The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism

Asperger syndrome, named after Hans Asperger, is a type of autism that has been incorporated into the autism spectrum disorder diagnosis as of 2013. Individuals prior to 2013 could be given a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome that was differentiated from autism spectrum disorder. Those with Asperger syndrome sometimes have a hard time acquiring interpersonal and relationship skills.

Autism is a developmental disability, referring to a range of conditions and symptoms. Autism is a diagnosis often characterized by repetitive behaviors and difficulties with social skills.

Also referred to as “camouflaging,” masking is the practice whereby people with autism consciously or subconsciously suppress autistic behaviors and mimic the behaviors of people without autism to appear more neurotypical.

“Neurotypical” is a term used to describe people whose brain operates in a way like most of their peers and who exhibit no neurologically atypical thoughts or behaviors, such as those found with an autism diagnosis.

“Neurodivergent” is a term used to describe people whose brain operates in ways different to most of their peers, leading to thoughts and behaviors that are considered atypical. People with autism are considered neurodivergent, but not all neurodivergent people have autism.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health condition whereby individuals experience recurring thoughts and behaviors that they feel compelled to repeat.