April 2nd each year is recognized as World Autism Awareness Day
I have decided to put together a post to help inform those interested in broadening their understanding of the topic. Knowledge may lead to patience, acceptance and support which can truly strengthen the relationship between NTs (neurotypicals) and the autistic community.
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Some of the terminology used in this post may be used more or less depending on each individuals preference. Some may choose not to use certain terms altogether. If you are not sure how to address a topic, it’s always best to ask.
WHAT IS AUTISM?
Autism is a neurological (brain) developmental disability that affects essential human behaviors such as social interaction, the ability to communicate ideas and feelings, imagination, self-regulation, and the ability to establish relationships with others.
“ASD” is short for Autism spectrum disorder
Autism is a spectrum. This means everybody with autism is different. It’s our differences that make us unique and beautiful! (That goes for you NTs out there as well!)
Each person living with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. Some characteristics show more strongly than others, some not at all. Some autistic people need little or no support. Others may need help from a parent or carer every day.
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THE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF ASD
When diagnosed, a number is given to represent roughly where the individual falls on the spectrum and determines their level (Levels 1, 2 & 3)
Level 1 ASD (scores between 30 and 36.5 indicate mild to moderate autism) is a high-functioning form of autism. This is formerly known as Asperger’s syndrome, though some still prefer the term, Asperger’s.
“Aspies” (people living with Asperger’s) are on the higher, milder end of the spectrum. This generally means milder symptoms that don’t interfere too much with work, school, or relationships.
Levels 2 & 3 ASD (scores from 37 to 60 indicate severe autism)
These are the other levels and require more support. Level 3 is the most severe and requires the most support.
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CHARACTERISTICS:
Always
Unique
Totally
Interesting
Sometimes
Mysterious
COMMON CHARACTERISTICS MAY INCLUDE:
-Great variation in abilities
-Organized/neatness
-Collecting/obsessive
-Artistic/creative
-Detailed/Long winded
-Loyal/honest
SOME TRENDS YOU MAY NOTICE:
-Tendency to talk about oneself or familiar topics
-Heightened senses
-Intense emotional reactions
-Lack of eye contact
-Have a special interest (Animals/Music)
-Need for sameness, Patterns/routines
-Not easily distracted while focused
-Social anxiety/Desire to be alone
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WHAT MIGHT I DO TO BE SUPPORTIVE ON CS?
Patience! Give it time. May need more time to decide on offers. The time it takes to process information, especially processing several pieces of information at one time, can be difficult for people with ASD.
Eliminate the guessing factor. Explain the important details for what you are looking for in a trade. Otherwise, keep it simple rather than complex.
People living with autism are able to better process information when presented visually. They may greatly benefit from pictures. Perhaps you might consider this when offering options or editing a trade.
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MORE TERMS:
STIMMING
The term "stimming" is short for self-stimulatory behavior or repetitive behavior.
People with autism may “stim” because they are excited, happy, anxious, overwhelmed, or because it feels comforting. Repetitive behavior examples may be rocking back and forth, pacing, hand flapping or toe tapping.
SENSORY OVERLOAD
“Sensory overload” is the overstimulation of one or more of the body's five senses. Sensory overload can affect anyone, but it commonly occurs in those with autism.
MASKING
“Masking” is hiding aspects of yourself or pretending to be like someone else. Camouflaging. This is what someone with autism might do to fit into a social setting.
AUTISTIC BURNOUT
“Autistic burnout” is a state of physical and mental fatigue, heightened stress, and diminished capacity to manage life skills, sensory input, and/or social interactions, which comes from years of being severely overtaxed by the strain of trying to live up to demands that are out of sync with our needs. This is just one reason why acceptance and understanding is needed to help reinforce positive development.
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NOTABLE PEOPLE WITH ASD:
Tim Burton – Movie Director
Stanley Kubrick – Movie Director
Albert Einstein - Scientist & Mathematician
Lewis Carroll – Author of “Alice in Wonderland”
Hans Christian Andersen – Children’s Author
Michelangelo – Sculptor, Painter, Architect, Poet
Andy Warhol – Artist
Mozart – Classical Composer
Jerry Seinfeld – Comedian
Satoshi Tajiri – Creator of Pokémon
Steve Jobs – Former CEO of Apple
Bill Gates – Co-founder of Microsoft
Elon Musk – Entrepreneur, Industrial Designer, Engineer
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MORE INFO:
PREVENTION
There's NO WAY to prevent autism spectrum disorder, but there are treatment options... Diagnosis and intervention can improve behavior, skills and language development. Though children usually don't outgrow ASD symptoms, they may learn to function well.
About 1% of the world population has ASD. Today, around 1 in 57 children are diagnosed with autism. That’s more than twice as many diagnosed than ten years ago. Males are 4 times more likely to be diagnosed than females. ASD cases are growing, so awareness is more important than ever.
BREAK THE STIGMA!
Raising awareness can help people with autism feel embraced, accepted, and heard. Consider using this thread to discuss your thoughts or just show your support.
Thanks for reading! You’ve already made a difference
DISCLAIMER: The above content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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FOR MORE INFO: (resources)
AUTISM SOCIETY
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