D – Autism Dictionary
Depression People on the spectrum are 4 times more likely to suffer depression, some studies have found that we will be depressed for longer periods too.
Symptoms of depression can include:
- Feeling sad, low or hopeless for an extended period
- Losing enthusiasm about hobbies or activities you normally enjoy
- Changes in appetite
- Sleep problems, such as sleeping too much or not enough
- Avoiding your friends or family
- Lack of optimism for the future
- Suicidal thoughts or ideation
If you have depression, please see a doctor as soon as humanly possible. It can’t be cured if you’re are autistic, but you can learn to cope with the symptoms and causes of depression.
Diagnostic criteria The current diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are outlined in the DSM-5 and focus on persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction, alongside restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities. These criteria must be present from early childhood, though they may not fully manifest until later in life when social demands exceed capabilities.
Further reading: This site covers both ICD and DSM criteria
Double Empathy Problem The idea is that because we find it difficult to talk and listen to neuro-typicals, we struggle to empathise with them, even if it was a similar or shared trauma, we just can’t connect with that person. Creating further isolation.
We do feel what people are discussing, we just find it difficult to show that emotion.
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/double-empathy
DSM Diagnostic and statistical Manual is a widely used manual for classifying and diagnosing mental disorders. It is published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). The DSM provides a common language for clinicians and researchers to communicate about mental health conditions, using a standard set of criteria and diagnostic codes. While the DSM-5 is primarily a US publication, it is also influential in the UK, particularly in research settings. However, the primary diagnostic manual used in the UK’s NHS is the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD).
Further reading: DSM-V https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm
Further reading: ICD https://www.who.int/standards/classifications/classification-of-diseases
Dyslexia Characterised by difficulty reading and writing, sometimes words are fine but numbers are hard, and vice versa, and sometimes both are difficult. Yes we can also have dyslexia too. One other symptom of dyslexia is trouble with directions. I found it almost impossible to follow directions as a HGV driver, and if I absolutely had to ask for directions, I would just ask them to point in the direction I needed to head to.
Further reading: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dyslexia/
Dyspraxia Developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia, is a condition affecting physical co-ordination. It causes a child to perform less well than expected in daily activities for their age, and appear to move clumsily.
Further reading: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/developmental-coordination-disorder-dyspraxia/
Dyscalculia Dyscalculia is a learning disability that affects a person’s ability to understand and work with numbers and mathematics. It can manifest as difficulties with basic arithmetic, number sense, and understanding mathematical concepts. People with dyscalculia may struggle with tasks like counting, performing calculations, and remembering math facts.
Further Reading: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyscalculia/how-can-i-identify-dyscalculia
Dysregulation Is emotional dysregulation, often referred to as ED, is a common challenge for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), characterised by difficulty managing and responding to emotional experiences. This can manifest as intense, disproportionate, or prolonged emotional responses, often difficult to control.
See Interoception.