The Monteiro Descriptive Triangle
Dr. Monteiro developed the Descriptive Triangle to help families and clinicians have a context for understanding the autism spectrum brain style instead of hearing the words “autism” or “autistic” without a common point of reference. The conversation begins by recognizing patterns of differences in development, or patterns of differences in brain style, or patterns of neurodivergence. Systematically describing the individual’s patterns of strengths and differences in three key areas helps reveal the story of each person’s unique and singular autism spectrum brain style profile.
The three key areas of the Descriptive Triangle are depicted below. Click on each of the three areas to read a sample description of strengths and differences that are oftentimes seen in individuals with autism spectrum brain style differences. Comprehensive Descriptive Triangle profiles of strengths and differences are provided in Dr. Monteiro’s various publications and are taught in her online workshops.
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Language and Communication
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Strength
Uses verbal language fluently
Is beginning to understand verbal language when paired with visual contextual cues
Difference
Managing incoming verbal demands is hard work for the individual’s brain
Simultaneously organizing, retrieving and using language while managing input from a conversational partner is a source of stress
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Social Relationships and Emotions
Strength
Establishes connections with others through sharing interests
Feels deeply and experiences a range of emotions
Difference
Hard work for the individual’s brain to interpret and manage extended social exchanges
Experiences the destabilizing pattern of rapidly shifting from experiencing regulation to dysregulation or the brain switching from “thinking” to “reacting”
Sensory Use and Interests
Strength
Often has well developed visuospatial thinking abilities and applies this to areas of passionate interest
Object and topic-focused routines help the individual experience a sense of organization and regulation while blocking out the stress inherent in incoming demands
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Difference
Pronounced areas of sensory sensitivities can be a source of stress and distress
Hard work at times for the individual to flexibly shift from their agenda to follow the agenda of others