Understand Autism; What People Need to Know

Guest post

As humans, many of us live in our own little world. So, it’s completely normal that what might make sense to us doesn’t always make sense to others. It’s also very hard and sometimes uncomfortable to take ourselves out of that world we’ve grown accustomed to. As someone who has lived with autism my whole life, I can attest to the fact that many people don’t understand what it means to be on the spectrum. 

What is Autism?

Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurological and developmental disorder that typically begins in early childhood. Autism affects a person’s ability to communicate, interact with others, and behave appropriately in social situations. It is characterized by repetitive behaviors as well as problems with social skills, communication, and academics.

There is no one cause of autism. Rather, it is a complex condition that results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Autism spectrum disorder occurs in all ethnic and socioeconomic groups and affects every age group.

Various Types of Autism

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects individuals in various ways. While autism is often referred to as a single condition, there are actually several different types of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), each with its own unique characteristics and challenges.

One of the most well-known types of Autism is Asperger’s syndrome. Individuals with Asperger’s typically have average to above-average intelligence and may excel in certain areas, such as mathematics or music. However, they often struggle with social interactions and understanding nonverbal cues.

Another type of autism is Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). This diagnosis is given when an individual displays some but not all of the hallmark symptoms of autism. People with PDD-NOS may have difficulties with social communication, repetitive behaviors, or sensory issues but do not meet the full criteria for other types of ASD.

It’s important to recognize these different types because it highlights the diversity within the autistic community. Understanding that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to autism helps foster acceptance and support for individuals who may present differently than what society traditionally deems autistic. By acknowledging and appreciating these variations, we can create a more inclusive world that celebrates neurodiversity.

Therapies

While there is no cure for ASD, early intervention, such as online ABA therapy, can make a big difference in the lives of children with the disorder. With the right support and treatment, many people with ASD can live happy and fulfilling lives. At GetAnswersNow, you can learn more about autism and ABA therapy.

Having a kid with autism is not the end of the world.  

Here’s the thing about autism, no one with autism is the same, just like everyone on earth, no two are alike. So, if you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism. Each individual with autism has their own quirks and own way of dealing with their situation.

If someone is diagnosed with autism, it doesn’t change a single thing about them. They are still the same person, and we all have our own strengths, weaknesses, and individual traits. A diagnosis might just help them understand why they think the way they do. 

You can’t see autism. 

It’s important to remember that you also can’t see autism. When you have autism, people look at you and think ‘I don’t see anything wrong with you.” It’s hard to have a disability that no one can see, like a broken leg. People might make assumptions about you that aren’t true. 

There is an online autism test that you can take to see if your child may have autism before speaking with your child’s pediatrician.

Try not to judge anyone, whether you suspect they have autism or not. It’s important to get to know people and not jump to conclusions.

Autistic kids take things very literally. 

For example, in elementary school, when my teachers told me I couldn’t leave if I didn’t finish my work,  I thought I would have to stay there late into the night. It terrified me.  

Choose your words carefully when talking to an autistic child or any kid, they might take what you say too seriously.

Do not yell at or raise your voice with an autistic child.  

Rather than getting our attention, it will shut us down. If you raise your voice, we won’t respond favorably. Most of us have a hard time identifying emotions in others and interpret loud voices as anger. 

Instead, talk to us slowly and clearly, but not like the way you would talk to a 3-year-old. We might process information differently,  but we are quite intelligent.

People with autism will have breakdowns from time to time.

And they shouldn’t feel bad about it.  Sometimes it’s the only way to express that we have reached our breaking point. I finally started to get real help after my first real freak-out.

Please don’t shame someone for breaking down. Those of us with autism are already our own worst critics. We don’t need you to make us feel worse about ourselves. 

Autism can be an advantage – Understand Autism. 

Sure, there are situations where autism is a disadvantage, but it can be the opposite.  People with autism tend to focus their attention and energy on one thing. For me, those things are my art and whatever TV show or movie I’m obsessed with at the time. When it comes to autistic people and our passions, we are dedicated, determined, and hard-working. 

Don’t try to take an autistic person away from their passion. It’s a losing battle and why would you even want to? My parents nurtured my talent for art, and now I’m a published author and illustrator.

It’s Important to Accept Everyone

At the end of the day, we are all unique humans interacting with each other. There will always be people that you click with and those that you just don’t get along with.  One thing that has always annoyed me is how autistic people are taught how to act like “normal human beings” while the neuro-typical aren’t taught how to interact with us. Or to act nicely with anyone at all. What if we all just tried harder to be ourselves and to be good people? 

I remember how hard it was to talk to my parents about my problems because I didn’t want to worry them. Looking back, it’s funny to me how I was so scared of upsetting others while I was falling apart inside. I know how hard it is to say how you’re feeling and to say it in a way that gets your point across. 

With that said, I’d like to leave you with a couple of inspiring quotes I enjoy that puts things in perspective:

“What would happen if the autism gene was eliminated from the gene pool? You would have a bunch of people standing around in a cave, chatting and socializing and not getting anything done.” – Temple Grandin, The Way I See It: A Personal Look at Autism & Asperger’s

“And now I know it is perfectly natural for me not to look at someone when I talk. Those of us with Asperger’s are just not comfortable doing it. In fact, I don’t really understand why it’s considered normal to stare at someone’s eyeballs.” – John Elder Robison

Thank you for reading. I hope this article has given you a better understanding of what it’s like to be autistic and some tips on how to interact with us. We are all different, but we are all human. Just remember to be yourself and to accept others for who they are.

About the author:

Alexandra Adlawan is a writer and illustrator from Long Beach, CA, and the creator of the Amazing Artists publishing company. Naturally gifted in visual art and written word communication in reaching children, Alexandra enhanced her skill set by graduating from professional digital art & animation studio for artists with autism. Alexandra’s children’s book series includes The Adventures of Maddie and Albert, Wild Imagination, How I Spent My Summer Vacation, Flying the Imaginary Skies, and the forthcoming, Backyard Jungle.