The Autism (Awareness Month) Spectrum
April is Autism awareness month.
Original artwork by the sensational @rigaronib
Are you aware Autism exists? Yes? Great! Mission accomplished! All that is left is to hang up some blue decorations, display some puzzle pieces and give ourselves a big pat on the back.
If you are not aware of the existence of Autism, please check any of the five posts I have written about Autism (please see below).
Are you aware now? Great! Please see the first paragraph.
But wait. Now that we are all aware of the existence of Autism, is there anything else we should know?
Of course there is. First of all, not all organizations call it “Autism” anymore. In 2013, The American Psychiatric Association began placing all types of Autism under the umbrella of “Autism Spectrum Disorder” (ASD).
According the National Institute of Mental Health,
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a guide created by the American Psychiatric Association used to diagnose mental disorders, people with ASD have:
- Difficulty with communication and interaction with other people
- Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors
- Symptoms that hurt the person’s ability to function properly in school, work, and other areas of life
Autism is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience.”
Let me stress that one more time “there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience.”
Autism is a spectrum much like this one. How many colors can you see? It is not as easy as ROYGBIV. Neither is understanding Autism.
There is also a wide variation on how people feel about Autism awareness month.
Some, like my neighbor, love it and use it as a motivation to hang their Autism flag and celebrate their son who is on the Autism spectrum. Others, like Kim Stagliano, despise the very idea of the month and wish no one would celebrate it. There are also many people who fall somewhere in between.
That is how a spectrum works. There are many shades between the two extremes.
Because my previous posts aligned very closely with my neighbors’ opinion, today I would like to focus on the other end of the spectrum.
How could anyone be against a day that raises awareness and celebrates the accomplishments of people on the Autism spectrum?
Wait. Someone is against Autism awareness month?
Yes. Because this month may not address the needs of everyone on the spectrum.
Perhaps it is because Autism is a broad spectrum and awareness days and months tend to focus on a very narrow section of it. I am guilty of this myself.
If you look back at my posts, you will see they all center around people (mostly children) who are on the higher functioning part of the spectrum. Those posts were all written from the point of view of a teacher of students who fit into that category. I want my students to be treated with dignity and respect. As a result, I used those posts as a way to educate, fight ignorance, and celebrate the awesome things my students have and will accomplish.
However, there are many people who have far more significant needs than my students. Perhaps my posts made it seem like Autism is not that serious. It just merely causes people to behave and learn in slightly different ways.
That is true… for some people. But what about the parents who have children with far more significant needs?
Sure my students have difficulty communicating and interacting with people effectively, but what about the people on the spectrum who cannot communicate at all? What about the people who scream in pain when they are hugged? What about those who can not tolerate being in a room with other people? How about the ones who have such significant sensory need that they injure themselves in order to have those needs met? What about the adults who cannot care for themselves let alone get a job? After all, kids with Autism grow up to be adults with Autism.
Many of these people see Autism awareness day as a way to show that being on the spectrum "isn't that bad". Some feel this is a dangerous attitude in that it does not stress the urgency to discover treatment options or a cure.
This may be true for some, but I bet people who have loved ones with significant needs don't think this is very cute.
There are also people on the spectrum or the people who love them who are deeply offended that a person with ASD needs to be "cured" at all. To them, being on the Autism spectrum is simply like being on the "personality spectrum". Different people have different personalities. No one needs a "cure" for a unique personality. What they need is understanding and acceptance.
Was I purposely ignoring the people who lie outside of the narrow sliver of the spectrum on which I focus during Autism Awareness month?
No.
I was using a teaching strategy.
One way to teach a concept is to start with the familiar or simple and then show how something new ties to it. For example, when I teach my high school students about revolutions, I begin by briefly touching on the American Revolution (since they have studied it for years) and then demonstrate how other revolutions are similar or different to it. This technique creates a strong base from which to grow.
Ummm how about you start by teaching them about a light switch first?
Hopefully Autism awareness month is doing that as well. I believe the end goal of Autism awareness month should involve more than just making people aware of the existence of Autism. This month should be a start to providing benefits for as many people on the spectrum as possible.
Autism lies on a spectrum. Therefore, so should the month that seeks to benefit people affected by that spectrum. This spectrum may include understanding, acceptance, resources for families, educational breakthroughs, treatments and cures. However, because it is a spectrum and every case is unique, it also includes a myriad of things I can't even begin to list or possibly understand.
All I know is that I hope Autism awareness month continues to evolve into something that can begin to help meet the individual needs of people with ASD and the ones who love them. Perhaps it is time to follow Kim Stagliano's advice and turn this into Autism Action Month.
Although this is true, it will require different things for different people.
*As with all of my posts on this topic, I focus on the social, emotional and educational aspects of ASD as I feel I have some experience and knowledge in these areas. I do not address the science involved as I prefer to leave that up to those who have experience and expertise in that area. There are many resources online, including many posts here on the Steem Blockchain, that provide a platform for a scientific discussion. In addition, I do not feel like I am an "expert" when it comes to ASD. I recognize that each individual family has a unique experience. I am not an expert in these experiences. I am merely providing insight from the point of view of someone who has worked with many students on the spectrum.
Previous posts addressing the social, emotional and educational sides of ASD:
https://steemit.com/life/@hanshotfirst/autism-awareness-month-introduction
https://steemit.com/life/@hanshotfirst/a-super-hero-with-autism-inconceivable
As a mother to 3 Autistic boys I love Autism awareness month. I think it starts the conversation, and that’s when education and acceptance can filter into the mix.
Yes, every child on the spectrum is different, trust me, my 3 boys all have their own set of challenges and needs. I think Autism awareness month is excellent in that it is bringing awareness to that. It celebrates their differences.
Autism awareness month also does do more than just raise awareness. Throughout April there have been many free seminars and information days held just here in my area, covering everything from behaviours to fussy eaters. We had a fun run/walk to raise money and awareness. Local businesses had free entry and limited number entries so that children with autism could attend movies, water parks, play centres that they would not normally be able to attend.
My view is that Autism awareness month is more than just what it says in the title. I believe it is Autism action month. I also think any form of education, awareness, action and conversation about Autism is beneficial.
As for being compared to Sheldon Cooper, I love it. His character has given my oldest son someone to relate to. I think they need more characters like him on T.V. Not just with Autism either, we should celebrate every form of ability.
I am so happy you stopped by to comment. When I was writing this I was honestly hoping you would see it. I love what you are doing with your blog. The posts you write about your kids are fantastic!
I actually almost included a bit about AMCs Sensory Friendly Movies but the post was already so long. I think Autism Awareness month has really opened a lot of business owners' eyes. That alone is a major accomplishment.
I too agree that it doesn't really matter what you call the month as long as that in practice it is has some substance and isn't all just talk and banners.
I love that there have been free seminars in many areas.
There is still a lot of work ahead but at least this is a start.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment on this. It truly means a lot to me.
Your most welcome.
I’m going to have to go back and read your other posts on autism.
Thank you so much for your ongoing support. It means so much to me that you read my blog.
It means so much to the community that you write them!
I am really sorry I don't comment more. I spend a ton of time reading and voting for the education project that I find very little time to comment. Please know that I think you sharing your experiences is incredibly valuable for this platform and parents in general.
I bet a lot of people read your content (and even more will in the future) and say, "Wow that happens to me too!"
Keep being awesome!
Thank you,
I totally understand not commenting all the time, I have so little time free and finding time to comment eats up my time when I could be reading another post. So I get it.
Thanks again!
So Daniel has been diagnosed with severe autism, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. He is so beautiful to me. Much love from here in California
Man I have been a fan of your blogs forever. Anybody who has ever seen any of your posts can recognize that you feel that being a dad is a privilege. That is the highest compliment I could possibly pay a parent. I am not surprised one bit that you "wouldn't have it any other way". There is a reason it is called "unconditional love". You display that in every post you have ever written about your kids.
Your kids are lucky to have you.
Yup. Exactly.
Exactly, also.
It's the same with any spectrum disorder - like Bipolar Affective Disorder - I've heard it said to people living with it that they are among some of the greatest creative minds like Van Gough, Beethovan, and many current artists and actors. That's not comforting - these are difficult disorders and the people who have them suffer tremendously.
We don't all have to become experts about every disorder or even try to be on the look for a brain disease. If we just all simply took a breath, stepped back and didn't judge an unusual action, and responded patiently and kindly things would be a lot easier for everyone involved.
Great post as usual @hanshotfirst.
"We don't all have to become experts about every disorder or even try to be on the look for a brain disease. If we just all simply took a breath, stepped back and didn't judge an unusual action, and responded patiently and kindly things would be a lot easier for everyone involved."
Perfectly said!
That should be the starting point for all interactions.
Yes....it "should". :)
I am a teacher in my Nigerian community. In my school I have noticed a boy who seems different from the rest of them. He learns, but the approach is different from others.
He is such a great kid with a kind heart, but he doesn’t talk but he murmurs. I’m getting to imagine an awareness around here and how appreciated he would feel.
I wish the awareness evolves into something that can help meet the individual needs of people with ASD.
Since there is a wide spectrum of the experience.
I am not very knowledgeable about the education system in your community. Are there any speech/language experts available to provide services? If not, there are many online. I hope that some day @steemiteducation will be able to be a resource for situations just like the one you are describing.
http://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/Good-Practice/Written%20for%20you/Parents-and-cares/PC%20Speech%20and%20language%20therapy.aspx
Language experts you say, w don’t have them around this place I am. Even if we do there are just a few of them.
I’ll surely read through that link.
Thank you
The reason for this awareness is not to help raising funds but the awareness comes in diagnosing small children and providing them resources they need.
It raises the idea of promoting acceptance and inclusion of everyone. Children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) should not be left out of activities because they have differing social skills and intellectual habits.
I agree 100%. That was the main point of my previous posts. In this one, I just wanted to acknowledge that those goals do not address everyone's needs... but it is a start.
Have a nice day@hanshotfirst and It raises the idea of promoting acceptance and inclusion of everyone. Children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) should not be left out of activities because they have differing social skills and intellectual habits.
Thanks Jack. I agree that society should try and include people as much as possible.
Yes this is possible
I never knew about autism until I watched a series about an autistic girl, Antara, on Zee world. I learnt there are higher percentage of these people with great potentials and creativity lying inside of them. Humans that are whole, body and soul should take responsibility of helping them to communicate these gifts to the world. We are the world. We can make it a better place for everyone to live in. Thanks for the awareness
I think that Autism Awareness month has done a great job of increasing awareness but there are so many people who really don't know the full gamut of what Autism can be. The spectrum is so wide that it is hard to even put a limit to it because the way Autism can affect each individual so vastly different. For anyone to think that Autism is just Autism is very naive and borderline ignorant. It is one thing to say you are Aware of Autism but in order to truly understand and put an end to stereotypes people should take the time to look at "what" Autism is.
I have two Autistic students in my class right now and they are completely different kids. One has no issues with socializing but has huge sensory issues and emotionally thinks at a level well below is age. The other student is almost crippled with anxiety and has an extremely difficult time interacting with others. Both of these kids are very high functioning academically but have other things that cause difficulties for them. I have worked with students who are so developmentally delayed that we are focusing on life skills and all the sensory issues and anxiety is still there. The more we understand, the more we can accept. Thank you for taking awareness to the next level!
Keep promoting Autism. I worked with Autistic children for 7 yrs and we have an autistic child in my in laws family. So little is known about it and the causes of it. I wonder if years ago autistic folk were not institutionalized and locked up. 30 yrs ago when I went into the mental health field I visited an institution for severely handicapped adults and I remember being struck by the residents and their self absorption, non communication, and repetitive behaviour.
Great examples! I wish I had included this quote: "Once you've met one person with Autism... you have met ONE person with Autism." Everyone is unique.
Autism children are still many in Aceh, Indonesia. Particularly in North Aceh, some autistic children are able to attend school in extraordinary schools.
But some are left by his parents not in school. They are looking for alms on the market. Recently, a child with autism gone missing himself does not know the way home. There are still many autistic children, so need the help of various parties.
I truly hope that educational opportunities are provided for all children.
Thanks you
Love to all families with members on the spectrum ... we are all different and unique in ways we still cannot comprehend.
Peace out
Well said.