Disability #4 - Autism

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, is a serious developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact. It refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and difference. There is not one autism but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences. The term "spectrum" reflects the wide variation in challenges and strengths possessed by each person with autism. Autism's most obvious sings tend to appear between the ages of 2 and 3. Some developmental delays associated with autism can be identified and addressed even earlier. Signs of autism include: 

• Inappropriate social interaction 
• Compulsive behavior 
• Repetitive movements 
• Persistent repetition of words or actions 
• Learning disability 
• Speech delay 
• Intense interest in a limited number of things 
• Problem paying attention 
• Unaware of others' emotions

There is no known single cause of autism, but increased awareness and early diagnosis/intervention and access to appropriate services/supports lead to significantly improved outcomes. Autism is also effects individuals to varying degrees, hence the "spectrum. Those with more severe autism can be difficult to communicate with, and there can be judgements associated with autism. Many businesses may not hire an individual if they are autistic; however the Autism Society wants to work toward making the workforce more "autism friendly." 

An anonymous individual with autism tells her story about fitting in at school. She did did not like being in a classroom with other people all day, when all she wanted was to be alone. She would run out of the classroom a lot, and she didn't know how to talk to people or make friends. Being close to others made her very uncomfortable. However, when she was diagnosed, she got a full time helper, which made her feel less excluded and said things slowly changed for the better. Yet some people at her school still don't know she has autism, because "until quite recently" she felt ashamed of being different, afraid of people's reactions. She says that people probably wonder about why she screamed and ran out of the classroom in the 8th grade, and why she has two helpers, why she puts on her iPod sometimes and screens everyone out and paces up and down the room. She explains how eye contact is difficult, and although she likes going to the cinema on her own, if a stranger sits down next to her she panics and wants to leave. But she has learned to stay, and eventually she will get so absorbed by the movie that she'll simply forget they are there. She says it makes her upset when people who know nothing about autism say it would be good if there was medication for all people with it. But she doesn't want a "cure" or any "treatment" whatsoever. She couldn't imagine being "normal" and far from being ashamed of being different. She can know say, "I have Autism and I'm glad I do."