April 2nd is a day to raise awareness of autism.
I don't have autism, but I have some beautiful friends who do live with autism.
This is for them.
"Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects, among other things, the way an individual relates to his or her environment and their interaction with other people." (source)
“Research shows Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) now affects more people than cerebral palsy, diabetes, deafness, blindness and leukaemia put together.” (source)
The word spectrum is used because everyone with autism is affected in a different way. Some people with autism live independent lives and others needs ongoing support.
People with autism might not look you in the eye. They might not smile. They might not nod or shake their head. They might show little sign of even hearing you.
Some people with autism are non-verbal, and won't be able to answer questions. This makes it difficult for children with autism to develop and maintain friendships.
People with autism often find it difficult to understand and accept changes. They like strict routines and patterns. Sudden and unexpected changes can be very stressful to people with autism.
People with autism are often honest... totally honest. Many people can become offended at something a person with autism says to them. There is no rudeness intended... they are just being honest.
People with autism sometimes have particular behaviours they repeat. They may do something like constantly flapping their hand.
Some people with autism may have compulsions to put different textured objects in their mouth or they may avoid different sounds, smells and lights. Some people with autism wear ear muffs, to block noise.
Some people with autism may hate wearing clothes and will remove them at any time.
Some people with autism hate trying new foods.
People with autism might lack fear. They might wander off, or run away.
Some people with autism don't feel pain, which means they are difficult to diagnose when they are sick. Parents and carers often have to rely on 'gut instinct' to support them.
Some people with autism also have an intellectual disability. Some don't.
You can't 'see' autism. People with autism don't have any special features. They look like everyone else. Because of this, people with autism are often judged on their behaviour. Their parents are often judged because it seems they let their children 'misbehave'. That's not true.
Someone with autism who is screaming and yelling, making a fuss and 'upsetting' everyone around them is not acting out. They are struggling to cope with a stressful, frightening situation. They need support, not criticism. Their parents or carers need support, not judgement.
Living with autism can be exhausting and frightening. For parents and carers, living with a child with autism can be very isolating and overwhelming.
With about one in a hundred people living with autism, we need to become more aware of this condition. If we can reach out and get to actually know some people with autism, we can see their inner strength and beauty. We can love them and learn from them.
All around the world, people will be talking about autism.
And, people living with autism just might feel a little extra love and understanding.
Autistic Girl Expresses Unimaginable Intelligence (video - watch what she writes at 9:50)
Sesame Street and Autism - Working it Out (video, service dog)
Sesame Street and Autism: We’re Amazing, 1, 2, 3! (video)
Autism Daddy - One family's story
Autism barista or AKA dancing barista (video)
Carly Fleischmann (from first video - Facebook page)
Go Blue For Autism website
Understanding Autism website
Autism Speaks website
Walk In Red blog
Leave Your Disability at the Door
Dancing Dexter
Dexter's First Month
Dexter's Vision
Dexter's Cerebral Palsy
Dexter's Cancer
Who is Dexter?
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