World Autism Acceptance

April is the month for raising awareness and promoting acceptance of Autism. 

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition—which means it affects how a person’s brain develops and functions. It’s called a spectrum because it looks very different from person to person. 

Neurodiversity is the concept that differences in brain function and behaviour like Autism, ADHD and dyslexia are natural. Individuals who have these types of differences are referred to as neurodivergent. Autism falls under the neurodiversity umbrella, alongside ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette's, and others.

My explanation of this term is that there isn’t a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way for the brain to function. We are all our own individual beings, so we are wired and programmed to process, communicate, move and think in very different ways.  

Autism is not a disease and individuals who are diagnosed with this will not grow out of it. It doesn't mean that a person is broken nor does it need to be "fixed.". There is no "cure" and many people in the autistic community do not want one. Instead they advocate for acceptance and support. Autism is a lifelong experience with many individuals finding different ways of understanding and managing themselves. 

Traits of Autism (varies for each person):

• Social Communication Differences:  Individuals may find it difficult to interact with others as they can struggle to pick up on social cues, like facial expressions or tone of voice.  Direct instruction or communication is much better understood. 

• Repetitive Behaviours or Routines: Many individuals can find comfort in routines or engaging in repetitive actions. Change can feel very overwhelming and unsettling.

• Intense Interests: Individuals can become hyper focused on a particular interest/hobby.

• Sensory Sensitivities: An individual may be sensitive (or less sensitive) to different sounds, lights, textures, or smells. A loud noise can be very frightening and there may be certain items or fabrics that can’t be touched.

Things you can do to support:

• Support their communication style - Be clear and direct, ask what the person needs, do not assume.

• Be that persons advocate - Speak up and support if someone isn't being heard or understood.

• Create safe spaces and routines - Try not to be cluttered. Give a lot of notice if any changes are needed to be made.

• Learn and listen - Educate yourself on how you can be supportive. Listen to what the person needs. 

Instagram pages that share about Autism:

• @storiesaboutautism

• @neuro_spice_all_things_nice

• @happyhandswith_hallie

• @me_us_and_autism

• @sendmummies

• @thesensolicitor

Autism related books:

• Is this Autism - Donna Henderson

• DivergentMind - Jenara Nerenbery

• Supporting Transgender Autistic Youth and Adults - Finn V Gratton

• Self Care for Autistic People - Dr Megan Neff

• Unmasking Autism - Devon Price

• The Awesome Autistic Go to Guide - Yenn Purkis and Tanya Masterman

• We Are Not Broken - Eric Garcia