ASD: A Spectrum of Oftentimes Misunderstood “Disorders”

Authored by: Noah Goodman

Art by: Amy Em

Introduction

Through my extensive volunteer work with children on the Autism spectrum, I have come to recognize that, despite often being labeled as a “disorder,” autism is also associated with a range of wonderful and endearing traits. This is not to minimize the challenges faced by those with ASD. In fact, from my experience, I have found that many children with ASD demonstrate remarkable resilience in overcoming challenges on a daily basis. However, I feel that in light of these challenges, it is very easy – at least it was for me – to underestimate their capabilities, drive, and desire to achieve. 

This paper will first summarize what is currently known and what researchers suspect regarding the neurological correlates of ASD in order to enhance the reader’s understanding of the disorder and deepen their appreciation for those affected by it. 

Next, I will highlight the accomplishments of three individuals diagnosed with ASD. The aim is not to undermine the challenges faced by those with ASD but to celebrate the achievements of those who have overcome obstacles and accomplished incredible things. 

Ultimately, I hope to advocate for a more positive and optimistic perception of ASD and emphasize the importance of providing more educational, professional, and social opportunities for individuals with ASD. 

Neurological Correlates 

While the exact mechanisms of ASD remain unclear, many studies have improved our understanding of the condition. For example, a group of researchers has linked resting-state hyperactivation in the left postcentral gyrus – an area just posterior to the central sulcus in between the frontal and parietal lobes - to ASD symptoms [1]. Meanwhile, another research team suggested that increased resting state activation in the orbital frontal gyrus (generally associated with information processing and emotion-based decision-making) is associated with ASD occurrence [2].

Research has also been focused on studying the connections between brain regions in individuals with ASD. For example, a recent study concluded that brain regions far apart from one another contain weaker connections (fewer and weaker functional synapses) in individuals with ASD compared to those without the disorder [3]. Furthermore, studies have found increased short-range functional connectivity in individuals with ASD compared to non-ASD containing control samples [4]. 

In addition, much attention has been placed on differences in activation amongst individuals with ASD in areas in the temporal lobe as well as in functional networks such as those associated with semantic processing [5]. 

Ultimately, it is clear that there is no single “cause” of ASD but rather the neurological correlates and therefore its behavioral manifestations are complex and oftentimes may vary from one individual to another. Thus, ASD encompasses a group of complex neurological and behavioral correlates that permeate many aspects of life in both positive and negative as well as complex and unpredictable ways.  

Super Achievers

Actress Daryl Hannah was diagnosed with autism as a child [6]. Surely, her skills in acting as well as accomplishments in advocacy contrast with common stereotypes of individuals diagnosed with ASD. NBA player Tony Snell has also been diagnosed with autism [7]. Certainly, then, this highlights the athletic potential of those diagnosed with ASD. Recent reports suggest that Bill Gates may be on the autism spectrum [8]. These examples demonstrate the diverse potential of individuals with ASD across fields, whether it be sports, business, or the arts.  

Conclusion 

While few individuals with ASD may achieve international recognition, many have the drive and capability to accomplish remarkable things. Varying levels of manifestations and severities create different challenges for different individuals with ASD, but, as I’ve seen when working with them, many have obtained impressive skill sets for overcoming them.

This paper does not aim to focus on the accomplishments of ASD celebrities but rather to highlight significant achievements that are possible for individuals with ASD at all levels. 

Ultimately, I hope these examples demonstrate the potential of individuals with ASD when given access to supportive education, training, and opportunities. I hope that this highlights both the efficacy and importance of accepting, enrolling, and hiring individuals with ASD into programs, jobs, and other positions in which they can thrive, learn, and succeed.

References:

1. Dickstein DP, Pescosolido MF, Reidy BL, Galvan T, Kim KL, Seymour KE, Laird AR, Di Martino A, Barrett RP. Developmental meta-analysis of the functional neural correlates of autism spectrum disorders. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2013 Mar;52(3):279-289.e16. doi: 10.1016/j.jaac.2012.12.012. 

2. Nicole Schmitz, Katya Rubia, Eileen Daly, Anna Smith, Steve Williams, Declan G.M. Murphy, Neural Correlates of Executive Function in Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Biological Psychiatry, Volume 59, Issue 1,2006, Pages 7-16, ISSN 0006-3223, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2005.06.007.

3. Tianyi Zhou, Jiannan Kang, Fengyu Cong, Dr. Xiaoli Li, Early childhood developmental functional connectivity of autistic brains with non-negative matrix factorization, NeuroImage: Clinical, Volume 26, 2020, 102251, ISSN 2213-1582, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102251.

4. Wang, Jia, et al. "Increased EEG coherence in long‐distance and short‐distance connectivity in children with autism spectrum disorders." Brain and Behavior 10.10 (2020): e01796.

5. Phan, L., Tariq, A., Lam, G. et al. The Neurobiology of Semantic Processing in Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Activation Likelihood Estimation Analysis. J Autism Dev Disord 51, 3266–3279 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04794-9

6. Daryl Hannah discusses life with autism: All star aba. Daryl Hannah Discusses Life with Autism | All Star ABA. (2025, March 24). https://www.allstaraba.org/blog/daryl-hannah-autism#:~:text=Hannah%20was%20diagnosed%20with%20autism,explore%20her%20interests%20and%20talents. 

7. TodayShow. (2023, June 16). NBA star Tony Snell speaks out for 1st time on autism diagnosis: “I am the way I am.” TODAY.com. https://www.today.com/health/nba-star-tony-snell-speak-1st-time-autism-diagnosis-rcna89701  

8. Dailymail.com, J. H. F. (2025, January 25). Bill Gates’ autism bombshell and how breakthrough Christmas dinner with Trump shaped their plans for the world. Daily Mail Online. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14325081/bill-gates-autism-donald-trump-vaccines.html