“It’s autism…now what?”
The language surrounding autism is evolving, and it's a shift that is much needed and long overdue. Traditional descriptions of autism often focus on deficits or challenges, but a more neuroaffirming approach is gaining traction—one that emphasizes the spectrum as a diverse collection of traits rather than a narrow set of limitations. The wheel of autistic traits is an excellent representation of this positive shift. Let's explore how this new perspective helps build understanding, acceptance, and respect for autistic individuals.
The Wheel of Autistic Traits: A More Inclusive View
Unlike the linear concept of a spectrum that implies severity, the wheel of autistic traits conveys the idea that autism encompasses a broad array of unique characteristics. Each spoke of the wheel represents different experiences—proprioception, interoception, emotional intensity, communication differences, and more—which together form a holistic view of an individual's profile. This approach affirms that autistic people are not defined by limitations but by a variety of traits that make them who they are.
For instance, traits like "SPINs" (Special Interests) highlight the deep curiosity and passion autistic people often bring to specific topics. Rather than focusing solely on challenges like executive functioning or sensory differences, the wheel equally highlights areas of strength, such as hyperfocus and profound knowledge. By presenting these traits in a colorful, inclusive format, it becomes easier to appreciate the many facets of an autistic person’s experience.
Moving from Deficits to Diversity
The neuroaffirming shift in language and perspective has been significant in changing how we view autism. Instead of framing traits like stimming, intense interests, or difficulty with eye contact as inherently negative, the wheel encourages us to understand their purpose and value. Stimming, for example, is shown as a way of energy regulation or sensory seeking—actions that help an individual feel comfortable in their environment. Similarly, communication differences are framed without judgment, allowing us to recognize that autistic individuals may express themselves in diverse and valuable ways.
This approach removes the pressure to conform to neurotypical standards and instead honors neurodivergence. Traits like **"emotional intensity"—which might include meltdowns or shutdowns—are viewed in the context of sensory overload or environmental stressors, not as behaviors that need to be "fixed." It’s a perspective that acknowledges the challenges while respecting the humanity and individuality of each person.
How Positive Language Encourages True Inclusion
Positive language isn’t about ignoring challenges—it’s about reframing them to foster understanding and empathy. For instance, words like "special interests" become "SPINs" to emphasize the importance of these interests to an autistic person's joy and learning. "Communication differences" focuses on the unique ways autistic individuals interact, which can range from infodumping to scripting, and serves as a reminder that all forms of communication are valid.
By adopting this more inclusive language and visual representation, society can move closer to understanding autism as an important part of human diversity. It invites educators, therapists, and family members to see the person, not a checklist of symptoms. Relationship differences, for example, aren't about an inability to bond but about connecting in ways that might differ from the neurotypical expectations—through shared interests or understanding each other's sensory needs.
Fostering a Strength-Based Approach in Therapy and Education
The wheel of autistic traits is especially useful for parents, educators, and therapists as it offers a framework to build on strengths rather than focus on perceived weaknesses. By celebrating aspects like hyperfocus or intense research skills, we help autistic individuals thrive, grow their talents, and take great pride in their unique traits. This type of representation also promotes better self-esteem in autistic children and adults, showing them that their differences are strengths, not things that need to be hidden or diminished.
As we adopt this neuroaffirming language, it also impacts policy, school systems, and therapeutic approaches. Instead of asking autistic children to "mask" their differences or "blend in," the goal becomes one of self-advocacy and genuine inclusion—allowing autistic people to live authentically and comfortably.
The image features a circular wheel divided into several segments, each representing a distinct autistic trait. Each segment is labeled with headings like "Social Communication," "Sensory Sensitivities," "Repetitive Behaviors," "Focused Interests," "Executive Functioning Challenges," and "Emotional Regulation."
The colors of the segments vary, with some being bright and vibrant, such as yellow, blue, and green, while others are softer pastels. Icons are included within each segment to visually depict the traits; for instance, a speech bubble for social communication, a sound wave for sensory sensitivities, and gears for executive functioning.
At the center of the wheel, a heart symbol intertwines with puzzle pieces, signifying the diversity and interconnectedness of autistic traits. The overall design aims to convey a sense of inclusivity, emphasizing that these traits can manifest uniquely in each individual, celebrating neurodiversity and fostering understanding.
Conclusion: A Wheel, Not a Line
The shift towards using tools like the wheel of autistic traits represents a growing understanding that autism is a spectrum of diverse experiences, not a one-dimensional line. Each color and section of the wheel represents an important part of someone’s life, full of strengths, challenges, and uniqueness. As we embrace this kind of neuroaffirming approach, we move towards a more inclusive world—one that respects neurodiversity and acknowledges that there are many ways to experience and interact with the world.
The language we use and the visuals we share have power. The more we promote this kind of positive, holistic view of autism, the better equipped we are to foster environments where autistic people are valued and celebrated for exactly who they are.