Different Worlds
In my humble opinion, we will NEVER agree about all the aspects of autism. I’ve known hundreds of people with autism over the past 35 years. Right now, I spend time with about seven dozen individuals with autism of all ages every week. I’ve known some of my adult friends since they were toddlers. Their families and teachers have opinions based on their experiences – life happenings that are vastly different from those of a youngster with the same diagnosis who lives just down the street. In a way, the two families are living in different worlds that cannot be compared.
or
continue reading
FUNCTIONING LEVELS. One high school kid with autism thrives in calculus class and another cannot count to three. One person can carry on a conversation with anyone, and another cannot utter a word. One of my adult friends with autism needs help with very basic personal care while another drives his car to work at the local grocery store. One teen friend gets very agitated – biting his hand, screaming, scratching others – several times and hour for unknown reasons, but can calmly put together a complex puzzle or deliver attendance slips at his school. This list of examples of the vast spectrum of autism could go on forever. It is not just and issue “high” functioning and “low” functioning. Some of the more academically or verbally advanced individuals have significant social or sensory issues that cause more conflict that a non-verbal person who needs help getting dressed.
SUPPORT SYSTEMS. Every family has vastly different support systems. Some have a broad network of family and friends to call on in the time of need, while others had one or two reliable folks to lend a helping hand. Some families have no one to call on for help with daily care or emotional support.
FAMILY UNITY. Some families are all on the same page when it comes to behavior issues and treatment options and diet, and other families are in constant conflict about approaches to autism.
DIFFERENT OPINIONS. Most parents, teachers, therapists, doctors, counselors, advocates, politicians, and researchers have very strong opinions about autism – the role of the school, the role of government, the best treatment, the underlying cause, and the best direction for the life of an individual with autism. The one indisputable fact that I’ve learned over the past 35 years is this: what is right for one person with autism and their family is not necessarily right for another person with autism and their family.
TIP FOR THE DAY: The term “autism” is VERY broad. A person’s frame of reference about daily issues is based on their own personal experiences. The issues for another person dealing with autism may be VERY different from those you encounter, so keep an open mind.
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 a confidential email at talk@FAQautism.com with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. 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
No related posts.