Disability as a Spectrum: Understanding Autism and How Counselling Can Help

When people think about disability, they often see it as something fixed—something a person either has or doesn’t. But in reality, disabilities like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) exist on a spectrum. This means people have different strengths and challenges that show up in different ways. Psychologist Simon Baron-Cohen talks about this using the idea of “empathizing” and “systemizing.” These are two ways our brains can work, and everyone falls somewhere along the scale.

Empathizing means being able to understand and respond to how other people feel. Systemizing means understanding rules, patterns, and how things work. According to Baron-Cohen, many people with autism are strong systemizers. They might be great at noticing details, solving puzzles, or understanding how machines work. At the same time, they might find social situations, emotions, or conversations harder to understand.

But these traits—empathizing and systemizing—are not just for people with autism. Everyone has some level of each. Some people are strong in both, some are stronger in one, and some are more balanced. This shows that autism is not just a disorder, but a different way of thinking that exists along a spectrum with the rest of the population.

Counselling can help people with autism understand their own way of thinking and being in the world. Many autistic people grow up feeling like they are "wrong" or "not good enough" because they don’t act or feel the same as others. Therapy can help change that story. It can support people in learning more about their strengths, their needs, and how to feel more comfortable with who they are.

For example, someone with autism might feel anxious in busy social situations. Through counselling, they can explore why that happens. They might learn that loud sounds or unclear social rules are overwhelming. A counsellor can help them find ways to cope, like preparing for social events, asking for clear communication, or taking quiet breaks when needed.

Most importantly, counselling can help people with autism feel better about themselves. It’s not about “fixing” them, but about helping them understand their brain, their feelings, and their values. This builds self-confidence and helps them advocate for what they need in school, work, and relationships.

Disability is not black and white. People have different abilities in different areas, and that’s okay. Seeing autism as part of a wide spectrum of human experience helps create a more accepting and supportive world—for everyone.