One Size Does Not Fit All
It would certainly be easier if someone could develop a fool-proof strategy for helping maximize the potential of all individuals with autism. A pre-packaged, step-by-step, fool-proof plan that worked in every situation would certainly decrease stress levels of family members, teachers, job coaches, residential staff, and others interested in the well-being of people with autism. But, in reality, such a plan is impossible. That would be like inventing one shoe and making it fit the foot of every person in the world. In the world of autism, one size definitely does not fit all.
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SOME THOUGHTS. Because the spectrum of autism is so broad, and because autism affects three distinct areas of functioning, no single strategy is effective for all people on the spectrum. The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnositic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV-TR) lists “qualitative impairments in social interaction and communication” and “restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities” as the diagnostic criteria for autism (AOA, 2000, p. 70). Even within these specific guidelines, individuals exhibit different combinations and different levels of severity in all three domains of communication, social interaction, and restricted behaviors.
For example, one of my friends with autism covers his eyes when a person is addressing him directly. He rarely initiates any language, but he is echolalic – constantly repeating words and phrases he hears. He usually sits without reacting to happenings around him, but he jumps up and flaps his hands right in front of his eyes if he notices a person or a song that he enjoys. Another friend diagnosed with autism who is the same age is very friendly and outgoing. He converses freely, maintains good eye contact, and seems to enjoy group activities. His memory for dates and details is phenomenal, and he gets very agitated when his schedule changes or when objects are out of place. And yet another youngster who is the same age is non-verbal and very active. He is very resistant to any change, eats just two or three foods, bites his arms, puts all objects in his mouth, grabs the arms and heads of other people, and escapes out doors unless monitored all the time.
Needless to say, the strategies utilized to help maximize the potential of these three youngsters are vastly different. Not only might one strategy not be as effective with one person as another, but it might possibly be harmful. A strategy that is very effective in decreasing an inappropriate behavior with one individual might actually encourage and increase the incidence of the behavior in another with the very same diagnosis. So, the best plan of action is to help identify each individual’s strengths and weaknesses, then develop strategies to help increase strengths and learn to compensate for deficits.
NOTE TO LISTENERS AND READERS: 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. You can click on a button to send me an email with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solutions. Check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. www.FAQautism.com
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