1 in 54 children has autism. This April is Autism Awareness Month, and as someone who has grown up with a brother that has an ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), I’ve seen firsthand how essential it is to spread awareness. Too often, people spread misinformation and create negative stereotypes that only inhibit the lives of those with ASD. Making an effort to understand and be open to others who are different from you can make a world of difference in someone’s life. If you’re unsure about ASD (or even if you think you are sure!), check out these commonly asked questions:
1. What causes autism?
While you may have heard the popular myth that vaccines cause autism (which, by the way, is proved false by multiple research studies), there isn’t a clear answer to this question. Scientists have been looking into various factors such as certain medications taken by the mother during pregnancy, environmental factors present during birth, chromosomal conditions, and children born to older parents, but the most widely agreed upon factor is genetic makeup. Currently, the CDC is funding a study to research what factors put children most at risk for ASD and other developmental disabilities, so we’ll potentially have more answers in the future.
2. What does autism look like?
It’s important to note that autism is not one size fits all. There are tons of different signs and symptoms that individuals with an ASD may or may not experience. Some common behaviors include avoiding eye contact, struggling in social situations, having difficulty understanding or relating with others, obsessive interests, unusual reactions to tastes, sounds or smells, and flapping their hands or rocking their bodies (called “stimming”). Because autism is diagnosed on a spectrum, some people may experience less difficulty functioning in social situations and have lighter symptoms, while others may have more trouble. Overall, know this: if you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.
3. Is there a cure for autism?
Because autism manifests differently in each individual, it’s hard to create an all-encompassing cure. However, lots of treatments are available to help individuals with ASD. One of the most popular forms of treatment, Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is a type of therapy that develops various skills by encouraging positive behavior. Other therapies including occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and communication therapy help those with ASD to develop skills that encourage independent behavior and social and emotional development. Oftentimes, medication is also used to treat certain symptoms.
4. What can I do to help the Autistic Community?
Be a friend! Don’t be put off by what you may consider “awkwardness” during a conversation. Try to understand that individuals with ASD may need more time to process things— this doesn’t mean they don’t feel emotions. Too often people with ASD don’t get to speak for themselves due to neurotypical people speaking over them, so give them a platform. Finally, encourage them to be unapologetically themselves. Don’t let your standard of what’s “normal” or “weird” blind you; be there with an open mind and open arms.
This Autism Awareness Month, it’s important to understand the depth, complexity, and individuality of ASDs. Let’s give people with ASD a platform to speak for themselves and show us what the world looks like from their perspective. Above all, practice empathy, inclusivity, kindness, listen to and encourage others even if they are different from you— not only this April, but every day.