The Autism Society Canada states,
It is important to distinguish between the clinical terms and descriptions of ASD and our understanding and knowledge of people who live with ASD. We need to understand clinical terms used in medical settings, during diagnosis, and in certain treatment or intervention settings. However, it is wise to keep in mind that these terms may also be seen as limiting labels to some people with autism who feel that ASDs have been “medicalized” to the point where individuals who are unique in their skills, abilities and value to their communities, have been forgotten or eclipsed by the “disorder”.
Awareness
One of the most difficult aspects of living with autism is the sense of isolation. As one anonymous mother writes on a website:
Kids do not like change or disruptions to their daily patterns. Their brains are hyper-wired for structure and order and the world is a very, very unorderly place. The average mother doesn’t always go to the same store at the same time, the same way, the same aisles every single shopping trip. Try explaining that to a non-verbal autistic 5 year old. Even worse, try explaining the whole situation to the other 250 or so people in the store who are witnessing your child’s complete breakdown over the change in his routine…. Chances are you won’t have much luck, because now you’re also crying and having difficulty breathing and the woman 3 carts in front of you with the neurologically typical children tells the checker that your kid is just a spoiled brat and probably needs a good spanking. 4 aisles and 7 carts away there is a man who can only hear all of this hubbub and is now cussing you out wondering why you won’t just leave. All of the combined cacophony leaves the autistic child even more upset, confused and frightened and increases his tantrum level, which you didn’t think was possible. Do you now leave your full cart in the store and head for the hills? How will the shopping ever get done now?
…The autistic child doesn’t have a flashing red light over his head that announces to the world that he’s autistic. In fact, he’s just another beautiful looking child, much like yours.
By becoming more aware of Autism Spectrum Disorders and continuing to support research and treatment in this area, we as a society can reach out to parents and children with autism.
RELATED ARTICLE
Speaking up for those who can’t
Copyright © 2007 All Rights Reserved – Fifty-Plus.Net International Inc.
