What is Autism?
You have most likely heard of Autism before. Autism is not defined by a single trait or level. Every autistic person is different, but common challenges include social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. Sometimes, autistic people may require full-time assistance, or some can even live independently. Just like many types of disorders, girls tend to have more indistinct symptoms than boys. Most people get diagnosed with autism at ages 3-5. Autism isn’t always easy to catch, and some people don’t get diagnosed til they are an adult. This can make their life very hard. Most autistic adults who are diagnosed late often mask their personality or feelings. But what causes autism? (autismspeaks.org)
Genetics is a major factor in diagnosing someone, but it isn’t always the case. Environment and social situations can be another cause of autism (autismspeaks.org).
Causes:
- Having kid(s) later in life
- Air pollution
- Peptides
- Maternal obesity
- Immune system disorders
- Low birth weight
- Prematurity
- Birth complications
Why does this awareness matter?
Autism is a commonly talked about disorder, but it isn’t understood. Autistic people deserve to be respected and treated fairly. Some challenges they might face are limited job opportunities, health care settings that aren’t sensory-friendly, and unwelcoming communities (thearc.org).
How you can help
To start accepting friends, family, or classmates with autism, make sure you understand their boundaries. Everyone deserves helpful and clear communication. If you aren’t sure about their needs, just ask. Another helpful skill you can use is being inclusive of everyone. Make a space for everyone to belong. People with autism are still people at the end of the day and deserve to be treated as much as non neurodivergent people (thearc.org).
