{"id":"mymindmine-knowledge-autism-v1","slug":"autism","domain":"neurodivergence","title":"Autism","deck":"A neurological and developmental condition with varied patterns of social communication, behavior, interests, strengths, and support needs.","directAnswer":"Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects communication, interaction, learning, and behavior. Autism is described as a spectrum because characteristics, strengths, challenges, and support needs vary widely.","mechanism":["Autism is developmental and can be expressed differently across people and across life stages.","Restricted or highly focused interests and repetitive patterns can coexist with substantial strengths and expertise.","Support needs should not be inferred from a single visible trait."],"whyItMatters":["MyMindMine should support structured cognition without reducing autistic people to deficits or stereotypes.","The system can discuss cognition and tools while keeping clinical diagnosis separate."],"questions":["What is autism?","Why is autism called a spectrum?","Can autistic strengths and support needs coexist?"],"related":["attention","perception","self-regulation","personal-identity"],"sources":[{"label":"NIMH: Autism Spectrum Disorder","url":"https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/autism-spectrum-disorder","publisher":"National Institute of Mental Health"}],"clinicalBoundary":"Educational reference only. Diagnostic evaluation belongs with qualified professionals.","updated":"2026-09-20","canonicalUrl":"https://www.mymindmine.com/neurodivergence/autism","author":{"name":"John Brajer","url":"https://www.mymindmine.com/people/john-brajer"},"publisher":"MyMindMine","knowledgeSystem":"MyMindMine Knowledge System v1","epistemicBoundary":{"externalSources":"Sources support the external factual orientation.","originalLayer":"Brajology and MyMindMine interpretations are original framework material and are not attributed to external sources."}}