Accepting Autism
April is nationally recognized as Autism Acceptance Month and usually this means wearing special blue pins, or making a donation to a nonprofit organization. These are still great things to do! However, this year we implore everyone to truly raise awareness and acceptance by not only continuing to support organizations for the ASD community, but by taking the time to understand, include, and care for those affected by ASD in our lives. Here’s how you can help!
Understand Autism and those Affected!
The first step to being an advocate for the autism community is taking the time to understand what Autism is and how it affects different people. Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, is a developmental disorder causing social, communicational, and behavioral issues. It affects different people on a spectrum, hence the term Spectrum Disorder, and this is why no two children will be affected the same way. Some people are at a higher functioning level of autism, while others are not. Depending on where they land on the spectrum, someone with autism can live a relatively normal life, while others will need additional care. Often, you will see Autism represented in the media not as ASD, but as Aspergers, which is a very high functioning form of autism. People with Aspergers have high intelligence and social difficulties; this is the ASD you see on TV shows such as The Big Bang Theory, The Good Doctor, Bones, Atypical etc. These shows portray characters with Aspergers that are representative of about 10% of the individuals on the spectrum. However, ASD in the real world is never as neat and polished as it appears on-screen. This is why it is so important to educate yourself outside of media portrayals on what ASD really looks like for those living with it as well as those affected, such as families and friends.
Be Inclusive
The reality of a low functioning autistic individual is shied away from on screen because the reality of the difficulties families and individuals face with this make us uncomfortable. However, in choosing to shine the spotlight on high functioning individuals, the more vulnerable low function individuals are left invisible to the masses. Check out this article for more on how the media is leaving behind the reality of ASD. Because of this, it’s important to make sure you and your family are inclusive of those living with ASD. Something as simple as a birthday party invite, or invitation to dinner can make a big difference in making the other feel included and accepted. Acceptance is a lesson best taught through actions, so teach your children to be accepting of others by making an effort yourself to be inclusive. Make an active decision to accept children who are different, and teach your families how they can help by simply being a friend. Inclusion doesn’t end when individuals grow out of school. ASD is a lifelong condition, which means adults have it as well. Places of employment should be open to seeing how those with ASD can use their unique skills and talents to help their business in ways others can’t. We were happy to have worked with Zab’s Place, an organization offering employment opportunities for people with special needs! Zab’s Place is a storefront that offers work experience for people with special needs, as they prepare to harness their skills towards careers. (Check out this other amazing example of people with autism entering the workforce.) Never assume that because someone is fully grown and can lead an independent life, that they may not have an underlying condition.
Think of the Caregiver
Being a caregiver is a challenging task. From daily tasks to monthly or weekly emergencies, it can be incredibly difficult when you are caring for a child diagnosed with ASD, no matter where they fall on the spectrum. Parents or caregivers often get so wrapped up in the needs of others, it’s easy to forget to take care of themselves. As an outsider looking in, it’s important to not push or diminish your friends or family who may be struggling with this, but try to offer them a break, whether it’s offering to watch their kids for a day, or even a few hours, picking up their groceries, or helping out with daily tasks like laundry or dishes. Little things go a long way to an overwhelmed or stressed caregiver. One study from Vanderbilt University found that mothers of children with autism benefit greatly from stress reduction classes. If you or someone you know could benefit from classes like this, they can find a list of support groups here, as well as through the local SETA in their respective school district.
Donations to organizations like ours, Music for Autism, Next for Autism, are greatly appreciated but if you can’t afford to donate financially, any of the things we listed in this blog can make a difference in the lives of people in your life, and everywhere you go!