Autism

Is Autism An Intellectual Disability?

Limitations That Impact The Ability To Function Independently

Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash

As part of April being Autism Awareness Month, I have dived deep into several autism issues to raise awareness of Autism.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is not the same as an intellectual disability, although there can be overlapped in symptoms and challenges faced by individuals with these conditions.

An intellectual disability, or an intellectual developmental disorder, refers to significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviors that start before age 18. These limitations can impact a person’s ability to learn and function independently.

In contrast, Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. People with ASD may struggle with social communication and interaction, engage in repetitive behaviors, have narrow interests, and experience sensory processing issues.

While some individuals with ASD may also have intellectual disabilities, not all people with ASD do. Some…