'Everyone is on the spectrum?'

You’ve probably heard people say that autism is a “spectrum.” It’s a common way to describe it — but it’s also a bit misleading. When most people picture a “spectrum,” they imagine a straight line that runs from “not autistic” on one end to “very autistic” on the other. That might make sense at first, but it creates a few problems. For one, it suggests there’s just one measure of how autistic someone is, like a volume knob you can turn up or down. It also feeds into that phrase you might’ve heard: “everyone’s a little bit on the spectrum.”

And honestly? That idea can be pretty harmful.

Why “everyone’s on the spectrum” isn’t the same as “everyone’s different”

It’s true that everyone has a different ways of thinking. But being autistic is about having a whole neurotype that shapes how you experience the world. Autism is a neurodevelopmental 'condition' that affects how a person communicates, interacts and experiences the world. When people say “we’re all on the spectrum,” it can unintentionally downplay the real differences and challenges autistic people face. It can make it sound like autism is just a matter of personality, rather than a fundamental part of how someone’s brain is wired.

A better way to think about it: the colour wheel

Instead of a line, imagine autism as a colour wheel.

Each colour represents a different area of experience — things like:

• sensory processing (how bright lights, sounds, or textures feel)

• social communication

• executive functioning (planning, switching tasks, staying organised)

• emotional regulation

• special interests and focus

  
  

Every autistic person has their own mix of shades and intensities across that wheel. Some colours might shine bright; others might be softer or completely different.

That’s why no two autistic people are exactly alike. One person might be incredibly sensitive to noise but great with words; another might love structure and routine but struggle with flexibility.

This way of seeing it shows that autism isn’t about being “more” or “less” autistic — it’s about different combinations of traits that make up someone’s experience.

Why this matters

Thinking about autism as a colour wheel helps shift the focus away from hierarchy and comparison. It reminds us that being autistic isn’t a scale of severity — it’s a spectrum of diversity. And most importantly, it helps us respect autistic people for who they are, rather than measuring how “close” or “far” they seem from being neurotypical.

The takeaway

Everyone’s brain works differently — that part’s true. But autism isn’t something everyone’s “a bit of.” It’s a distinct, valid, and deeply human way of being.

So next time you think about autism, try swapping that straight line for a colour wheel. You’ll see just how beautifully varied the spectrum really is.