There are millions of people with autism around the world. It’s estimated that around 1% of the global population, or 75 million individuals, have ASD, and as of 2021, 1 in 100 children are diagnosed with this disorder – but is autism spectrum disorder a learning disability, or are the two completely separate?
Understanding Autism
Autism is a disorder that can impact different people in vastly different ways. Many people with autism face challenges regarding non-verbal communication, repetitive behaviours, speech, social skills, and more. However, there is no one size fits all, as some individuals with autism can lead relatively normal lives, while others require additional support in aspects of their lives.
It is important to know that while autism can be incredibly varied, there are a number of common comorbidities to consider. Things like sleep disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, anxiety, and depression are all common disorders that many autistic people will have alongside autism. This can pose additional challenges
Signs of Autism
Below, we will go through the common signs of autism in adults, and what you should know about autism in women.
Primary signs of autism in adults:
- Difficulty understanding what other people might be feeling or thinking
- Anxiety due to social situations
- Preferring to be on your own or finding it challenging to make friends
- Coming off as uninterested, rude, or blunt regarding what others are saying
- Difficulty stating how you feel
- Taking things literally (this is especially common with phrases and sarcasm)
- Enjoying having a routine and becoming anxious when that routine changes
Additional signs of autism to look out for:
- Trouble understanding common social or societal rules
- Difficulty holding eye contact
- Having a strong dislike for particular sounds, smells, textures, or tastes
- Often getting too close to people
- Disliking or getting upset when other people get too close to you or touch you
- Frequently noticing details that others don’t, such as patterns, sounds, or smells
- Having selected, very keen interests in particular activities or subjects
- Planning events or activities thoroughly before you do them
As with many disorders, including ADHD, diagnosing autism in women is more difficult compared to diagnosing men. This is because women are very good at copying behaviours as they grow up, which allows them to effectively ‘mask’ their autistic traits and ‘fit in’ with those around them.
Overall, you can expect most autistic women to:
- Show fewer repetitive behaviours
- Hide their feelings and be quieter
- Copy people without autism and ‘fit in’ better
- Seem to handle social situations better
Autism in Children
There are a number of signs to look out for in children with autism, too. These can become more apparent as a child gets older, and can quickly impact their life in school from a young age.
Signs of autism in children may include:
- Not reacting to their name
- Avoiding eye contact
- Not smiling when smiled at
- Becoming upset when confronted with a sound, taste, or smell that they don’t like
- Repeating ‘stimming’ movements, such as flicking fingers, flapping hands, or rocking
- Not talking as much compared to other children
- Not being involved in as much pretend play
- Repeating phrases they hear
What is a Learning Disability?
A learning disability is a disability that impacts the way someone learns things in their life. It affects the way someone’s brain works, and can result in additional struggles in a person’s life. Learning disabilities can impact how someone understands written and spoken language, or the way they understand language at all. However, it can also impact coordination and movement, mathematical calculations, and direct attention.
Many learning disabilities can be managed through special education, which allows specially trained teachers and assistants to help children understand and unlock their intellectual capabilities. With time, strengths are built up, and any weaknesses can be managed or improved upon.
A number of therapies can also be used to help with some learning disabilities, but this will not necessarily be the case for all. For example, speech and language therapists can help improve this area, and some psychological therapies may be beneficial, too. In some cases, medications will also be used to help improve concentration and attention, but again, this is a case-by-case basis.
What Causes Learning Disabilities?
Learning disabilities can be caused by many different things, and it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause in most cases. In some cases, the disability may be a result of the mother falling ill during her pregnancy, or complications during the birth that prevents oxygen from reaching the infant’s brain.
In other cases, there could be a genetic factor or illnesses, such as meningitis, or an injury that can lead to learning disabilities. A portion of those with epilepsy tend to have learning disabilities, as do those with cerebral palsy. However, it’s important to note that everyone with Down’s Syndrome has a level of learning disability.
Types of Learning Disabilities
There are many types of learning disabilities, and they all impact a person differently. However, the seven ‘specific’ learning disabilities you are most likely to hear about include auditory processing disorder, dysgraphia, dyslexia, dyscalculia, language processing disorder, visual perceptual disabilities, and non-verbal learning disabilities.
Is Autism Spectrum Disorder a Learning Disability?
With all this being said, is autism spectrum disorder a learning disability? The answer is no. Autism itself is not a learning disability, but many people with autism will also have a learning disability. This means that they will face additional challenges in their lives, as well as a number of comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression.
Shared Characteristics between Autism and Learning Disabilities
There are a number of character characteristics between autism spectrum disorder and learning disabilities, but you also need to know the differences. In both cases, there is no ‘cure’, and both are lifelong conditions. Learning disabilities and autism can impact a person’s life in varying degrees, and for both, issues such as meltdowns (emotional dysregulation), sensory processing issues, and difficulty in social situations are common.
Many learning disabilities will share issues like executive dysfunction with those with autism, which can lead to emotional dysregulation, issues with time management, and organisation, among other things. Sensory processing disorders can lead to those with LD and ASD being repulsed by particular smells, sounds, or feels, which can lead to avoiding specific things like a kind of food or fabric texture.
There are many characteristics that overlap, and it can be difficult to distinguish one from the other when looking at learning disabilities and autism. This is why getting a medical diagnosis can be incredibly helpful if you are struggling, or know someone who is.
Over Half of Those With Autism Also Have a Learning Disability
Globally, research shows that between 60-70% of people with autism also have a learning disability. Common learning disabilities that autistic people might have include things like dyspraxia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and dyslexia, there are a range of non-verbal learning disabilities that affects a portion of the autistic population, too.
It’s important to note here that things like ADHD are not learning disabilities, either. And, while it can have a notable impact on the way a person perceives and interacts with their surroundings, it is not medically considered a learning disability.
Final Thoughts
Autism is a complex disorder that impacts many elements of a person’s life. This can include their ability to learn, the way they see the world, and every other aspect you can think of. However, the discussion around whether autism is a learning disability has gone on for some time, with research and science backing the answer.
So, is autism spectrum disorder a learning disability? No, ASD is not a learning disability, but close to half of those who have ASD do also have some kind of learning disability, though this varies greatly.
To learn more, why not look at our success stories, as well as our assessments, programs and results? If you have any questions, or would simply like to speak with us here at the Brain Workshop, we would love to hear from you.
