5 Things About Children With Autism Most People Don't Know
Start writing a post

5 Things About Children With Autism Most People Don't Know

It's important to know some facts before making judgments!

272
5 Things About Children With Autism Most People Don't Know
Unsplash

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.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

54984
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

35397
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957532
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

184539
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments