Celebrating Autism Acceptance and Embracing Neurodiversity
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 36 children receive diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder, and its frequency is on the rise. This is likely due to increased public awareness and better screening tools.
“Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that always begins in childhood and affects many areas of a person’s functioning,” says Dr. Amy Lemelman, assistant professor of psychology in clinical psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine and psychologist at the NewYork-Presbyterian Center for Autism and the Developing Brain. “Because it’s a spectrum disorder, one area of functioning may affect one person a lot, and the effects might be the opposite for someone else.”
Look below to better understand ASD and how you can support those with the condition.
What It Looks Like
Every person has a different experience with autism. However, the telltale signs affect a person’s social skills, communication abilities and behavior. Dr. Lemelman notes that an ASD diagnosis requires communication symptoms and other restricted, repetitive behaviors to be present, such as:
- Avoiding or seeking specific sensory stimulation
- Complications in developing, maintaining and understanding relationships
- Difficulty with verbal and non-verbal communication
- Hyper-focusing on a small number of interests
- Inconsistent eye contact
- Lack of interest in peers
- Limited gestures or facial expressions
- Repeating a gesture or behavior
- Trouble with transitions or changes in routine
Living on the Spectrum
Typical life challenges are often more difficult for those on the autism spectrum. While transitioning to college or work is stressful for anyone, such transitions are particularly hard for those with ASD.
In adulthood, the stresses keep coming, and those with ASD must find ways to thrive in daily life. This requires creative problem-solving.
A person with ASD may do a few things to manage everyday life, including:
- Developing a daily routine that fits their needs
- Seeking a career focused on their niche interests
- Purchasing clothing and other items that meet their tactile preferences
Professional services can help maximize quality of life, especially when the individual with ASD has a voice.
“When entering college or the job market, life skills or job skills training can help,” Dr. Lemelman says. “An intervention plan should be highly individualized and, if possible, include input from the person with autism regarding goals and what’s important to them in that stage of life.”
Welcoming People With ASD
By practicing autism acceptance, you can help someone with ASD feel welcome. Here are a few ways to get started.
- Ask questions. Never assume you know the preferences of someone with ASD. Ask how the individual wants you to engage, and let that person guide your interaction.
- Chill out. Give time for someone on the spectrum to answer your questions or adjust to new situations, and don’t judge them for any ASD-related behaviors.
- Remember the golden rule. As a guiding principle, treat someone with ASD as you want to be treated. Be patient and kind, accept the other person’s unique traits and welcome them into the fold.
Partnering with a caring medical expert can help you navigate life’s challenges with ASD. Find a doctor at Weill Cornell Medicine today.