April is National Autism Awareness Month. This month represents a time to promote autism awareness and help show the "able not the label" of autism. Now, this doesn't mean that once April ends this awareness should become neglected more so that even after, yes I said after, this month is over we should help fight to promote equal rights for everyone, including those with autism.
Autism, better known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), "refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. We know that there is not one autism but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences. The term “spectrum” reflects the wide variation in challenges and strengths possessed by each person with autism (autismspeaks.org)."
Even though autism is technically considered a disability, we should not label those with autism as this disability. Having a sibling with autism, I've noticed that many people only see the visual appearance of those with autism. They see the moments where a child may be acting out in public, not understanding physical cues or personal space, and even the times where they disconnect themselves completely from what is happening around them. If this is the only definition you know of a person who has autism then you are terribly, terribly wrong.
What you should know is that when a child may be acting out, there are a number of things that could be happening. Stop, take a moment to look around you. Do you hear various sounds? Do you see any screens that are on or any flashing lights? Is there something out of place? The child may be acting out because something is bothering them. Perhaps, they hear a sound or see something that they don't like or is distracting to them. Often times, he or she may be acting out because they are feeling overwhelmed due to sensory overload. When it comes to not being able to understand personal space, know that they may be working on that and just need a reminder. Please, be patient with those who may need a little bit of extra help when it comes to certain things. This goes for everyone, not just those with autism.
Lastly, it hurts when I see people disregard my brother because of his autism. If you truly knew him, you would know that even though he is quiet, he is listening to what you say to him. He's super creative and intelligent as well. My brother can do things that I have absolutely no idea where to even start. He is apart of the robotics team at his school and helps with the programming. He plays an instrument and most recently performed a solo at a musical contest. Looking at my brother you would never know that when he was younger, my parents were told that he may never be able to speak within his lifetime. He is an example of how far those with autism can go. His smile is why I fight for people to "see the able and not the label."
So please, before you decide to make up your mind about someone with autism, get to know them! Talk with them and see what they enjoy doing. Most importantly, be patient and try to understand those with autism.
