Introduction
When you think of April, what comes to mind? The arrival of spring? Perhaps the phrase, “April showers bring May flowers”? April is all of that, and more: it’s also a month for raising awareness about autism. And what way to best raise awareness about it than by expanding your knowledge on the subject?
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder that causes challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. This may cause individuals with the disorder to have different ways of learning, paying attention, or moving around, and can make life challenging.
Autism is not uncommon: according to the CDC, it is estimated that 1 in 36 children have it. However, since the signs that show if an individual has it varies from person to person, it can be extremely difficult to diagnose. This only makes it more important to understand and raise awareness about ASD.
In 1990, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was signed into law. This requires public school systems to ensure that children with disabilities receive an education that is on the same level as that of their peers without disabilities. Furthermore, it gives funds to public school systems to allow individuals with ASD to remain in the school system and to receive free early-intervention services, which can be in the form of therapeutic or support services, from the age of 3 to the age of 22, if necessary.
Amanda Weaver, a healthcare worker, is the mother of her 18-year-old son, Logan, who has ASD. Due to her medical background, Weaver was able to recognize it from the symptoms her son showed when he was an infant (not wanting to be held, disliking metal utensils, and not liking foods with certain textures) and accessed intervention services early on.
According to her, the COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated the learning difficulties that Logan was already experiencing. When schools switched to online learning with Zoom, she writes, students with ASD who learn best when teachers follow a set structure of teaching were pulled out of that structure and thrown “into a spiral.” Parents who met with schools to discuss the issue were given some compensation for it: “For every hour [a student] didn’t get special therapies that were part of [their] IEP during COVID closures and changes, the school is now obligated to offer compensatory or makeup services.” Unfortunately, many parents and guardians were not aware of the assurance and schools did not take any steps to inform them of it. This is precisely why parents like Weaver write about their experiences, hoping to allow caregivers of children with ASD like herself the necessary information they need to ensure that their children receive all the support they need to succeed in their academic and extracurricular pursuits.
Support Services and Resources
For individuals with autism, a wide range of support services and resources are available. Besides educational services, such as was brought about by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, individuals can access therapeutic interventions, support groups, and online communities.
Therapeutic interventions are vital, offering tools and strategies for autistic individuals to navigate the world with as little difficulty as possible. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy (OT) are among the cornerstone methodologies designed to enhance communication, social skills, and daily living capabilities. Besides that, organizations such as Autism Speaks provide individuals with directories to locate local services, and many interventions are supported by insurance and grants, which eases the financial burden on families seeking these services.
Support groups offer families and individuals a space to share experiences, the successes in their lives, and challenges. From the Autism Society of America to local community centers, these groups offer invaluable resources and a sense of belonging. In addition, resources like the aforementioned Autism Society of America and advocacy groups such as Autism Speaks aim at providing families with all the necessary services, healthcare, and education that autistic individuals need.
In the digital age, online communities stand out as a pivotal resource, offering accessibility and a wealth of information at our fingertips. Websites like Autism Now and various social media platforms provide forums for discussion, an exchange of ideas, and support from the global community. Apps and technologies designed for individuals with autism, such as Proloquo2Go for communication, have revolutionized learning and daily living, showcasing the power of innovation in supporting the autism community.
Conclusion
Autism Awareness Month encourages us to look beyond the challenges and to recognize that understanding and supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a continuous journey which requires collective effort. Though progress has been made, there’s still much work to be done in fostering inclusivity and providing the necessary resources for those affected by ASD.
Whether it’s advocating for inclusive policies, supporting autism organizations, or simply educating ourselves and others, every action contributes to building a more accepting society. By advocating for equality and inclusion, volunteering, or making donations, we can all participate in creating a world where everyone has the chance to thrive.
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