Welcome to a month dedicated to understanding, advocating for, and celebrating neurodiversity – Autism Awareness Month. As we embark on this journey of awareness and acceptance, it’s crucial to recognise the importance of shedding light on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the individuals who navigate its unique landscape. Autism Awareness Month serves as a beacon of education and empathy, offering a platform to dispel myths, challenge stereotypes, and foster inclusive communities where everyone is valued and celebrated for their differences. By raising awareness about autism, we not only honour the diverse experiences of individuals on the spectrum but also pave the way for greater understanding, acceptance, and support for the 205,000 individuals in Australia who have been diagnosed with autism. Join us in embracing the spirit of Autism Awareness Month as we embark on a journey of compassion, advocacy, and celebration.
Autism is a lifelong developmental disorder that can affect how a person communicates, interacts socially and perceives the world. It’s important to understand that autism is a spectrum, meaning that each individual with autism is unique and has their own experience. An individual’s strengths and challenges can change throughout life and their support needs may change.
Anybody can be autistic, regardless of sex, age, race or ethnicity. It is more common in boys than girls and they present signs differently too. Boys are four times more likely to have autism. Girls typically have more subtle characteristics and challenges common to autism, which means it can be harder to get a diagnosis as a female.
Autism looks different for everyone, and each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. Some autistic people can speak, while others are nonverbal or minimally verbal and communicate in other ways. Some have intellectual disabilities, while some do not. Some require significant support in their daily lives, while others need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently. These needs are broken down into the three levels of an autism diagnosis.
Some common characteristics of autism include challenges with social communication, sensory sensitivities, repetitive behaviours, restrictive behaviours and specific interests or strengths. However, it is essential to remember that these traits vary widely among individuals with autism. Other medical, behavioural and mental health issues are also commonly occurring with autism, such as sleep disorders, ADHD, anxiety, depression or gastrointestinal disorders.
Early detection and diagnosis of autism are crucial for accessing appropriate supports and interventions. Parents and caregivers should be aware of early signs such as delayed speech development, lack of eye contact, and repetitive behaviours.
The common behaviours seen in children with autism are noticeable at a young age as it is a developmental disorder. In babies you may notice they don’t respond to their name, they smile infrequently and they lack of back and forth gestures, such as waving and pointing. As they grow you may notice a want for solitude, strong reactions to tastes, textures and restricted interests.
Children diagnosed before the age of 4 are 50 times more likely to receive support services to help them and their families. Therefore it is important to seek a professional evaluation if you have any concerns about these behaviours in your child.
In a social situation, with a group of people, you may recognise someone with autism if they:
- Have trouble taking turns to talk
- Making eye contact
- Understanding what others are thinking or feeling
- Reading others body language and facial expressions
- Understanding personal space
- Sharing their emotions
- Matching their voice to the socially appropriate tone or volume level
This makes ‘fitting in’ harder for those with autism. The way neurotypical people communicate flies over their radar. This results in some behaviours that others see as inappropriate, odd or rude. Its important to note that’s not their intentions. They care just as much as the other people in the group, and they are trying their hardest. So please be kind and have patience. Understanding that these are signs of autism helps in accepting those with autism and making it easier for them to get a long with you.
People with autism are prone to experiencing extreme stress. This comes from the intense emotions they feel. You may notice someone has autism due to their reactions being very intense to something and you can’t understand why. It can be deeply distressing. Experiences that cause extreme can stress be;
- Changes in plans or routines
- Disruption to their repetitive behaviours
- Lossing an object they are attached to
- Light
- Sounds
- Certain textures
It is more difficult to regulate emotions when you have autism. Intense feelings of anger and sadness can last for long periods of time, from what looks like small problems. Its important not to invalidated these emotions. It is very difficult for people with autism to communicate their emotions and these instances can result in meltdowns and shutdowns. Its important to give them space for their emotions and support.
With intense anger, also come intense joy. People with autism are easily excited. Which is such a blessing to be around. They are able to feel empathy even though they may show it differently.
Maybe they have Autism?
The kid that never looks you in the eye. The one that keeps ranting on so intensely about subjects no one else seems to care about. The co worker that just can’t seem to read the room properly, and says the wrong thing more often than not that. Or maybe you have that one friend that is so blunt, you are scared to ask his opinion.
You may consider these people you met as just rude and insensitive people. To the untrained eye, people with autism may seem rude, disinterested or insensitive. The most common, and harmful stereotype is that people with autism are ‘weird’. Hence why autism awareness is so important. By widening your knowledge of the signs and behaviours of autism, you can understand to not make assumptions about a person based on their behaviour.
People with autism often feel awkward and have difficulty following social expectations. This encourages feelings of wanting to be alone, and in result having little friends. Be patient and understanding, don’t take their actions too personally. They are want to be accepted and liked just as much as you.
It’s not always so obvious
Remember, people with autism are people first. They just want to be treated with the same love and respect as you do. Some autistic people feel like in order to be accepted in society and give respect they need to hide their symptoms. This is called masking, it is more common in females and it can have negative affects on their mental health. People with autism want to be accepted and acknowledged. We all are unique and no one should be treated unfairly because of that.
There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding autism, but it’s important to separate fact from fiction. Individuals with autism are capable of leading fulfilling and meaningful lives when provided with the right support and opportunities.
Autism is a spectrum, and no two individuals are the same. Interest, abilities and communication skills vary from person to person. People with autism are able to love, learn and have fulfilling experiences despite some common negative myths.
It’s essential to create inclusive and supportive environments for individuals with autism. This includes providing access to therapy, educational programs, and community resources, as well as fostering acceptance and understanding in schools, workplaces, and communities.
By being aware of autism, how it can present and how common it is, helps make the world a better place. You can support friends and peers with autism by engaging with them and not being afraid of differences they present.
Ways to engage include learning about their favourite subjects and asking them questions about it. Understand that you have to clear with your needs and wants, you can’t expect your disinterested expressions to communicate for you. Be considerate of sensory needs, when choosing locations to hang out consider the noise and amount of people. Don’t be offended if they need to leave or can’t look you in the eyes, be accepting of their differences!
If you’d like to talk to someone who has experience with raising an autistic child, call us today and we will help guide you through this process.
Let’s celebrate the strengths and talents of individuals with autism and embrace neurodiversity. By recognizing and valuing the unique perspectives and contributions of individuals with autism, we can create a more inclusive and accepting society for everyone.
For more information about autism, we strongly encourage you to continuing researching about the topic. Even better, talk compassionately to someone with autism. Showing interest in their life, their condition and how you can be a better friend to tell is a step closer to the world being a better space for them.
Not sure who to talk to? Contact us for advice and support. We have a combined experience of working, living and raising a person with autism.
Get Involved
There are many ways to get involved during Autism Acceptance Month and beyond. Educate yourself about autism, support autism advocacy organizations, participate in awareness events, and advocate for inclusive policies and practices in your community.
Together, let’s promote acceptance, understanding, and support for individuals with autism. Every person deserves to be valued, respected, and included, regardless of neurodiversity.
Resources: For Autistic People, By Autistic People
Autistics’ Guide to Adulthood is a self-paced, online, life-skills resource.
The resource consists of ten life-skills modules, which you can access at your own pace in a secure, safe and fun online environment that allows you to choose your own adventure!
These modules have been produced by autistic people and professionals, to support autistic adults to achieve their goals.