Above the Fray
Whether you are a seasoned traveler in the world of autism or new to the scene, you will encounter a vast range of ideas and opinions about the definition, cause, and treatment of autism. These marked differences of opinion are to be expected when dealing with the vast spectrum of autism, but sometimes the dialogue can become heated and the debate can cause deep divisions. How can family members, teachers, and therapists stay above the fray?
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It is certainly difficult and time-consuming to sift through all the conversations and debates about autism. At one conference we hear the call for developing a cure for autism, and at another we hear outrage over the assumptions that autism is a disability that requires a cure. One parent group advocates total integration into typical classrooms, and another demands specialized educational services for students diagnosed with autism. One advocacy organizations lobbies for banning childhood immunizations while another points to research that indicates immunizations have not been linked to autism. One school utilizes a highly structured, intense educational approach and another focuses on helping a child discover and reach their own level of functioning. One philosophy advocates striving for normalcy and another encourages individuals with autism to celebrate their uniqueness.
This list of contrasting viewpoints could go on for several hours. It is certainly helpful to explore different viewpoints, to learn more about autism, and to seek the counsel of others. But, at the end of the day, we need to trust our intuition and make decisions based on our perception of what is in the best interest of each individual with autism. Because autism involves a broad array of strengths and deficits in the areas of communication, social interaction, sensory sensitivities, physical issues, and behavior challenges, no one single approach works for everyone. In fact, even twins diagnosed with autism may require vastly different therapeutic interventions, educational approaches, diets, and behavior plans.
The best plan is to rise above the fray, to nurture relationships, take a deep breath, and step out with confidence. We may make a few mistakes along the way, and we may need to change directions occasionally, but our intuition and our sincere interest in the well-being of our friends with autism usually lead us down the right path.
Please feel free to share your concerns, challenges, and ideas. Just click on the comments button or send an e-mail to talk@FAQautism.com.
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me an email with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. Send email to talk@FAQautism.com And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com
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