Autism — increasingly known in Aotearoa New Zealand as Takiwātanga (meaning “in his/her/their own time and space”) — is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference. It is a fundamental, natural part of an individual’s identity, shaping how they perceive, think, and interact with the world from early childhood onward.
Some of the areas where Autistic people develop differently to non-Autistic people include:
- Communication
- Socialisation and interaction with others
- Thinking and processing
- Sensing and perceiving the environment
- Moving, playing and having fun
Autism is a different way of ‘being’ in the world, and can be a source of strength, diversity, and beauty.
Although autism is a spectrum, it is important to understand that this spectrum is not linear. Each Autistic person will have a different set of strengths and challenges. This means we don’t think about Autistic people as fitting somewhere on a spectrum from ‘more’ Autistic to ‘less’ Autistic, or from ‘higher functioning’ to ‘lower functioning’. Instead, an Autistic person’s needs and experiences can change from one day to the next, depending on the environment they are in and how well they are able to cope with day-to-day demands. Autistic people also develop new skills and encounter new challenges as they grow up, just like everyone else. Therefore, functioning labels do not capture the complexity and variability of an Autistic person’s experiences.
Autism is a developmental difference, so an Autistic person’s differences might change or become more or less obvious as they grow up. Autistic people also often have ‘spiky profiles’. This means that the difference between how strong someone’s strengths are and how much they struggle with their weaknesses is more pronounced than it would be in a non-Autistic person. Whilst research and professionals have historically focussed on the challenges Autistic people face, it is also important to recognise and foster Autistic people’s strengths.
The Aotearoa New Zealand Autism Guideline: He Waka Huia Takiwātanga Rau provides evidence-based recommendations on how to support Autistic people throughout their lives. It covers assessment and diagnosis, support for individuals and families, education, mental health and wellbeing, living in the community, professional development, Māori perspectives and perspectives of Pacific Peoples.
