When most people hear the term autism, they envision a “special” person with a developmental disorder who requires special treatment. Autism is a complicated neurological disorder that impairs a person’s ability to communicate, interact with others, and engage in appropriate behavior. People with autism frequently struggle to communicate, interact with others, and engage in appropriate behavior. Autism victims could find it difficult to react to their name, make eye contact, or utilize language properly. Autism is a disorder with a broad spectrum, which means that its manifestation and severity can vary greatly from person to person. Golson states that some characteristics of autism are shared, such as difficulty communicating, impaired social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests (15).
People with autism can contribute to the diversity of disability culture by expanding understanding of what disability is and how it can be accepted. Autism Spectrum Disorder representation in the media can also help to reduce stigma and misconceptions about the condition while also providing role models and people to look up to. We can help to create a more accepting and understanding public perception of autism by highlighting its positive aspects.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of autism is estimated to be 1 in 68 children who have been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 154). It is estimated that there are around 3.5 million people living with autism in the United States (Golson 25).
Autism’s Influence on Disability Advocacy and Relationships
People with autism frequently struggle to express their needs, form relationships, and participate in activities. As a result, they might require assistance in advocating for their rights or forming meaningful relationships. Disability advocacy is critical in assisting people with autism in obtaining the assistance they require to live meaningful lives. Autism advocates can assist people with autism in gaining access to services, obtaining accommodations, and participating in their communities. They can also help you build relationships with your peers, family members, and professionals.
Autism symptoms normally start to show up in young children, and diagnosis is usually made by the age of two. Early diagnosis is critical because it allows families to gain access to the resources they require to support their child. Early intervention services can assist autistic children in developing language, social, and self-help skills. The most typical signs of autism include difficulties interacting with others, communicating verbally and nonverbally, and forming connections. Additionally, research suggests that environmental factors, such as exposure to certain toxins, may also play a role in the development of autism (DeVito and Kelleher 100). Restrictive interests, repetitive habits, and sensory sensitivity are further characteristics of people with autism (DeVito and Kelleher 50). Organizations like Autism Speaks have been created to advocate for the rights of people with autism and raise awareness of the issue in order to help combat it. Through advocacy, people with autism can get the help they require to lead satisfying lives.
Autism has connections to many different areas of disability studies. The model of disability, which sees disability as a social construct, is its closest relative. This is why parents are so important in the field of disability studies; they are often the ones best able to understand and support their child’s unique needs. Parents can work more effectively to create an environment in which their child can thrive if they understand the Model of Disability. Nevertheless, despite these challenges, people with autism can establish relationships and parent successfully (Maddox and Valerie 15). With the correct support, people with autism can learn the social and communication skills necessary to create enduring connections. Additionally, parents of children with autism can find the information and tools they need to comprehend their children’s needs and manage challenging behaviors. People with autism are frequently the targets of stigma and prejudice because they are frequently perceived as “abnormal.” This viewpoint assumes that people with autism have a “deficit” that must be “corrected,” rather than embracing their strengths and differences. This perspective suggests that people with autism should be accepted and accommodated, rather than “fixed” (Maddox and Valerie 17).
Autism also relates to the topic of disability advocacy. Making an inclusive atmosphere where people with autism can thrive is essential to autism advocacy. This entails creating a space where people with autism are welcomed and respected, as well as making accommodations to ensure their safety and comfort. This could include providing a quiet space for those who require it, having visuals or other sensory aids on hand, and giving people access to resources and support. Access to resources, such as educational and therapeutic services, as well as support and understanding are all part of this (Hong 100). Additionally, people with autism frequently need assistance with their jobs, relationships, and parenthood. As a result, it’s critical to offer tools and assistance so that people with autism can fulfill their potential and live happy, satisfying lives (Hong 89).
To summarize, autism is a spectrum disorder that affects communication and social interaction. The medical and social models of disability offer different perspectives on autism, and it is critical to seek out accurate representations of autism in media. People with autism may struggle to form relationships, so it is critical that they have access to support networks. Autism advocates should focus on creating an inclusive world that values the unique abilities and strengths of people with autism. People with autism may have difficulty finding and keeping jobs, and employers should make reasonable accommodations to ensure that people with autism can perform their jobs to the best of their abilities.
Works Cited
Golson, Megan. “Current state of autism knowledge in the general population of the United States.” Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders 90 (2022): 101886.
Maddox, Brenna B., and Valerie L. Gaus. “Community mental health services for autistic adults: Good news and bad news.” Autism in Adulthood 1.1 (2019): 15-19.
DeVito, Jennifer and Kelleher, Robert. “Autism: Overview and Diagnosis.” American Family Physician, vol. 99, No. 2, 15 July 2018, pp. 99-106.
Hong E.R. “Self-paced and video-based learning: parent training and language skills in Japanese children with ASD.” Exceptionality Education International 28.2 (2018).