Did you know April is Autism Acceptance Month? While we celebrate and honor autistic individuals all year long, April brings more awareness and opportunities for understanding, growth and support.
We checked in with members of the Emerge team and asked “What do you wish more people knew about autism?”
Here’s what we learned:
“I wish more people knew the power of special interests in the lives of autistic people. Special interests can help inform our sense of self and purposes in life. For autistic people, special interests may also be a driver of their social life and experiences. Autistic people have a lot of knowledge to offer on their special interests and it can be a joyful and beneficial experience for everyone when friends listen, learn, and affirm their interests.”
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“Every autistic person is unique! Parent involvement in therapy is so valuable because parents give therapists insight into their kids lives and individual needs. Therapists can collaborate with parents to provide customized strategies for each kid. These individualized strategies help support kids so they can succeed in their daily lives!”
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“Many autistic individuals can have heightened senses when it comes to tactile, olfactory and gustatory, and this may present with food challenges across their life span. It shouldn’t simply be reduced to ‘picky eating.'”
I wish more people knew that Autism is unique to each individual who has it. Autistic children and adults have a unique view of the world that we all benefit from.
“I wish people knew that an autistic persons’ stims aren’t bad and don’t need to be stopped. Stims can mean they are happy, excited, or even a way to regulate their body.”
“That getting an autism diagnosis as an adult shouldn’t be considered a setback in any way. Rather, a chance to understand yourself better!”
“I wish people knew that non-speaking does not mean non-understanding”
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“Autistic children who ‘script’ will often attach meaning to their scripts. This meaning can mirror what is being said or can refer to something entirely different. For example a child might say, “rain rain go away” to express they are sad. Or in a more direct way might imitate “where are you” from a game of peek-a-boo when going to find a toy.”
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“Many autistic children communicate using echolalia and create play routines that follow a script based on familiar songs, shows, or things they have seen. These routines can be very long and elaborate and it can be dysregulating for the routine to be interrupted. Identifying where the script comes from and how the play scheme goes can give a play partner insight into when and how to join in on play without disrupting the child’s expected script. Sometimes it is best to parallel the scheme with another toy and other times you can join in on the game.”
Echolalia: unsolicited imitation of words, phrases, or scripts said by another person or heard from a show.
“Autism shouldn’t be generalized. If you know one autistic person, that means you know one autistic person, because every individual is so unique.”
“Presume competence. Don’t make assumptions about a persons capacity to understand, learn, and think based on how they communicate or behave. There are so many non-speaking or minimally-speaking autistic individuals who are constantly underestimated.”
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“While autistic people have many strengths, it is important to remember that autism is a disability and autistic individuals face daily challenges. This doesn’t mean that an autistic person is ‘broken’ or needs to be ‘cured.’ Rather they need support and accommodations.”
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“One of my favorite things as a speech therapist is the unique connection that I have built with some of my non-speaking/minimally-speaking autistic clients who know that I see them for who they truly are rather than just make assumptions because of how they communicate. There is a bond/connection that is hard to put into words when that autistic client knows that you believe in their abilities, that you talk to them not around them, and that you are raising the bar and setting meaningful expectations because you know they can rise to the challenge.”
“It is incredibly important to listen to autistic voices. Autistic people need to be involved in conversations about autism, especially when decisions about autism are being made.”
“Nothing about us without us”
Looking for Support?
If you have questions, or need personalized guidance, feel free to reach out to us at Emerge Pediatric Therapy. We’re here to help your whole family thrive!
Happy everything,
Emerge Pediatric Therapy