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Autism and Cognition

Difficulty with Automatic Processing is Common in Autism

It’s common for people with autism to experience difficulties with automatic processing. Neurotypical individuals can perform tasks without consciously thinking about each step, but someone with autism may need to consciously focus on every action, as things don’t happen automatically. This requires significant mental effort, similar to solving a difficult math problem, and doesn’t allow […]

Categories
Autism and Cognition

An Autistic Brain Must Work Harder

When I run into problems in everyday life, I can’t help but think about how easily things come to people without disabilities. It’s frustrating to see how much energy they save on daily tasks, leaving them with more for other things. Even though I often write about how content I am with my life and […]

Categories
Autism and Cognition

Why Many Autistic People Struggle with Eye Contact

Many autistic people find eye contact uncomfortable and actively avoid it. I recently received a question from a blog reader asking how I feel when someone makes eye contact with me, and in this post, I’ll answer that, as well as explain why eye contact can be so challenging for many autistic individuals. Eye Contact […]

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Autism and Cognition

Autism and Visuospatial Challenges Deserve More Understanding

Recently, I received a question from an anonymous blog reader wondering how she’ll ever be able to accept herself. She has autism and, like me, struggles with visuospatial tasks – things like wrapping presents, assembling furniture, and following movies. She has a normal IQ but a very uneven cognitive profile and impaired visuospatial ability. The […]

Categories
Autism and Cognition

Cognitive Challenges Often Overlooked in Autism

Today, a lot of conversation surrounds what autism actually is. Since the 1990s, awareness has grown, and more people understand that autism can present even when someone has spoken language and is intellectually gifted. Many now recognize that difficulties with social interaction, sensory sensitivities, and repetitive interests are often part of the autistic experience. However, […]