Understanding Autism
What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Australia describes autism as a condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, interacts with others, and experiences their environment. It is a lifelong disability that starts when a person is born and stays with them into old age. Each autistic person is different to every other person with autism. This is why autism is described as a ‘spectrum’.
When understanding autism as a whole it’s important that we focus on the emphasis of a spectrum. The fact is, autism presents differently in every single person and it is not a ‘one size fits all’. This means people with autism have a wide range of challenges as well as abilities.
Myths & Misconceptions
Misconceptions about autism can lead to some autistic people feeling quite alone or singled out within social settings. These misconceptions can also sometimes lead to bullying or abuse in extreme cases. Let’s debunk a few common myths;
Children with Autism can’t learn.
Children with autism absolutely can learn. No two people have the same way of processing information. Once we take the time and make the effort to find an effective teaching method, the sky's the limit. The vast majority of children with autism can and will improve with assistive therapies but those therapies need to be tailored in order to be effective. For some, learning may be difficult and progress slow but with persistence from the supports around them, this is a non-issue.
Autism is caused by bad parenting.
This is simply false. Bad parenting doesn’t help anyone but it certainly doesn’t cause autism. This can be an incredibly damaging myth. Many parents of children with autism already feel they aren’t being great parents because their children are not responding to them as a typically developing child does. Understanding this from an outside perspective and not being quick to pass judgement is incredibly important.
Kids with autism don’t want to make friends
In most cases this is simply not true. Sure there are absolutely some children and adults who are very aloof and avoid others to an extent but the majority of those on the spectrum do enjoy socialising. The issue can lie in not knowing how to socialise and making mistakes. Socialising can often require quick thinking but if we slow this careful dance down, we can teach children the steps and they can learn and gain confidence in social situations.
We need to remember that, for people on the spectrum, being social may cause them to feel very anxious and this may be due to past failures but the desire to connect is there. It is up to that person’s support whether it be loved ones, teachers and therapists to help them socialise successfully.
Autism is a different kind of brilliant
This article is starting to sound a bit negative no? We don’t want to only talk about the challenges a person with autism can face but celebrate the strengths and amazing abilities those on the spectrum possess. For instance;
When communicating with someone on the spectrum you can generally anticipate open honesty and a level of directness that can leave you feeling like you know exactly where you stand.
When taking on tasks you can find people on the spectrum to be thorough, methodical and analytical, often finding patterns quickly which serves them well in the workforce!
Some people with autism can be incredibly observant or able to absorb facts and information with a superior recall.
When you really look at common strengths amongst people with autism it paints an amazing image of diverse skills and abilities.
It’s important to remember though that every experience of autism is unique. No one person will identify with every positive aspect of autism. We all have individual skills, attributes and characteristics that are as unique as our personalities.
Understanding, embracing and celebrating how these differences help rather than hinder someone's ability to live their life to its full potential is how we overcome the stigma around Autism. That's why it is so important we try not to deter people on the spectrum from expressing themselves, or teaching them to act more neurotypical or fit into a mould, it's now more important than ever to understand how someone thinks and operates so we can adjust our approach and demeanour towards them to be more tolerant, inclusive and understanding of what their lived experience is and how we can support people, to lead a well rounded, fulfilled, participative life.
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