Very Broad Spectrum
We might be puzzled when we see a movie or read a news article about a person with autism. The person with autism depicted in the movie or article might be the very opposite of our child or student with autism. Autism can be perplexing because of its diversity, and because of the vastly different ways it impacts the lives of individuals, even two people in the same family.
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Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning each person diagnosed with autism has unique mixture of strengths and deficits. The key word here is “unique,” as in “vastly different.” No two individuals with autism have the same mixture of abilities and disabilities in the areas of receptive language, expressive language, social interaction, compulsive behaviors, agitation, tolerance for change, sensory sensitivity, cognitive abilities, and daily living skills. To quote a comment published by the Autism Society of America, two people “with the same diagnosis, can act completely different from one another and have varying capabilities” (ASA, 2006).
Here are just a few examples of the inconsistencies I observe in the dozens of clients, students, and friends diagnosed with autism, people I spend time with each week over a period of many years.
1. Some do not talk, and some only echo words, while others talk fluently – sometimes repeating the same conversations over and over – or converse freely with others.
2. Some of my friends are in regular classes in school, while others – despite focused teaching and therapy – are unable to read or write.
3. Some of my friends with autism are quite inflexible, insisting, for example, on wearing the same clothes or eating the same foods every day. Others don’t seem to notice what they eat or wear.
4. Some individuals with autism are extremely sensitivity to changes in temperature, light, foods, routine, clothing, smells, and/or sounds. Others seem oblivious to sensory input.
TIP FOR THE DAY: We simply must avoid making assumptions. Our son or daughter may be able to read or to tolerate riding on a school bus, but another student with autism simply may not be able to do as well in those areas. Autism is multi-faceted, so we need to recognize and work with the strengths and deficits of each individual.
We have resources to help you do just that – practical, to-the-point, inexpensive Toolkits filled to the brim with strategies and tips. Click on the Toolkit tab at our website: http://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 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
