Understanding Autism
Welcome back to Unboxed Minds and happy Autism Awareness Month!
Hello all, welcome back to Unboxed Minds and happy Autism Awareness Month! This week’s blog post will focus on autism awareness and ways in which you can support autistic individuals!
What is autism?
Autism is a condition best expressed through the term “spectrum”. This term helps demonstrate the varying levels of support each individual might need. It’s important to remember that while some autistic individuals may require more or less support, understanding, acceptance and support remain fundamental for everyone.
Autistic traits
Although traits vary among individuals, a few commonly found autistic traits include: sensory sensitivities, meltdowns, shutdowns, special interests, and social challenges. For more information on these, check out last week's blog post on neurodiverse language!
Stigmas & stereotypes
Autism, like many neurotypes, is surrounded by stereotypes and stigmas. Here are a few of the most common stereotypes portrayed, along with the truth behind each one:
“Autistic people are just socially awkward”
While some traits of autism include difficulties interpreting verbal and non-verbal language (see https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism ), this doesn’t mean all autistic individuals are ‘socially awkward’. The term ‘socially awkward’ itself is a harmful label towards individuals who struggle with social situations. Everyone is different, and it's unfair to judge others for what they may find uncomfortable or difficult.
“Autistic people are too rigid and inflexible”
This stereotype is based on traits of autism that include a preference for routine and difficulty surrounding change. It's important to remember that autism is a spectrum, and each individual presents differently. Each stereotype and stigma comes from a place of misunderstanding the differences between neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals.
“Autistic people don’t have emotions”
This harmful stereotype fails to acknowledge the varied ways autistic individuals express emotions. Autistic individuals are still human and experience emotions like everyone else. While they may express and perceive emotions differently, they are still present.
“Autistic people can’t communicate”
This stereotype stems from misunderstanding. Most autistic individuals are perfectly capable of verbal and non-verbal communication. While it may present differently, and some issues may arise, understanding and accepting that everyone communicates differently, autistic or not, shows us that autistic individuals can indeed communicate.
Savantism
When autism is portrayed in the media, it's often through the lens of savantism or savant syndrome. This rare condition coincides more often with individuals with neurodevelopmental or intellectual disabilities. However, it is still rare and does not accurately reflect autism itself. While savants do exist, it is important to give accurate representation of autism, including the strengths and challenges autistic individuals face.
‘Cure’ mindset
This mindset refers to individuals who view autism as a ‘defect’ or disease that should be cured through harmful dehumanising processes like ABA therapy. This topic is often discussed in relation to the harmful “puzzle piece logo” representing autism and the non-profit organization, Autism Speaks.
How to support autism
Looking at these stereotypes, it's easy to see that they all stem from misunderstanding and a lack of awareness and acceptance. This is why advocating and spreading awareness for neurodivergence is crucial. It's ignorant and inconsiderate to assume all individuals are the same and expect them to behave and act identically. We should strive to work on our understanding of others. With this said, here are a few ways to help support autistic individuals:
Educate yourself
Taking time to understand what autism is can help you support and promote a more inclusive environment for autistic individuals to feel comfortable and understood. One way to do this is by reading this blog! But there are plenty of other resources out there such as books and websites. A good starting point would definitely be the National Autistic Society’s website.
Listen and respect autistic individuals
If you want to learn more specifically for an autistic friend or loved one, start by talking to them! If they are comfortable talking about it, ask them how you can support them, what they may need (if anything at all!), and how autism affects them. Listen to them and respect their needs and boundaries just as you would anyone else.
Remember not to judge others just because they are different from you! We are all unique and deserve to be treated with kindness.