Autism – A Growing Neurotype

Autism, the most misconstrued but growing neurotype that often confused with being a disorder. I’m a parent of a beautiful 12-year-old Autistic child. 1 in every 59 children are affected with autism. Statistical evidences reveal that 1 in every 37 guy and 1 in every 151 girl is affected with autism in the United States of America. Statistical evidences have further stated that the prevalence of autism has gone up by 15% since the year 2012 (Autismspeaks.org). Further, it can be stated that the diagnosis of autism goes unnoticed till the age 4 as revealed by the current trends of autism in children. It is critical to proceed with the initial diagnosis of the condition because if the condition is not treated appropriately at the correct time, it leads to life-long complications.

Autistics are marginalized by society, with huge charities that wish the destruction of autistics alongside many other horrors, through therapy of autistics that pushes for total compliance and frequently results in PTSD, depression, anxiety, and similar disorders. Autistics children often present uncontrolled behaviour that is socially unacceptable by the society (Autism Speaks). However, it should be noted that actions such as screaming or making noises are not under the control of the child and is a result of neurodegenerative disorder.

Being a parent to an Autistic child has taught me that this neurotype is still being researched by many with hopes of solving the mystery of its cause. Being a parent to an autistic child has exposed me to a different experience altogether. I have known that autism is widely dependent upon genetic and environmental factors and that it can even be caused due to complications experienced during pregnancy. It is a developmental disorder that can only be controlled not be completely cured.

First, I will discuss Autism itself.  Autistics are frequently spoken over and or dismissed. Autistics are socially isolated because of the manner in which they present themselves to the society. It is often considered as matter of shame by the society. Societal stigma should be minimized so as to promote a social life to autistics.

Autism is not a bad thing by nature, in the same way that being allistic (not autistic) is not a bad thing by nature. Autism or being allistic is not under human control and is characterized by the progress of neurodegenerative disorder and developmental crisis (Konstantareas, Mary and Soula).

The Prevalence of Autism

A frequent comparison is that of computer operating platforms, be it Mac, Windows, Linux, Dell or otherwise. The Mac, Windows and Linux are computer operating platforms and although structurally different provide a platform for computer application. Similarly, autistic children are no different than normal children with certain developmental and neurological complications.

They each work differently, but one is not better than the other. They give you the same result which is computed service. The difference mainly depends upon structural dissimilarity, however the innocence is similar as that present in a normal child.

Indeed being an autistic parent can be a hugely positive experience, so long as you are willing to accept the journey as it comes. It is important to accept the child the way he or she is with the disorder and provide support so as to ensure a positive childhood experience.

A person who has autism has a brain that works differently from a typical brain. Neither is better, they are just different. It is important to come to terms with the difference and incorporate measures so as to make sure that growing up is a beautiful experience. It is crucial to understand the level of intelligence would not be similar to a normal child but at the same time the feelings and perceptions of a child would not be different.

There is a spectrum, like a number line. One person with autism may be like a 1 on the spectrum so you only notice a little difference, but someone else may be a 10 with lots of differences.  The autism number line helps in understanding the severity of the disorder and effectively seeking help to deal with the symptoms.

Some people with Autism have brains that work so hard that they see and process information so fast that they cannot even walk or talk due to their brains holding on to so much other information. Neurological complications might cause impaired coordination between the perception and processing of information due to the accelerated brain activity.

My daughter loves YouTube, arts and crafts and books. It is sad that I fear the interaction of other children because I fear her being bullied.  Not from her looking different because she doesn’t. Just from the fear of not being very social. Children affected with autism are not socially acceptable but can be great learners and often parents prefer handing over gadgets and technology to them rather than encouraging social interaction.

Sometimes noises hurt her, so she’ll hold her ears or flap her hands when she’s overwhelmed. I can’t speak for every Autistic parent but wanting your child to be genuinely accepted without having to answer off the wall questions is truly the first most important step to us allowing our children to interact. The first step to ensure a positive childhood experience is to accept the child whole heartedly and make growing up a lovable and optimistic experience.

Being a parent to an Autistic child has taught me that this neurotype is still being researched by many with hopes of solving the mystery of its cause. Numerous support organizations deal with autistic children. Seeking effective help can help in providing help to such children and ensure positive development (Bristol).

Autism is just a diagnosis not who they are, be mindful when judging them. Be mindful when asking questions, we as parents love to answer questions as well as share stories. What we don’t want is this neurotype stopping our babies from achieving goals no matter how minor they may be. Autistic children must not be stereotyped and efforts must be undertaken for complete acceptance. Though mentally challenged, these children are great observers and are hyperactive. Appropriate measures to channelize their energy can help in improving their concentration levels.

References

Autismspeaks.org. “CDC Increases Estimate Of Autism’S Prevalence By 15 Percent, To 1 In 59 Children | Autism Speaks”. Autismspeaks.Org, 2018, https://www.autismspeaks.org/science-news/cdc-increases-estimate-autisms-prevalence-15-percent-1-59-children. Accessed 19 Sept 2018.

Autism Speaks. “Autism Speaks”. Autism Speaks, 2018, https://www.autismspeaks.org/. Accessed 19 Sept 2018.

Konstantareas, M. Mary, and Soula Homatidis. “Assessing child symptom severity and stress in parents of autistic children.” Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 30.3 (1989): 459-470.

Bristol, Marie M. “Family resources and successful adaptation to autistic children.” The effects of autism on the family. Springer, Boston, MA, 1984. 289-310.