CW: Discussion of Suicide rates in autistic and allistic people.
In today’s foray into my head, I talk about what the Autism Spectrum is, and why it’s not a line. This is in keeping with Autism Acceptance Month – which should be every month by the way – I’ll also talk about what Autism Acceptance can look like. Before we deep dive, do keep in mind rule number one of Autism.
If you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met one autistic person. Everyone’s Autistic experience is different.
Autism is a spectrum, meaning there are many traits and many impacts that an autistic person experiences, but that no two people will be alike. Yes, there will be shared experiences and characteristics, but I also want to provide a caveat that I’m still very much learning about my neurotype; what it is and means to me. And although each autistic experience is different, I will always advocate for the acceptance, adjustment, and accommodations for all. Because ultimately, it’s about being different. Not less.
What is Autism?
Autism it is a neurological difference. Something we are born with. It’s like a different wiring in the brain that means we autistic people experience the world around us differently to those who are allistic (non-autistic). There is no cure, and in my opinion, nor should there be. There is no one cause of autism (it has nothing to do with vaccines FYI) but that autism develops from ‘a combination of genetic, non-genetic or environmental influences’. (MQ Mental Health Research 2025) Ultimately meaning we’re still not entirely sure what causes it.
Autism can affect all or some of the following areas;
- Over sensitive and/or over sensitive to Sensory Processing
- Emotional Regulation
- Social Communication and Social Interactions
- Repetitive and Restrictive Behaviours
- Meltdowns / Shutdowns
- Extreme Anxiety
- Highly Focussed Interests and Hobbies (National Autistic Society 2025)
It’s worth noting that each of these areas can quite easily be a blog in and of their own. For the purposes of today, I’m going to try to keep the blog condensed.
What does the Autism Spectrum mean?
When we think of the Autism Spectrum, many people will think of it as a line with ‘low support needs’ on one side and ‘high support needs’ on the other. Or sometimes described as ‘high-functioning’ and ‘low functioning’. However, these are not accurate, and are invalidating, contributing to the idea of being more or less autistic. In the same way as someone saying ‘I’m a little bit autistic’. No. There is autism and there is not. As Mahlia Amatina so accurately puts it,
To suggest someone is ‘higher-functioning’ than another with the same neurodivergent condition creates a misguided hierarchy that is harmful and furthers misunderstanding around neurodiversity. This is never helpful! (Amatina 2022)
This is where the Spiky Profile comes into play. A tool to demonstrate the spectrum in a non-linear and changing way. I have found it to be incredibly helpful for me to better understand my own autistic experience and the experiences of others. This is what the spectrum can look like using the Spiky Profile:
The Spiky Profile
Amatina (2022)
There are many sides to the autistic experience, but here you can see the key areas that are affected. Executive functioning, managing change, social interaction, sensory processing, cognitive flexibility, anxiety, structure/rigidity, and verbal and non-verbal communication. Depending on how much we are affected by each area will define where we are plotted on the profile. The circles are numbered from 1-10. 1 being closest to the centre, meaning minimally affected, and 10 being the outer circle meaning highly impacted. It’s also worth noting that this can change further, depending on other factors, like how much a person is masking, how much and how well they’ve slept, how hydrated they are, how much they’ve eaten, the environment they are in, and the people they are with. But the impacts are always there.
Ultimately Autism is a different way to experience the world around us. However, when accommodations aren’t made for this, the impacts can be detrimental, and even fatal.
Autistic people are at a higher risk of suicide than non-autistic people. Figures show that as many as 11-66% of autistic adults had thought about suicide during their lifetime, and up to 35% had planned or attempted suicide (Hedley, D., & Uljarević, M. 2018). (Newall 2021)
It’s a sobering statistic, yet we don’t talk about it. Why?
I’ll be honest, when I write ponders, I take a topic and start typing. I don’t plan them out in advance. I just see where the writing and research takes me. I didn’t intend for this ponder to get so dark, but it’s a reality. And if you have followed me this far, you’ll know that I’m a big advocate for honest conversations, even if they are heavy.
What is Autism Awareness and Acceptance?
When considering the terms ‘awareness’ and ‘acceptance’ within autism, they are both different sides of the same coin. They are ultimately advocating and working towards the understanding, inclusion, respect, and support for the autistic community.
Awareness is knowing that autistic people exist. Acceptance is understanding and accommodating the differences we autistic people have in how we experience the world.
When we think of acceptance, it covers all aspects of life. It’s about inclusion; removing barriers in education, employment, healthcare, and communities. Creating spaces for autistic people to be themselves. It’s about understanding accommodations; every autistic person is different and has different needs. However, knowing those needs and preferences, and implementing them goes a long way in supporting autistic wellbeing. It’s about celebration; acknowledging and valuing the difference in perspective that an autistic person has in the world. Valuing the strengths and contribution that we bring to society, supporting the development of a positive and inclusive environment. It’s advocacy; advocating and fighting for the rights and needs of the autistic community and the individuals within, as well as acting to be the change. Most importantly it’s listening; listen to autistic voices, because we have the same right as you, to be heard and to belong.
So, there you have it, a whistle stop tour of what autism is and what autism acceptance looks like. As someone at the start of my learning journey of what autism is for me, there is a wealth of knowledge, information, voices out there, to engage with. I’d encourage you to do that. Because every autistic experience is different. As I close up today’s ponder, take this away with you (if you’ve made it this far!). Autism Acceptance is celebrated this month, however, do remember that we exist all year round and should be celebrated and accepted as much then, as we are now.
Sending the love out.
Steph X
References
Amatina, M. (2022) Employment Autism [online]. Available from: https://employmentautism.org.uk/the-autism-spectrum-as-a-spiky-profile/
Delano, C. (2025) Autism Acceptance vs Awareness: Is There a Difference? [online]. Available from: https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-acceptance-vs-autism-awareness/
MQ Mental Health Research (2025) Autism [online]. Available from: https://www.mqmentalhealth.org/conditions/autism/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADkFpAWaCYoEn1FdZAB8M1k7fYBd_&gclid=CjwKCAjwktO_BhBrEiwAV70jXq58M-HzGnPxq4i_5YKVBxq31LoMKw2CycH5h1jlJlRnO0PcB8PP8RoCswQQAvD_BwE
National Autistic Society (2025) What Is Autism? [online] Available from: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism
Newall, J. (2021) Autistic people and suicidality [online]. Available from: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/suicide-research
Samaritans (2023) Latest Suicide Data [online]. Available from: https://www.samaritans.org/about-samaritans/research-policy/suicide-facts-and-figures/latest-suicide-data/
SmartPonders 