Autism is a disorder in from early childhood in which the child has mild to severe deficits in communication and processing information. While this sounds like it is not the worst thing in the world (and I assure you there is much worse) children with autism have many more struggles than people realize. Let’s start with a simple question, do you know anyone who has autism?
The answer is probably yes, even if you don’t realize it.
In the state of Maine alone, autism affects 1 and 64 children. There are 3 stages of autism relating to their functionality where stages 2 and 3 are the least functional.
1. Lack of independence
Do you remember when you were a teenager (or maybe you still are) and all you wanted was out of your parent’s house? The chances of kids with severe autism being completely independent are pretty slim. This is not to say that everyone with autism will always be dependent on someone because they can become independent but it requires a lot more work than someone without autism. Imagine being reliant on and living with your parents or in a group home your entire life.
2. Safety
You were probably 10 years old when you learned to look both ways before crossing the street, right? Some children with autism have delayed processing which means they can stand at the crosswalk, look both ways and physically see the car coming but their brain does not process that there is a car fast enough and they try crossing anyways. Instinctual actions such as looking both ways before crossing the street are things that take years of practice, memorization, and teaching for children with autism.
3. Inability to Communicate
How many times has someone told you "communication is key"? It is incredibly important to be confident enough to communicate with people whether it be in the workplace or with your friends. But for a child with autism, they are not always able to communicate. When you were a kid and you were hungry or thirsty or were upset about something, what did you do? Did you go tell your parent or guardian? Probably. A child with low functioning autism cannot do that. They are unable to tell that the pain in their stomach is from hunger or a headache they have is because of thirst. All they know is they are uncomfortable but don’t know why, how to fix it or how to tell you that something is wrong. In fact, 40% of all children with autism are currently unable to speak at all, imagine not being able to speak to your friends. Something that is a simple part of most people’s everyday life can be the hardest most stressful part of the day for someone with autism.
4. Individuality/Uniqueness
As said before autism affects 1 and 64 children which can fall under any of the 3 stages of autism. However, within each of these stages, there are different effects of the disability that makes each child unique and have different needs. For example, one may have a slow processing system and need more time to think responses through whereas another may be completely able to respond super quick but is very impulsive and needs strategies to cope with impulses. This is the same as how when we get a cold it affects you differently than your best friend. While they all share the same disorder they are all different and unique in their own way.
5. Carefree and Happy
I have heard people say "can you imagine having ___ disorder, I'd be so upset" which is just an absurd statement to me. You are born with it and don't just acquire it randomly. Also as a BHP for children with autism and a former daycare teacher, I have worked with numerous children with disabilities and they tend to be the happiest easiest going children out there. They always have a smile on their face and are willing to learn. While this seems kind of sad they are able to go to school and be their genuine self and not worry about what everyone else thinks of them. Whereas, when most people get up in the morning they pick out their outfit, music, and plan their day based on what they feel will impress other people. That is not to say all children with autism are like this because some are more aware of their emotions and do feel the need to impress. Imagine a world where you didn't put on a face to impress everyone.
The point is children with autism are incredible people who also have feelings and emotions. The problem is so many people are unaware of the everyday difficulties that children with autism face every day and just recognize the physical deficits. All I am asking is that people stop judging “a book” by its cover and giving everyone more of a chance and become more educated on the disorder.