Many people know that autism is a spectrum. ASD = autism spectrum disorder.
This does NOT mean that everyone is a little bit autistic. That, quite frankly, is the statement that irritates me the most.
The diagnosis procedure is comprehensive and must identify signals dating to early childhood for an ASD diagnosis to be made.
The referral to the word spectrum means that the symptoms vary from person to person. Some people with autism have mild symptoms, some may be more moderate where others may have severe symptoms.
That’s why it’s referred to as a spectrum.
Melanie Magowan 