Let's Embrace Differences

                                                                                                         "Autism" is still a difficult topic that is currently pushed aside. In public perception 'autism' is both demonized as an incurable disease and downplayed when at first glance the child looks "normal". Creating awareness and educating the public about autism is essential due to a lot of misconceptions that stigmatize and look down upon autistic individuals. But before all, lets learn a little bit about it.

Autism is defined as a neurodevelopmental disorder which begins in early childhood and continues throughout life. There is no single cause for autism and the latest research reveals suspected risk factors pertaining genetics and environmental factors. They include genetic mutations, inheritance, being born to old parents, exposure to heavy metals and toxins, fetal exposure to certain medications etc.

 Autism exists as a very broad spectrum (Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD). The spectrum is so diverse that you don’t find two individuals having the same course. The symptoms appear before a child is three years old. In certain cases the first symptoms appear even before a child is one year old. Autism is often unrecognized or misunderstood because people with autism do not look “disabled”. It can manifest itself differently from person to person. Irrespective of the individual manifestation of the symptoms, all individuals with autism have several common difficulties in terms of social relationships, communication, imagination and atypical behavior. These difficulties vary in severity and depends on the depth of the condition.

Early symptoms of autism may include a marked delay in language and social development. Individuals with autism often demonstrate restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior and interests. Issues with language and communication include speech delays, difficulty sharing emotions and interests and maintaining back and forth communication. Certain individuals remain non-verbal throughout their lives. Autistic individuals usually have issues with non-verbal communication such as reading body language, sarcasm, jokes and sharing eye-contact. This makes it difficult for them to engage socially and maintain relationships. The repetitive and restricted patterns include repetitive movements, motions and speech patterns. They display rigid adherence to specific routines, behaviors and may develop fixations to certain colors, foods etc. Most of them exhibit an increase or decrease in sensitivity to specific sensory information from their surroundings. It could be any kind of sensory information, visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory or tactile. The intensity and type of sensory issues vary between each autistic individual.

Some of the autistic individuals function at a high level (Asperger’s syndrome) and are independent in many areas. They usually show excellency in particular areas which they are interested in. For instance certain children with autism are excellent in art, sketching maps with their memory and exhibit incredible knowledge in particular areas where you will wonder where all this information is stored.  Certain autistic individuals display mild symptoms and adapt to the social needs with little support. Others need a lot of support and affection from their caregivers. Early diagnosis is very important as it allows an intensive therapeutic effect.

Diagnosis involves several different screenings, tests and evaluations conducted by professionals, for instance by psychologists. There is no cure for autism. However, therapy and other treatment considerations help individuals with autism to alleviate symptoms and feel better. In certain situations medication may be used to address sleep, irritability and aggression issues depending on the intensity of the symptoms and the willingness of caregivers.

We should talk about ‘autism’ in terms of diversity and not a disorder.  Autism is actually not a disorder, rather it is a diversity in the wiring of their brains which make them different. Autistic individuals are different from the typical neurology and these differences affect the way they perform activities and even make decisions, Hence the term “neurodiversity” is a better approach to define autism since unlike the term “disorder” it does not stigmatize.

Considering this neurodiversity, it is vital for us to understand that we are lagging behind as a society when it comes to understanding autism and autistic individuals. What we actually need to do is provide them with a better social environment where they can adapt and benefit. Most importantly, accept them the way they are and help them cope with the difficulties. Schools, especially, lack proper inclusive settings, procedure and teaching methods to help autistic and special needs children learn with their peers. Thus, it is a social responsibility of us to understand and accept this neurodiversity and develop a better society for them to live with equal rights. Last but not least, let's kill the stigma and labelling entwisted the term "autism" and treat every individual with love and affection regardless of their differences.

"Let's embrace the differences of the human kind" 〰SPREAD LOVE〰