low support requirements, after therapy, coping mechanisms, workarounds, would pass as BAPs? I use all the tips and workarounds recommended for ASD, and my life has changed. I feel less guilty for being unable to change things in me, and less guilty for trying to put some accomodations in place for me. Reading books about ASD feels , for my wife and for me, as if we are reading an instructions manual about me, and the books about research in romantic relationships between typical and autistic people have been a blessing, a complete turning point in our married life. My recommendation for those that do not know if they would get the ASD diagnostic would be.. in my humble opinion, read about it, and see the recommendations, try them for yourself, and if they work... just do it. In the end, what we all want, is to have less distress... or having it in a less systematic and permanent way. Thanks for your video. You are awesome.

[@goblinodds]

"broad autism phenotype" makes a lot of sense to me. lots of my family have pretty glaring autistic traits and they're aware of my diagnosis but aren't interested in seeking a diagnosis themselves. either they're in denial and suffering in silence, or-- more likely, in my opinion-- they're just not suffering from these traits. scott alexander (psychiatrist and blogger) wrote an essay called "Ontology Of Psychiatric Conditions: Taxometrics" where he does a good job of describing the difference between "categorical" (eg. autism or not autism) vs. "dimensional" (everything is on a spectrum) conditions -- although research seems to put autism in either category depending on who you ask maybe there's a "BAP" spectrum that's categorically different from "the neurotypical spectrum" (nothing to do with autism), and people on the "BAP" spectrum are dimensionally different from each other?

[@criticalmaz1609]

Ever since discovering I'm on the spectrum I've certainly been looking at my family members a bit more... 'suspiciously' shall we say.

[@gonnfishy2987]

crazy, i have been doing this too... my dad actually isn’t just outta-left-field weird if i apply that filter. i won’t speak for any generation younger than parents. my gmothers side is too hush-hush to even discuss this let alone broadcast it.

[@Larry_Stylinson]

@@gonnfishy2987 Same. Me and my brother are diagnosed with ASD and my mother has very likely ASD too (she went to get diagnosed before I had my diagnosis and they basically said "Test your daughter and if she's autistic - you're almost 100% too.") and my father might be on the spectrum as well. On both sides of my family there are a handful of people who likely are/were autistic, like both of my grandfathers and an uncle. The older the people are the harder it is to talk with them about it. Most of them don't even properly understand autism and don't want to learn enough about it to understand us and why we struggle with certain things...

[@d-rex7043]

The traits are like instruments. Some people may have solo, a quartet, a band etc. If you've gathered enough of them (some arbitrary number), you may have an orchestra. For your orchestra to be officially recognised, you need minimum numbers of some particular instruments. Your particular orchestra might range anywhere from 'chamber' to full-on 'symphony' orchestra.

[@rodthemixgod7082]

Amazing analogy!!

[@Tim_G_Bennett]

I thought the reason they got rid of Asperger's was because the diagnostic outcome between Autism or Asperger's was mostly down to who was doing the diagnosing. I see this this as having the same problem.

[@LS-ei7xk]

Psychology is highly subjective, anyway. Not sure I trust it as a science. Give it time: in 5 years, all the dx will change. I've experienced that already... after awhile, the dx are just labels, and meaningless. Not saying that these conditions don't exist, just that they are not easily understood, and often, mis-diagnosed.

[@neurodimensions7509]

I feel like this concept needs to be revised now that more is known about adult diagnosis and neurodiversity. It doesn’t really account for how diverse the autism spectrum is (of course everyone on the autism spectrum is in fact autistic). If some of these folks aren’t autistic (which most likely are), they could also have ADHD, dyspraxia, etc. However considering how much they overlap with autism, they most likely are autistic as well. It’s also worth noting that many of these adults likely have spent their whole lives masking as well!

[@neurodimensions7509]

Being autistic is SO much more than external behaviors. What a person experienced internally is way too often discounted!

[@Daniel-vl8mx]

At 5:59 I think you have nailed it, at least based on my own family's experience. My younger brother was diagnosed as autistic at the age of about 2, back in about 1984, on the basis that in his case it was really quite obvious, and he had fairly high support needs. At that point in time none of us had heard of autism, and so the eccentricities of my father, me (then in my teens) and others in the extended family didn't really have a name. Oh people would say "he's a bit stand-offish", or "he's a bit obsessive", or "doesn't seem to make friends", and my mother would say things like "eye contact!" and pass remarks about my somewhat odd behaviour and what she called my "baleful" expression, but no-one had a name for what was behind it. Meanwhile I worked hard to fit in, studying humans in order to pass for one, reading textbooks on human behaviour and body language, and practicing facial expressions and my lines in the mirror. You might have thought that with an autistic brother, and exposure to other autists as he received support through his childhood, we might have put two and two together sooner, but it was only rather later that my father and I, independently, worked it out. I guess it was largely down to the fact that, unlike my brother, we were able to more or less pass, and live reasonably successfully among the humans. In my case the self-diagnosis as an aspie was confirmed when my son was diagnosed, again at the age of two. My daughter flew under the radar, though I strongly suspected that she was an aspie like her father and grandfather, until she received a diagnosis at her own request in her early teens. Those doing the diagnoses were in no doubt at all about me being on the spectrum. I guess the passage of years, and a better understanding of autism on the part of both me and those doing the diagnoses, made all the difference.

[@isaacw1689]

I feel like labelling someone as fitting in the BAP, but not autistic is a way to make neurotypical people feel better about assuming that people who mask 'well enough' aren't struggling. I haven't had time and money to seek a diagnosis yet, but I can look at my life and see exactly where and how having all of these autistic traits have indeed affected and impeded me in life, but nobody ever thought I might even be 'a little autistic' because for as long as I can remember my efforts were aimed at masking, like masking and trying to fit in since I was a toddler, then everyone wonders why I have such a hard time coping with adulthood.

[@the_real_littlepinkhousefly]

I'm not neurotypical (I have ADHD), but I feel like BAP is a good way of identifying people who are related to those with ASD and who present with some of the criteria, but not enough to warrant a diagnosis. It has never entered my mind to assume people who are good at masking don't struggle. Goodness, the fact that they have to mask is a struggle, isn't it? I would say that most NTs don't even know what masking is (I didn't until my son was diagnosed and we started talking about it). So I think it's not entirely fair to be angry with NTs for "not getting it", as most likely they don't even know about it, and if you are good at masking, of course they're not going to see what's really behind it. I never did with my son. I knew he struggled with socializing in school, but in college he really seemed to blossom in his social life, making new friends, enjoying hanging out with them. Still, occasionally he would talk to me about how stressful social situations were, and how often he felt like he didn't fit in, but all we thought it was was just his introversion. I knew about "Aspergers" but didn't know much about it and would never in a million years have thought my son (bright, did well in school, graduated from university with honors, etc.) could be anywhere on the "autism scale". Until he was diagnosed, and we started learning about it, and it totally fit him. So give your parents and other NTs in your life the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they just had no idea. And go get yourself a diagnosis and open up dialogues with the people in your life who matter. I don't know anything about your parents, but if they were otherwise good parents and good people, then it wasn't that they were just refusing to help you or that they were blind. They just didn't know. (And if you do get the diagnosis, go slow in opening up the dialogues with your people about it. Give them a chance to get used to the idea. Ask them to listen while you explain what the diagnosis means and how it affects you. Don't throw blame at their feet -- most parents are doing the best they can and feel terrible for missing important clues about mental health issues that impacted their children; I know I did, but fortunately my son was understanding enough and kind enough to get that I didn't know, and I was willing to listen to him explain. It's hard on everyone. Be gentle with yourself and with them. It's much better to lovingly encourage people to be on your team than to cut them off and have to go it alone. Some parents will really struggle with it -- allow for that, and keep the lines of communication open.) Best of luck to you, and I hope you find answers and peace.

[@scheimaa172]

I am not masking (at least not heavily) and although i have been perceived as weird and didn't feel like i fit in for most of my life i don't struggle enough to get a diagnosis especially after growing up and learning more about how to socialize and (sadly) losing my special interests. So the BAP umbrella is nice for people like me who don't feel normal but also not autistic enough. I am really spektical about the claim that you either are autistic or not, the boarder between being autistic or not is not well defined as people think, it isn't like having a certain illness or not, it's more like a continuum in my opinion.

[@shrimshram]

@@the_real_littlepinkhousefly I know your response was well-intentioned but with all due respect, it misses the point. People who are actually dis-abled by their invisible, neurological differences are used to having their challenges completely minimized by neurotypicals, it happens constantly and is one of the reasons accessibility rights activists have to exist. The point of this comment is that if suddenly "everyone is a little autistic," the ideal scenario where that motivates able NTs to empathize with and build a better world for NDs isn't what's going to happen. Those same NTs who hold power and are ableist are just gonna be able to use it to perpetuate their nonsense even further, that's what I believe this is saying. Again your heart was definitely in the right place and as a Capricorn with ADHD this is something I definitely had to drill into my own head: it's important to ask for consent before soliciting advice.

[@the_real_littlepinkhousefly]

@@shrimshram I think you might have misunderstood what I was saying. I don't for a minute agree with the statement that "everyone is a little autistic," and in fact, that statement makes me angry. I'm not ableist, and I don't want NTs to "build a better world for NTs" -- we can do that ourselves just fine. I agree that there are a lot of NTs who think they're helping and make things worse. But I do think that parents who have NO CLUE about neurodiversity and do NOT realize their child is neurodiverse and are otherwise good, decent human beings trying their best to raise a child who isn't like them should not be vilified. Does that mean we overlook the damage done? No. But we realize the damage wasn't done intentionally, and we open up dialogue with those people as soon as we realize we are ND and try to bring them along into the light. I would be devastated if my son blamed me for the troubles he has as an autistic and someone with ADHD, because we DID NOT KNOW he was when he was growing up, and we did our best. Did we leave him with some scars? Yes, and that's heartbreaking and makes me wish I could go back and do it over again with the knowledge I have now. Thankfully, he doesn't blame us one iota, and he's been very loving and compassionate about helping me learn how to see the world through his eyes (and it helps that I have ADHD and know what it's like to struggle because of being ND, I just don't have personal experience with being on the autism scale). I think I hear what you're saying -- I'm not intending to push back. Remember that I mentioned that I am ND, as well. I'm just trying to clarify that I do not for one minute think a world run by NTs for NDs is a good idea. I see those structures all around me, live in some of them, and it makes life super hard. So that is NOT what I was going for. What I was going for was compassion for parents who DID NOT KNOW about their child's ND and were trying to work with what they had. GOOD parents, loving parents, not manipulative, critical, domineering parents who demanded their kids conform. But the ones who were honestly just trying to do what they thought was right without the knowledge they needed.

[@ariv1813]

While this can be the case, if you have ANY level of impairment- even if you mask it- that would be at least level 1 ASD. BAP is autistic characteristics WITHOUT impairment, hence, subclinical.

[@musicmama2864]

I really apprectiate this topic. I see people (in my family) who are skating on such a fine line between autistic & non-autistic. The sensory integration & executive function pieces are where I see the biggest expression.

[@catz537]

I think right now we don't have enough information, not only about autism, but about brains and neurotypes in general. No, everyone is NOT "a little bit autistic," but I wouldn't say allistic people can't have some autistic-like traits. I agree with your point about a lot of these BAP people just being undiagnosed autistics. I think that is much more likely than there being a high percentage of the population with BAP.

[@alexrose20]

I agree. I don't think bap is a real thing. You're either autistic or you're not. There's no objective way to test for autism so this is probably ppl who missed details from their life that would've qualified for enough criteria or the doctor just didn't correctly assess.

[@asmrtpop2676]

As someone seeking evaluation for autism in the summer because it explains my entire life, AND someone who is queer, “everyone is a little bit autistic” has the same flavour to me as “everyone is a little bit gay”. It’s used by the majority to belittle or dismiss the minority. Even if it isn’t intended to, that’s what it does. Sure, allistics can have autistic traits (and many autism traits can overlap individually with other neurodivergences or mental health issues) but that doesn’t mean anything. I don’t care if a straight woman says she’s occasionally attracted to women, cool, but non-straight sexualities also still exist. And if you keep identifying as straight, you’re straight. You just experience your straightness differently. Finally I want to say, I’m asthmatic and like, everyone isn’t a little bit asthmatic. No matter where you fall on the asthma “spectrum” (remission, mild, severe, allergic, etc) you are asthmatic. And if you’re not, you’re not!

[@LS-ei7xk]

@@asmrtpop2676 I liked the comparison to having asthma, lol!

[@alexsautismacceptancechann1459]

That's crazy how much the environment has an affect on our condition. I always thought that Autism was unaffected by our surroundings but just now I learned that that's not the case! Thanks for raising awareness about this kind of stuff! There needs to be more channels like ours out there

[@PukuDuckie]

I am undiagnosed but strongly relate to many autistic traits, so I feel I am more likely than not on the spectrum, but I after all the digging I've done, I tend to lean towards wondering if more people are "a little autistic" or even on the spectrum than we all think. I mean, I've considered it a lot, and as an adult, I tend to easily keep like-minded company so it tends to feel like "we're all a little autistic" but then I remember being in high school and just general education where you mix with all sorts of different people with different outlooks and minds, and remember 'yep, we are very different kinds of people'. You can kind of just tell when you find like-minded types, I feel. It's very possible, in my opinion, that being on the spectrum may be closer to 50/50 kind of like introvert vs. extravert, but of course that may be quite literally just the people I tend to surround myself with. I feel autistically minded people tend to be more likely attracted to each other, romantically or friendship-wise. It's definitely possible my family members may be Broad Autism Phenotype, but I also know they come from an era that othered and bullied people who acted "wrong" or different, so... I dunno, I just think there was a lot of masking and environmental unlearning of natural autistic traits, but some never left and I can tell. I tend to wonder if just "eccentric" types, artistic, and nerd types tend to be on the spectrum, too. It's like you have a great array of different kinds of autists. Creative artists to strict scientists and anywhere in between. I've noticed many trends within my own family, and I'm adopted. I've found it super fascinating how they managed to find me and we all kind of belong together as far as how our minds see the world. Of course, my theory is, as it was a private adoption, my grandpas were fishing buddies before I was ever adopted so... Again like minded people tend to gravitate to one another. *shrug* -but again really fun video! I love the topics you decide to delve into! :)

[@FirstmaninRome]

Well, I think you handled that very well Steph, hard to explain, but I think you nailed it.

[@alexsautismacceptancechann1459]

Right! She did that perfectly! There's no way I could explain it that well

[@oiuyuioiuyuio]

She didn't, though. She has NO idea what she's talking about. These youtube autistic people need to stop thinking they know anything just because they're autistic. They're spreading a lot of misinformation and misleading the public. For the record, NO, the BAP is NOT composed of people with autism who weren't diagnosed. God, I don't even know where to begin. She didn't understand very much about the concept.

[@FirstmaninRome]

@@oiuyuioiuyuio well mr. I have the definitive unified theory of genetics and psychology let's see your video.

[@bendo9162]

8:20 That is exactly a problem, I am facing. I definitely have autistic traits that definitely impair me. But apparently, not enough from a clinical standpoint (I have already received on negative diagnosis. Since then my sister has been positively diagnosed and I have found several inconsistencies in my prior negative result, so next week, with that knowledge, I am having another try at a diagnosis). Sometimes I think, something like BAP should be a medical diagnosis as well, not necessarily with the same significance as a "full-on" autism diagnosis, but enough to e. g. give you an "official" means to reject certain tasks or work environments in your job under which you cannot work (at least not without terrible stress-levels) because of your traits. It would certainly help me at least a bit.

[@angelastarston7566]

Thank you for this. I'm currently self-diagnosed as autistic due to barriers to a clinical diagnosis. There's no question I'm autistic, but recently someone who is anti self-diagnosis told me I should say I have BAP. I did some research and actually found this BAP concept kind of insulting, as well as confusing. I'm glad to see you also find this confusing, that I'm not just missing something. Part of the problem is the DSM-5 saying autism traits have to be disabling, which doesn't account for the damage that happens when you don't know you're autistic. So people are becoming disabled who might not have if they'd known more about themselves, how important accommodations are, etc. In general it feels like our system wants us to get sick, because there's money in that. I think a lot of autistic people would prefer, and benefit from, a more proactive approach that reduces our risk of becoming disabled (or of making a disability worse).

[@_peachjam_]

It's an interesting concept. I wonder how ADHD would play into this with how overlapped our symptoms are, if it would at all. Like is it ALL just different expressions of the same thing or is it all really different, stuff like that.

[@willowisp9150]

My mom is adhd and my sister and I are autistic

[@davef2975]

The reason Autism is so misdiagnosed, ADHD, Autism, and Schizophrenia is a triad that overlaps greatly under diagnostic criteria. In many cases, there is very little separation. Bipolar Disorder is another common misdiagnosis. This is why the mental health community and the Neuroscience community need to be looking at the questions in the same way......but they are not. An example would be ADHD used to be separate. Suddenly the DSM tossed them together. So now an introvert who sits quietly in the corner is given the same diagnosis as the kid bouncing off the walls. So depending on a single opinion, a person who is Bipolar can be diagnosed instead as ADHD, depending on the one doctors interpretation of the variation of moods.

[@musicmama2864]

Yes!

[@Catlily5]

@@davef2975 I don't agree that there is much overlap between bipolar and Autism. I have both. Most the bipolar people I know do not seem Autistic. Schizophrenia might overlap more, but with schizophrenia you have to have hallucinations or delusions. How many people with Autism have such problems? ADHD seems to overlap the most with Autism. I don't know enough about ADHD to comment. I agree that scientists need to learn more about the brain so that diagnoses will be more accurate.

[@davef2975]

Reading many comments, it is important to remember the diagnosis of Autism/ASD/Aspergers is not a one hour visit to the office, There is a reason it takes a very long time. As we all know, Autism is for life. That means an accurate diagnosis is a result of looking at the subjects entire life. Not all Autism traits will necessarily present at a singular time. As a personal example; in my preteen years I lived in a very quiet and calm community. It was not until I was exposed to a much noisier environment that my extreme sensitivity to sound had an impact. Yes, there were small signs, but in "Pre-Autism/Aspergers" years, nothing that would stand out. It is my theory that many people who missed being diagnosed (or incorrectly) was a result of poor performance by the analyst who did not make the effort to thoroughly investigate. The DSM is not intended to be a bulletized "checklist", it is a "hint" of a direction that needs much more investigation. Likewise, I am always frustrated by even "nonprofessionals" who only look at a "snapshot" of a person and place a label of "Autistic" on someone. (i.e. "Aspie World") To truly be fair and honest for all concerned, no one should draw assumptions and place labels. The Mental Health community does that all too often and ends up with either a missed diagnosis or a wrong diagnosis. There should be no short cuts. Jumping to conclusions and lack of research will result in the popular comment "Everyone is a bit Autistic." I view the Expanded Phenotype concept a lazy approach by people who pretend to have answers for questions they are not willing to ask.

[@LS-ei7xk]

Exactly! Thanks. : ) (and I'm not even ND formally diagnosed, but could apply what you wrote to other lazy diagnoses).

[@DataEntity]

Science is not beholden to your sense of identity.

[@daniellist6429]

It doesn't help this discussion that autism: the diagnosis, and autism: the condition being diagnosed, are both called "autism". Autism the diagnosis has been defined as a binary quality you either have or don't have. This aspect of definition of the diagnosis doesn't prove anything about the condition being diagnosed (or miss-diagnosed). I think the fact that people within the broad autism phenotype are a commonly acknowledged phenomenon is a good indication that the condition doesn't end where the diagnosis currently does. Saying that the condition of autism may not have a natural boundary is very different from saying "we are all a little bit autistic". The great majority of people are not at all autistic. This will still be true if it turns out that the remaining people range from almost imperceptibly autistic to very autistic.

[@daniellist6429]

Also, thank you Stephanie a well researched and thought out discussion of this topic. I was placed in the BAP group back in 2006 but that outcome could be different under DSM5.

[@davef2975]

Your comment is correct. A dramatic error is being made by people believing the various traits of Autism are specific and unique to Autism. It is a constant battle to get people to realize; A child's wagon, like a car, has four wheels and a metal frame. But only in a child's mind is a wagon a "car." It is the total sum of the parts that makes a car a car and not a wagon. Because a person shows some traits that are (also) observed in Autism, does not make them Autistic or "almost Autistic." Although the DSM-5 contains "categories" of traits, it is not all inclusive. Given the breadth and variation of traits being associated with "Autism Spectrum Disorder", it would be impossible for any manual to encapsulate the mixture of traits. The introduction in DSM-5 of Autism Levels would seem to imply a movement towards addressing level and severity of "needs/support". (Autism Levels 1-3) Indeed , the DSM is actually recognizing because of the high variability potential with each of the criteria, it makes it very hard to declare a Yes/No diagnosis. Unfortunately the public obsession with labels drives over simplification. KZbin is full of "Autism" channels that are all too quick to declare "5 things you must know that says you are Autistic" (i.e. "Aspie World"). Frustrating when science is still learning how to ask the questions, the public declarers they already know the answers. Enjoyed your observation

[@thebasicbaephilosopher]

I personally think that there still needs to be a differentiation between "neurotypical" and "BAP" though, because even people like me that are "mild" can still have significant challenges in reading social cues, etc. even if I don't experience major sensory overload (although I do when it comes to food and clothing, just not lights and sounds for some reason...)

[@13Pishposh]

Thank you for this. I have a group on fb called women discussing neurodiversity. It has already been mentioned how some of the individuals in the group gave been told they are not autistic but they show a good amount of the signs.

[@spigney4623]

I've been watching videos about autism for the past few days and getting more and more frustrated because exactly half of the content sounds like my experience. This is the first video that has helped me sort through this conflict

[@shrimshram]

I love your videos! Thank you for sharing. 🙏🏼 When it comes to the example of your friend, I think for viewers it's important to note that if you *do* have a "diagnosably autistic" sibling that you relate to strongly but not entirely, it could be ADHD (+ comorbidities). It's common in siblings that if one is autistic, another likely has ADHD and it's believed the two are linked. My sister has very high support-needs, my two best friends and my partner are autistic. I've looked into whether or not I am multiple times in my thirty years and I've always concluded no, but still experience certain roadblocks that give me pause (even though I really am sure). I'd be interested to know what population of people with ADHD have the BAP! I know my mom definitely has ADHD and I'm PRETTY sure my dad does too but he's caked with PTSD and CPTSD so it's hard to tell.

[@mullicopper1262]

Thank you for this video and your content all together! It always lifts my spirit up when I am upset about my own journey. I have an 8y old autistic son and through caring for him and researching I learned enough to realise I am most likely autistic myself. It just explains so, so much! For a year I have been trying to get diagnosed and now I have one specialist saying I am and another one saying I am not on the spectrum (despite indications, just because I am good at analysing short stories). I will continue my journey, once I found back my strength. And you help a bit ;)

[@MissShembre]

This is helpful, at least to me :) I think I definitely fall into BAP. So would a lot of my relatives. I grew out of a lot of things and learned how to mask for the most part unless I'm super stressed for weeks and weeks.

[@foggy922]

You'd be excluded from the BAP if you have a strong history of clinically significant autistic traits. What you're referring to is autistic masking, which is different to autistic traits not causing clinically significant impairment (e.g. the BAP).

[@notsillyone]

In the book Unmasking Autism by Devon Price, he talks about people who are Subclinically Autistic, meaning they might not qualify for an official diagnosis (page 31, paperback). I thought he mentioned Broader Autism Phenotype also but kind find that reference( that might be in the paper he listed as a reference) But based on Devon’s discussion around this I think he is referring to the same thing. Devon concludes that to be considered sublinical is often a more of a function of a persons ability to hold down a job and conform to societal norms than how much they are suffering. He also states they may still share enough struggles and experiences with diagnosed autistics to be included in the autism community.

[@8teillumin]

This is a very interesting video. I’m 46 and have always felt different. I’ve internally struggled but just assumed I was “different, odd, quirky,weird “ and recently due to various issues with expressing myself at time or putting my foot in it and anger and rocking on my feet and many other “quirks” as well as a bad end to a relationship found myself with a therapist whom a king with a mental health team looked at the root cause of depression and mood swings. I thought I might be bipolar BUT they all pointed me towards ADHD and also ASD. Specifically what was Asperger’s and also masked Broader Autism Phenotype. I had for years said a lot of people where a bit autistic but find that all of those I attribute the statement to are with in the vehen diagram of being neurodiverse (all of them are either doctors, artists or in the creative/entertainment industry) In the last 12 months some close to me all go through the the facepalm routine of “ ahhhh that’s it that’s you!!!” But they all say “ but who cares it’s you” I just wish I had a great self understanding as it may have saved my last relationship and also might have stoped me being fired from many jobs. I was diagnosed with dyslexia in the late 1980’s and it was suspected I might be dyspraxic. Also I’m terrible with numbers so probably dyscalculic.

[@thebasicbaephilosopher]

Thank you for making this video! I wish that there was more understanding of the Broad Autism Phenotype vs. Traditional Aspergers! I will definitely share this video with people the next time I need to explain my diagnosis to someone!

[@the_real_littlepinkhousefly]

My son (27) was recently diagnosed with ADHD, and his therapist said he seems to be "subclinically autistic" (so most of the traits required for a diagnosis, but not all). At first I balked at that -- admittedly my familiarity with ASD has been more with severely autistic people -- but the more he has talked to me about it, and the more we've looked back over his life, that seems very likely. I was also diagnosed with ADHD recently, at the age of 57, and in talking with my son about these diagnoses, we came to the conclusion that I probably fall under the BAP category. I have a number of autistic traits, but not really even enough to fit a "subclinical" diagnosis. (And "subclinical" might be that therapist's word for BAP, I don't know -- I just know that my son *almost* fits into the High Functioning Autism Spectrum diagnosis, and I am probably a rung lower on that ladder.) One very interesting thing I have been reading about is how women and girls often present differently from boys/men in both ADHD and ASD. I think there are a lot of women/girls who don't get diagnosed because of the history of ADHD, in particular, which originally was seen as a boys-only disorder (I don't know whether that's true of ASD or not). As often happens with women, we get overlooked both in physical and mental health disorder research. Anyway, it's very interesting to see how different women/girls can present in these disorders. I definitely see more of myself in the articles about women with ADHD and ASD than in the regular DSM diagnostic criteria.

[@robokill387]

Yes, ASD was viewed as a "boys disorder" for decades, to the point where one of the most pre-eminent autism experts in the world openly published a theory that autism was a result of an "extreme male brain". Then it turns out that no, it was just research bias.

[@johnnyb8825]

As one clinician put it, "The line between BAP and ASD is arbitrary, or to put it another way, the definition of 'autism' is whatever the psychiatric profession says it is."

[@LS-ei7xk]

Wow. That's scary! And as an individual who has sustained and suffered under a lifetime of arbitrary psych dx, it validates what I've always suspected-- that they're often just meaningless labels that don't describe anything but what is a passing trend; that's not to say a constellation of symptoms and experiences don't exist, but that they are often wrongly understood.

[@lellachu1682]

Yes, this is me! I have autistic relatives and some autistic traits, but I always fall just below the threshold for autism on tests.

[@margaretcapers2368]

it was once considered that NVLD was a broad phenotype.

[@SchwarzesSchaefle]

I don't think the concept of BAP equals saying "everyone's a little bit autistic", but I see how it might be used that way. It's more like hair colour, which exists on a scale from pitch black to platinum blonde. So on that scale, someone with dark blonde to light brown hair would be "a little bit blonde" or on the "broader blone phenotype" - but someone with black hair, very clearly would not. So I think it's better to understand BAP as a scale of neurotypes in general. Additionally, autism is unlikely to be caused by any single gene (currently several hundred genes have been identified that are "linked" to autism), just like most complex phenomena aren't. And thus the spectrum is less a straight line and more of a... mosaic puzzle thing? multidimensional? So it is very much possible for people to have mutatiions that would predispose them to say sensory issues, without having mutations that predispose them to other autistic traits. Even when a single gene very clearly causes a form of autism, there tends to be great variation depending on where in the gene the mutation happens and what chromosome it's on (the most "famous" conditions, Rett and fragile x are x-linked, so in women for example, that means due to random x-inactivation, every single affected female will have a different phenotype, because the amount of cells in which the faulty copy is activated varies...randomly) Last but not least one should not forget that all those terms and categories were thought up by humans. They are not really existing entities "out there" but tools to grasp certain aspects of reality, which depend a lot on cultural sensibilities etc. Tldr,: Genes are complex, brains are complex, diagnostic manuals are man-made creations, it is very much possible for humans to exist between NT and ASD phenotypes because that's what we see for pretty much any imaginable trait. And for scientists studying those things, this conceptualization is very useful - however for everyday conversations and identity purposes it may not be.

[@terriashburn5740]

Thank you for spelling out all the thoughts circulating in my head. And, agreed, the spectrum and phenotypes makes this all a bit blurry. I have qualms with not delineating highly articulate individuals on the spectrum from those that struggle with any verbal or social engagement with the world around them. The support needs are so different, and I don't believe the science supports the idea that these two groups are actually an identical syndrome. The bottom line is that I think changing the DSM just opened up the therapy and education debate about differentiating the two (or three or four..... ) and debating the legitimacy of the diagnoses rather than focusing efforts in finding ways to clearly identify these possible subgroups (like Aspergers) and how to best support them. In other words, I wish they had only added clarification to Aspergers traits and maybe even made a new subgroup of newly identified, so-called, "female" traits (which will likely be found in boys as well). In this way, these broader traits might actually be part of that subgroup, especially if doctors really listen to how people struggle to look like they are not struggling. In my book, developing coping strategies is not necessarily a cancellation of a diagnosis. Would you say that because you are walking and talking and eating and sleeping, you don't have a broken arm?? Yeah, not if you do. Psychology is not a pure science. We don't know the genetic markers for Autism; so all this subgrouping and spectrum classifying stuff is based on theory. Usually, there is bias involved. We need to be reserved in concluding what is or is not "on the spectrum" before we lump too many behaviors together. Half the population might end up there, which is ok, as long as we understand whether there is actually a neurological difference AND it can be clearly identified AND all those people belong in the same group AND need specific psychological and/or educational supports. But, we need to be especially respectful to the individuals who are nonverbal or have selective mutism or have no ability to be independent in the very difficult journey that they snd their families face, and not get caught up in "who's who" on the spectrum.

[@catherinewilson1079]

You are very smart and I find your videos quite helpful.

[@mathieugagnon7989]

Great, now I'm getting anxious because I'm wondering if my ASD diagnosis is really just BAP...How can I be sure? Hmmm...those thoughts do sound aspie-like at least...

[@t3hsis324]

Yeah, I'm kinda wondering the same thing. I got the official diagnosis but also was told I didn't meet all the markers but had enough autistic traits, therefore getting the diagnosis. Basically he said I was 'atypically autistic', but still level 1 on the scale? Either way he said that it was causing enough issue to I guess warrant diagnosis? If I could afford further testing I'd so do it as I really want to know.

[@CarissaLeeVlog]

This is very interesting. I'm very curious about what they'll say when I go in for a diagnosis. I really just want to know for sure. Thank you for sharing your knowledge on this topic :)

[@BarbaraMerryGeng]

I think these new findings are valid. I do believe that many of us are on the spectrum - And it’s both wonderful & scary - based on the individual & their support system or lack thereof 🌈 As for myself - I’m quite ok identifying as “on the spectrum “- even though people who know me, prefer to see me otherwise .. > It turns out that everyone wants to do their own categorizing of every body else ! LoL !! Best wishes, Merry

[@davef2975]

A child's wagon, like a car, has four wheels and a metal frame. But only in a child's mind is a wagon a "car." It is the total sum of the parts that makes a car a car and not a wagon. (no, I am not calling you a child) Because a person shows some traits that are (also) observed in Autism, does not make them Autistic or "almost Autistic." ADHD was not moved under the "Autism Spectrum" even though there are a large number of parallel traits and also true of several other mental health challenges. I find it odd so many people are trying to step under the Autism Umbrella to attain a label that most likely is not correct. Labels can be used to group or categorize. But labels can also be used as an excuse. To steal a phrase: "You are not ALMOST pregnant. You are either pregnant or not." I do not agree what was done under DSM-5, but you also have to recognize they shifted the focus of the "spectrum" more on the needs and support of a person and that is why there are only 3 levels. Complicating the matter is your support needs may not be on the same level for all traits. Unfortunately this approach is allowing people to stretch the "spectrum" further and further. That is why for me, it is not about the "label", it is about understanding my personal challenges and how to deal with them.

[@Catlily5]

@@davef2975 To be fair, pregnancy is not on a spectrum.

[@NotAyFox]

I get why from scientific point of view one might want to have the concept of Broad Autism Phenotype. It's very clean and attractive idea. The problem with it is that the biology doesn't work that way in reality. As you mentioned in diabetes example, a person may have genotype for diabetes, but it takes a lot of complex microbiological steps for these genes to gain expression that would result in diabetes. Both my parents and my brother have some very obvious autistic traits, but I always felt different to them in the way I think and perceive the world around me. There seems to be a clear physiological division between autistic and non-autistic brains. There is of course a possibility that a brain only partially develops into an autistic brain and we might call that "Borderline Autism", but I think those cases are exceedingly rare, simply by the virtue of complexity of the brain development.

[@jahndreachhang4951]

I think I do fall into the Broad Autism Phenotype, I have family members with Autism and an Autistic child, but I don’t think by observing me for a couple of days it would be apparent. If, you watched me over several months or years it would become clear, that I have strong autistic tendencies, but I doubt I would ever actually be diagnosed as Autistic, bc I am so independent, although I think I can benefit from some therapy bc I do struggle to maintain relationships both romantic and platonic and I sometimes have trouble with communicating with coworkers or understanding the assignment unless it is explicitly explained to me. The only support I need is emotional bc of the tendencies I have lol but I feel like it’s things that I can’t help.

[@makedreamstangible2263]

Bruh, your videos are 🔥

[@petrichorbones]

while watching this i had the question of basically 'what about other diagnoses' such as dyspraxia (i mean getting a diagnosis for dyspraxia, but not asd, for example) and communication disorder, auditory processing disorder (all of these as a separate diagnosis without a diagnosis of asd) i know someone who told me they got told they didnt quite fit the criteria for asd but got diagnosed dyspraxic. so thats something i'd wonder about for those that "dont fit the criteria for autism" like maybe there is something else that they could be diagnosed with. bc i have been recently diagnosed autistic and i know that i definitely have auditory processing issues, but because i also struggle with social communication and i also struggle with body movement AND i also have "restricted interests" thats why i got the full asd diagnosis. so idk im pretty sure i worded this extremely badly but basically where do these other diagnoses fit in with this topic when clearly they exist outside od asd as well as part of it. its like i've been seeing asd as an accumulation of these separate things, but that these other things could exist separate from asd in some people ?? idk man im not scientist haha

[@LS-ei7xk]

I have some learning disabilities such as these too (formally dx), so I was wondering the same. : )

[@roberttravers7587]

Great video!😁

[@federicomanuelolveira7658]

I have NF1 and I read in several places that NF1 is associated with ASD and the "broad ASD". I'm not sure if that's the same thing you're talking about. Supposedly many people with NF1 are autistic and many more have various "traits" of autism without necessarily being autistic.

[@jesselise1996]

I think this probably explains me. My son is autistic and I have some traits but I feel like I would be hard to diagnose... I really wish I could just get a brain scan lol

[@in-serenesanity4514]

Yes, exactly. I do believe that those with BAP are just undiagnosed autistics. The whole concept of BAP strikes me as odd, as, on the other hand, it's well known that one cannot be "a little bit autistic" (exactly what BAP implies). Thanks for your videos, Stephani.

[@joaomarcelobadu]

Hi Stephannie! I'm curious about one thing. Do you speak Portuguese? Because all your videos titles and descriptions are in Portugues right from the launch time...

[@StephanieBethany]

I dont unfortunately- I run my English captions through google translate for several languages so it can hopefully reach more people

[@joaomarcelobadu]

@@StephanieBethany oh, that's even more impressive! Keep doing this great work!

[@asmrtpop2676]

People who say “everyone’s a little bit autistic” probably also say ignorant shit like “everyone’s a little bit gay/bi”.

[@arc4705]

I've been researching whether or not I have ASD for years (10+ 💀) and have often wondered if maybe I have these traits because my little sibling has diagnosed ASD/ADHD. I never knew there was such a thing as subdiagnostic/subclinical autism or BAP until the past couple weeks of really intense research (it's on & off with this topic) and I feel like it really rings true with me! ...But then I also have NO idea if I'm just really good at masking to the point where it's hard for me to discern what I'm experiencing. I was almost diagnosed with ASD when I got my ADHD dx, but I felt like it looked like I was exaggerating/being dramatic so I downplayed it all and didn't think enough about the questions or my life 😭 And I was always the "well-behaved" kid so my parents weren't really observing the root of all my childhood emotionality (discomfort and loneliness) as much as they were focused on my high trait/low mask autistic sibling. So there isn't much to recall from the fam either. I don't know! The ambiguity of it all is very frustrating and hard to parse. I'm at a point where I'm sort of just leaning into being neurodivergent in general and finding joy in my quirky friendships and behaviors

[@kyleandrewsmasterson3359]

I've self diagnosed myself as Autistic (ASD-Asperger's ) but also show clinical signs of ADHD as well, have you covered the topic of asd vs. Adhd?

[@Catlily5]

I have watched several videos on ASD vs. ADHD. Search and you will find them. I was surprised how much the two overlap.

[@LS-ei7xk]

@@Catlily5 Executive functioning...ugh!

[@Catlily5]

@@LS-ei7xk I agree! 😩

[@orenfranz4580]

Diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder should include BAP. It's desirable, because Broad Autism Phenotype describes an wider range of individuals who exhibit problems with personality, language, and social-behavioral characteristics at a level that is considered to be higher than average but lower than is diagnosable with autism. some parts that I copied belongs to Very Well Health. People who with wider range of individuals who exhibit problems with personality, language, and social-behavioral characteristics are considered to have some kind of developmental delay, and it's closely related to mild PDD-NOS. It's in the context of some kind of rare Pervasive Developmental Disorder or even undiagnosed Atypical Autism. Here is what PDD-NOS means from DSM-4: This category should be used when there is a severe and pervasive impairment in the development of reciprocal social interaction or verbal and nonverbal communication skills, or when stereotyped behavior, interests, and activities are present, but the criteria are not met for a specific Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, Schizotypal Personality Disorder, or Avoidant Personality Disorder. For example, this category includes "atypical autism"-presentations that do not meet the criteria for Autistic Disorder because of late age at onset, atypical symptomatology, or subthreshold symptomatology, or all of these. The only difference is that you don't need to have severe communication impermanent as a diagnostic criteria for ASD. In fact, you can have milder form of ASD, and have neurotypical traits on time. All you need is to meet during developmental stages are: (Not everyone with ASD will have the same symptoms) B. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, as manifested by at least two of the following, currently or by history (examples are illustrative, not exhaustive; see text): 1. Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech (e.g., simple motor stereotypies, lining up toys or flipping objects, echolalia, idiosyncratic phrases). 2. Insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, or ritualized patterns of verbal or nonverbal behavior (e.g., extreme distress at small changes, difficulties with transitions, rigid thinking patterns, greeting rituals, need to take same route or eat same food every day). 3. Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus (e.g., strong attachment to or preoccupation with unusual objects, excessively circumscribed or perseverative interests). 4. Hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects of the environment (e.g., apparent indifference to pain/temperature, adverse response to specific sounds or textures, excessive smelling or touching of objects, visual fascination with lights or movement). Criteria A should be reserved when symptoms of ASD is more severe: A. Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, as manifested by the following, currently or by history (examples are illustrative, not exhaustive; see text): 1. Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity, ranging, for example, from abnormal social approach and failure of normal back-and-forth conversation; to reduced sharing of interests, emotions, or affect; to failure to initiate or respond to social interactions. 2. Deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction, ranging, for example, from poorly integrated verbal and nonverbal communication; to abnormalities in eye contact and body language or deficits in understanding and use of gestures; to a total lack of facial expressions and nonverbal communication. 3. Deficits in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships, ranging, for ex-ample, from difficulties adjusting behavior to suit various social contexts; to difficulties in sharing imaginative play or in making friends; to absence of interest in peers. There should be some changes in the diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

[@ストマクランブル]

Helpful to remember that the main purpose of psychiatry is to benefit institutional agendas. Military, industry, law enforcement, academia, medical patents, anything with a budget. And there's a huge philosophical and political foundation to psychiatry and medicine. The main job in life is selling something

[@kathrinkaefer]

I actually think this makes a lot of sense. My parents both have "traits", but they don't have any difficulty functioning in everyday life. For example, I got my high anxiety from my mum and my tendency for special interests from my dad. For me, an autism diagnosis should only apply if there are some clear special needs present. Otherwise, that is just called having a personality, like every human does. It doesn't mean "everyone is a little bit autistic", because a minimum threshold of traits still needs to be met to qualify as being on the spectrum.

[@asmrtpop2676]

Does autism have to cause difficulty, though? Why should it? I’m asthmatic, which can have a wide spectrum. Right now my asthma is mild, sometimes it can even be in “remission”. As a child it was severe. I am still asthmatic, regardless. And I will always be asthmatic.

[@kathrinkaefer]

@@asmrtpop2676 It's in the criteria of an autism diagnosis. If the symptoms are too mild to cause any difficulty, they are not enough to constitute a diagnosis

[@semolinasemolina8327]

Thank you! I'm scouring your links now. My daughter has just had an assessment and is asd1, adhd and "gifted" ❤(no applause, oh OK applaud me I baked her in my tummy!) But the point is... the assessor said autism was caused by substance misuse during pregnancy! This isn't usually the first thing people say as causing autism is it? I was really healthy during pregnancy and the year around it. How did they even say that!

[@nerdipedia1142]

I agree that BAP would have significant overlap with the DSM-V but it could also incorrectly be used to describe those who are able to mask better than the average ASD individual.

[@benjaminhildebrand2220]

I'm a little autistic. Everyone is not.

[@davef2975]

Oh really? So just how short are you?

[@LS-ei7xk]

@@davef2975 Haha.

[@bink865]

I think BAP is me

[@Catlily5]

I think both my parents have at least Autistic traits (BAP) or maybe even diagnosable Autism. They certainly don't seem completely neurotypical. Edit: I am diagnosed with Autism.

[@DataEntity]

Broad Autism Phenotype individuals are likely to share the higher rates of being victims of bullying, with those on the spectrum. Which is why it is a relevant topic of research. More perhaps in sociology than psychology, but none the less.

[@QuantumSorceress]

I'm certain that 2-other extended family members qualify for an autistic diagnosis and I'll say the large majority of my mother's family has SOME autistic traits, but not enough for a diagnosis. Like my mother. She definitely has some of them, but not all of them.

[@user-qt8bk9bn3m]

Wow thats me, never knew the term. Aspie dad

[@AeonZhang]

💫🌟🖤🖤🖤🌟💫

[@louielovechild1]

🙏❤🙏

[@Dragonlove3]

Hi

[@StephanieBethany]

Hi! 👋

[@SSJKamui]

I once heard that if you have heterochromia, one eye is always green. But I am not sure

[@gonnfishy2987]

my brother has one blue and one brown. anecdotal proof what you heard is not 100% correct

[@gonnfishy2987]

brain scans ... sort this out

[@davef2975]

As a current "subject" in a 5 year research study of Autism, which includes fMRI scans, the various types of scans are far from being a consistent and reliable diagnostic tool. Brain scans are used to gather data and there is some success in showing some activities that tend to be common in Autism. But there are still too many unknowns and variables. Even within the project I am participating in, there are many surprises.

[@gonnfishy2987]

@@davef2975 interesting. is this your opinion or are you sharing the consensus of those studying you, with us?

[@davef2975]

@@gonnfishy2987 This is reflecting not only the views of the research teams of both the college and university, there have been both challenges and studies as to what the various scan technologies are presenting. Indeed a lot of the research that uses the various technologies are actually contributing to better understanding, effectiveness and interpritation. Current and new abilities to view the brain and activities are helpful. New research continues to give better understanding to previous scans. This either reneforces previous interpritations or provides a few new perspective. As for studying Autism, there is constant debate as to brain activity patterns being a diagnostic tool. In the study in which I am participating, the primary focus is on how or if ASD is affected by age: does ASD impact a person as they age, and inversely, does the normal aging process impact ASD. Scans were made at the beginning of the study and comparative scans will be made at specific time points. So in this case, the comparissons will be "subject specific" and compared with other research subjects. Overall, brain scans in Autism research so show some uniqueness. However, in most cases, the reason for the uniqueness is not fully understood. Far too much is till being learned as to the true activity of the the various parts of the brain and their interaction. Much about the brain believed in the past is being found to be only partially true, misinterpreted, or providing new surprises. Hence, variables are too high to designate doing a brain scan as a solid diagnostic tool. This is why I am constantly reading research and (trying) to keep up with all the new discoveries. This is why I encourage people to stay away from "Dr.Google" and "Proffessor KZbin" for their education. Try "MedicalXpress dot com" as a pathway into current ressearch. (There is a sectionjust for Autism research) From there, follow the links in the references and resources to reach actual research papers.