We often talk about autism as if it’s a simple condition that only affects a small number of people. But this couldn't be further from the truth. Autism is actually a spectrum disorder that can affect people in many different ways, from mild to severe.
It affects 1 in 68 children in the United States, and it’s something that we should all be aware of. Here are some things you should know about autism.
What is autism?
When it comes to autism, we’re a little confused. Is it a condition or a disorder? Well, to be honest, the short answer is that it’s both. It’s a condition that causes a wide range of disabilities and difficulties in a person's life. The symptoms can be severe and can make life very difficult for a person who has autism.
Many people with autism will spend much of their lives in special education classes or in some way unable to contribute to society at large. They may also have severe learning problems, which may be caused by the way autism affects the brain.
Can someone be autistic without having a diagnosis? Yes, but you’d have to have all of the symptoms to meet the definition of autism.
Symptoms Of Autism
Because autism is so complex, it's not an easy condition to describe in words. You need to look at the individual who is affected. Autism is often a long-term condition and not something that you grow out of.
Some symptoms of autism are;
Difficulty with social interaction
Difficulty with conversation,
Difficulty with non-verbal communication
Behavioral problems can range from OCD to lack of empathy Depression, anxiety, and thoughts of self-harm.
The good news is that many people with autism can be easily identified. For example, you may notice they sometimes hold an odd pose or have hand tremors.
Now The Importance of Autism Awareness
People often associate autism with the stereotype of someone that is non-verbal or unable to learn. This is far from the truth. The most common form of autism is Asperger syndrome, which can affect a person's social skills and the way they learn.
It can also cause people to dislike change, react differently to others, and develop strong obsessions and intense interests.
The condition can be found in all walks of life, from special-needs preschool students to professional athletes. There are many things that people may not realize about autism.
You may think that people with autism cannot read, but that’s just not true. With some practice, most people with autism can learn to read and write.
What can we do about autism?
Let me get one thing straight: if we take one thing away from this post, let it be that nothing can “cure” autism. But by learning more about it, we can develop an understanding of what it is, what it means for people on the autism spectrum and for those around them, and we can develop ways to best deal with autism in a number of areas, such as health care, support services, and how schools educate students with autism.
Here are some resources for learning more about autism and its effects: Why do so many people misidentify autism as a form of laziness or lack of effort?
When people see someone with autism sitting in a corner, they often assume that the person is “staring blankly at the wall,” or “feeling sorry for themselves”.
What are some misconceptions about autism?
People often think that if a child is able to communicate and is not obviously disabled, they can't have autism. But just because a child doesn't appear to have a disability doesn't mean that they don't have it.
This is a myth that is repeatedly spread by doctors and parents alike. Just like autism affects many children differently, so do their symptoms. Some people with autism have difficulty communicating and don't show much interest in people, whereas others have a hard time remembering names and often prefer solitary activities.
Where does autism tend to start? Certain brain areas become more or less developed in children who have autism compared to those who don't. Children with autism usually first start noticing issues at the age of two years.
What is autism advocacy?
When you talk about autism advocacy, you are talking about people who have autism and are working hard to change attitudes towards people with autism and their families, communities, and society at large. The Autism National Committee was founded in 1974 by a group of concerned parents.
The committee took up the issue of autism spectrum disorder and organized various meetings for parents, and they lobbied to help people with autism and their families. The result was the 1977 Civil Rights Act which made autism a protected disability.
Currently, Autistic Self Advocacy Network is working to create public awareness of autism. They hold many events and fund-raising campaigns in various areas to raise money for organizations that are working on helping people with autism.
My Verdict
If you’ve read through this article, you’re at the end of your learning curve about autism. You now have a better idea of what autism is, how it affects people, and what it looks like. If you know anything else about autism that you’d like to share, leave it in the comment section below. I’d love to read it!
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Thanks for reading.. Cheers!!!
Thank you for this article. I have a daughter in the spectrum and I am thankful for people like you who raises autism awareness.