I had never needed to think about autism until I was told I was going to have a student with this condition in my class. That was a first in my 25-year teaching career! I remember feeling confused with a lot of questions in my head. I searched my mind to recollect whatever information I might have had regarding autism. Nothing. And unfortunately, I had not even watched Rain Man– despite my huge admiration for Tom Cruise.
The questions I have received from my social and professional circle involved whether this was an illness or a disease or whether it could be cured. In fact, many people believe that autistic individuals lack feelings or empathy or that all autistic people are either geniuses or have severe difficulties. There are also outdated myths suggesting that bad parenting or vaccines cause autism.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a topic many have heard about, just like me, but often misunderstand. It’s a neurodevelopmental condition. That means it affects how a person’s brain develops and functions. People with autism experience the world and interact with others in unique ways. Autistic individuals interact and communicate differently. They may present repetitive behaviors or have some specific interests. Essentially, autism is a “spectrum”—meaning every autistic person is distinct, with differing strengths and challenges.
Unfortunately, a lot of false beliefs about autism lead to discriminatory opinions. One common belief is that autism is an illness or a disease, and it can be “cured.” This isn’t true because autism is a part of who someone is. It is not something to be “fixed.” It is a different way of thinking and experiencing life. Another misconception is that these unique individuals do not have feelings or empathy. On the contrary, many people with autism are deeply empathetic and care greatly about others, but just in their own way, and they express their emotions differently.
Some people also believe autistic people are either geniuses with special skills or have very serious difficulties. In fact, the condition is extensive. It includes a wide range of abilities. Some need significant support, whereas some live independently with successful careers. Finally, out-of-date and harmful beliefs suggest bad parenting or vaccines cause autism. However, science has proven that autism has genetic and biological roots, and it’s not caused by external factors.
Autistic people’s differences lie more in how they process information and interact with the world around them. For instance, some autistic individuals might find understanding non-verbal cues or fast-paced social situations challenging. I have learned through experience that my student was not comfortable with loud noises and bright lights, for instance. This reminds me of one thing I will never forget: how wonderfully the other students in the class cooperated. They were the most wonderful helpers and entirely respectful, which made me see Gen Z from a different perspective.
Unlike the “non-autistic” others, autistic individuals are not ‘calculated’ people. On the contrary, they are quite naive and sincere. They respond very well when you approach them with love, warmth, and respect. In that regard, that aspect of autism may be what the rest of the world needs.
Photo Credits
Featured Image: https://scitechdaily.com/new-research-reveals-that-about-25-of-teens-with-autism-go-undiagnosed/
Photo 1: https://www.diamondartclub.com/products/autism-accept-understand-love