Autism: We’re Aware. But Do We Really Get It?
3:00 AM
In the beginning of my teaching career, autism was unknown and widely
misunderstood. Most people outside of the special education community had not heard of autism before. Those who had heard
of it did not have a good understanding of what it was.
* Cue the autism awareness movement. *
Since then, autism advocates have been so successful in
spreading awareness that most people today know what autism is. Many (most?)
people even know someone with autism or are personally affected by it in some
way. As a whole, it is safe to say that most people are now, at least, aware of
autism.
People wear blue on April 2th, Autism Awareness Day. Some people paint their pumpkins teal or with rainbow puzzle pieces for Halloween. They post
memes on their social media accounts to show support for autism awareness.
But are we really getting anywhere in terms of helping
individuals with autism? People are aware of autism. Success! But do they
really understand it?
True, we’ve come a long way in the past 20 years. When I
first started working in an autism program, someone at a party walked up to me
and said, “Your friend told me you work with artistic kids. What do they make?”
I was confused. My students weren’t really known for making anything in
particular. I wasn’t sure why my friend would say that to him. Turns out, he
misunderstood her. He had never heard the term “autistic” before so he just
assumed he misheard her. He assumed that she said “artistic” and that I was
some sort of art teacher.
I doubt that sort of misunderstanding would happen
today. You'd have to dig a hole and live there to avoid hearing the word “autism”
by now. People today are at least aware.
The next step is to educate the public on a deeper level. We’re
on the next chapter now. Everyone knows what autism is. Now it’s time to
demonstrate understanding.
Now we need to spread awareness on:
- What it means to live with autism
- How to treat people with autism
- Accepting and including individuals with autism
- How to support people with autism
And the best way to learn these things is to spend time with
autistic individuals. Get the info straight from the source. Be with them,
include them, love them, and learn. Some
things you just can’t learn from a text book or the internet.
The one thing all people with autism have in common is that
they are all unique. They don’t all fit the characteristics on Web MD. They
definitely don’t look like their movie portrayals. They don’t look the same,
they don’t act the same, and they don’t think the same. Much like people without
autism.
Autism is not a mental illness. It’s definitely not contagious. And it isn’t an excuse not to succeed.
Many people with autism live happy, very successful, and fulfilling
lives. Autism isn’t necessarily a hindrance and shouldn’t be viewed that way.
It’s just a different way of thinking, and therefore a different way of living.
So whether you “Light It Up Blue,” or do “Red Instead” …. Whether
you use people first terminology or identity first language… No matter which color you wear or paint your pumpkins…
Let’s stay focused on our common goal. Let’s help people with autism by supporting them, accepting them, and including them in our lives.
Let’s teach our kids to invite the child with autism to
play. Teach them not to be offended if the child declines the invitation. Teach
them that some children learn differently and some children cope differently.
Teach them that some children seek comfort through sensory input. Teach them
that some children become overwhelmed by too
much sensory input. Teach them that all
children are different, autistic or not, and we should try our best to accept
them as they are.
Teach them tolerance, compassion, and open- mindedness. We’ve achieved autism awareness. Now we need to spread autism acceptance.
Read the post on my blog about Temple Grandin, The Girl Who Thought in Pictures.
Read the post on my blog about Temple Grandin, The Girl Who Thought in Pictures.
Visit my blog at https://teachingexceptionalthinkers.com/ for more fun teaching ideas!
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by Christy from Exceptional Thinkers
1 comments
It's heartening to see the progress made in raising awareness about autism. However, awareness is just the first step. Understanding and acceptance are equally important. As we continue this journey, let's strive to truly "get it" by listening to the voices of autistic individuals and learning from their experiences. And for those in Brisbane seeking support, hiring NDIS plan managers can offer valuable assistance in navigating the complexities of the system.
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