April 2nd World Autism Awareness Day: 3 Ways to Be More Inclusive
Today is a day to recognize individuals with autism. People who are neurodivergent have been misunderstood, bullied, belittled, and much more throughout history. The truth is they are beautiful, intelligent, and some of the kindest people you will ever meet!
As we continue to develop our understanding of the brain through neuroscience, we have finally begun to understand autism and how to help individuals with autism better. We still have a ways to go, but as society continues to learn, we are finally seeing a shift towards this community of heartwarming individuals. Before we go any further, the community needs to understand what autism is.
Merriam-Webster defines autism as a “neurodevelopmental disorder that typically appears by age two, that is variable in expression but is usually diagnosed by persistent impairments in social interaction and communication and by stereotyped patterns of behavior, activities, or interests, and that may be accompanied by cognitive or language impairments”1.
So what does all that mean? To keep it simple, autism is a disorder that affects an individual's ability to communicate and socialize. People with this disability may not recognize social cues, struggle to understand slang, take things literally, etc. Often, autism can be seen alongside other impairments. Autism covers such a wide area that one person’s experience can be extremely different from another's.
As an educator, I have witnessed firsthand some of the struggles faced in school. And now, as a mother to someone with autism, I know from experience some of the battles that are faced daily, not only by the individual but their families as well. And it is just that, a struggle to adapt to how society expects you to be.
To help, I compiled a list of 3 easy ways for society to include the autistic community. You see, it is not only about these individuals working to meet society's " expectations,” but society can also do its part and grow to understand others' differences.
😃 Be Kind: It sounds so simple, right?! Unfortunately, it's not always the case. The stares received, the annoyed glances, and sometimes the brazen comments. This does nothing to help and sometimes can make the situation worse. Instead:
Smile: If you are going to look, an empathetic smile can go a long way. It says I see you struggling, and it is okay. It sends a message of comfort.
Offer to help: If you insist on speaking, asking if you can help in any way will offer comfort in a challenging situation. Even if the answer you receive is ‘no’, that person will feel supported and not judged for what they are experiencing.
♥️ Be Patient: When someone with autism feels stressed or overwhelmed, they can tense up or freeze. It is essential to show patience during this time. And let’s be honest: we can all work on patience.
Offer Support: Gently guiding them to remember what they were doing can help them through this moment. Sometimes, it is as simple as asking, “Where were you going?” or “Did you need help finding something?”
Give Space: It seems counterintuitive, but giving this person space and quietly waiting to ensure their safety can help. Do not abandon them; provide them with the physical space needed to work through the episode safely. Freezes can happen due to sensory overload. Engaging in conversation could make the situation worse. A quiet space can help shorten the length of the freeze.
🧠Be Open to Learning: The media presents falsehoods in any subject. Learning firsthand from someone who is neurodivergent can lead to a stronger understanding of how to help.
Engage: If the opportunity presents itself, do not be afraid to speak to someone with autism. Even if they are nonverbal, treating them with kindness and respect can make them feel supported and loved. Please don’t hold back simply because they may not answer you how you would expect.
Ask Questions: Not all individuals like to open up about their disability. However, many do. They enjoy sharing their experiences and how people like you and me can help. Always ask if they are willing to share; if so, ask away.
Let’s clarify a few things now. Sensory overload and what is it? Sensory overload is when your body becomes overwhelmed by all the external stimuli around you. Lighting, movements, noise, etc., can cause an overwhelming feeling when your body struggles to process it all. Freezing can happen for this reason and other reasons. Freezing is your body's attempt to protect you. Your body struggles to process all these external factors and freezes in response. Think of it as a temporary shutdown of sorts.
It is also important to note that this inclusion guide will not work for everyone. Autism is a broad spectrum, and everyone’s experience is different. It is imperative that we do not cast everyone under the same “bubble” and assume what works for one will work for the other. But what we all can do is work together to improve the neurodivergent community’s experience in the world.
We can only bring about the change needed to help all people in our society through awareness and education. Next time you are out, pause to think, “How can I show support and kindness as I go about my day?”. You will find that by taking a moment to reflect; you will become more aware of your actions in the mundane tasks of the day-to-day. You might even find you’re enjoying life a little more in the process. 🌏
