Changing Community Perceptions About Autism

Transcription

1 Changing Community Perceptions About Autism Be Aware, Accept, Include

2 In a world filled with change and diversity I feel it s time to change the views and perceptions of Autism I believe it is something that can be achieved if we come together as one which will be amazing for everyone living with autism globally The views of Autism vary due to seeing it through different eyes, based on our own experiences, emotions, childhood, education and values. As there is no one child with Autism that is the same, I don t feel there is two people with the same views, due to our family dynamics being so different. My question to you is, Do you really believe there is enough substantial knowledge for people to truly understand how Autism impacts families? Remembering perceptions are often made from previous observations, situations and from media representation. None of which show the value of how unique each child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) truly is. No matter how we are seen, we are all unique as our finger print Why should having a unique ability be any different, when no one person is the same We are all individuals entitled to opportunities The views and perceptions that are portrayed need to change in the best interest of everyone in society now and in the future. These individuals have a lot to share and teach everyone and all they ask for is acceptance and inclusion in their communities and society...

3 Reality of a Child with a Disability The reality of a child with a disability is very different than what some may perceive. Things do go wrong and often parents wish they had the manual that had the answers to the complicated situations I often used to say Good luck to the person that has our manual, as clearly their life is going to be as difficult as ours seeing as we don t have the correct one The reality being we all know that no child comes with a manual which is why a child with ASD is such a challenge, as there is no one child that is the same. For people to really understand this I believe you not only need to walk in our shoes you need to spend a day in our head to see how much is really going on to make everything happen in a house with Autism Going out in public for many may seem like it s an easy task when in many cases for families with an ASD child it is a nightmare. It may take a day to prepare this child to go to the shops, as they may not cope with the noise, lights, crowded places, too much stimulation and numerous other things which can lead to a meltdown. This is often seen as a child being naughty when in fact this may be the only way they can communicate in a situation like this As daunting as it seems on the inside I do believe it is the same for those on the outside. To see someone struggling and not know how to help, when you can see things are so challenging. What words to say, what is helpful or not. You often find the family does not know what is right either as they just wish they could be at home where they could deal with the situation without the questions, looks and statements that are generally not helping Which leads to our next section.

4 Behaviour is Communication As hard as this may be to grasp, I feel this applies to all ASD children whether they are verbal or non-verbal. When children are consumed by overwhelming situations they often use behaviours to show their frustration or to demonstrate their lack of coping with the current situation. This may be through vocal noises or sounds and in some cases physical expression depending on each child and their situation. Look beyond the situation, to see the potential... To explain this better next time you have a conversation before you reply imagine how you are going to get those thoughts out of your head so the other person knows what you mean without using words This is how it is every day for many of these children and one of the many reasons why community perception needs to change. It is a challenge for these families to go out on outings and people staring at them or their child like they are being naughty and need to be disciplined does not encourage families to be in society. Trust me if using discipline was that easy many of us would do it all the time but that is not a solution that works for many of these children All they ask is that you are caring enough to move on, ask if they are okay and take the time to let them know they are doing a great job considering the circumstances they are dealing with

5 Parents are Important What many don t see is their world has been turned upside down. Plans have changed and they are on a ride that they don t know what the outcome is or where it may take them. Often these parents lose their individual identity as they are consumed with everything that needs to be done to assist this beautiful child to reach his or her potential. As a parent of an ASD child you learn the art of being adaptable to change very quickly and soon become specialised in many fields like speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, nurse, doctor, mediator, translator, computer technician, counsellor, negotiator and more. These parents find they need more degrees and skills to survive daily, as what s an everyday issue in the average house is often a nightmare and reality in ours Solving issues are not five minute wonders and can turn a days plan upside down very quickly. Some days these families feel like there is nothing but huge hills and obstacles in their way and the openness to see the opportunities has often been blurred by too many disasters along the way. All they want is people to know they are doing the best that you can with the knowledge they have at that point in time Rather than judgement or criticism these parents need encouragement and to be honoured for the amazing job that they do... Show them compassion and respect for the choices they make in situations that are not easy to build their confidence so they can see that people in society can be accepting...

6 This is how a family tree may look for someone on the Autism Spectrum. The pieces on the ground represent the connections as they begin to break down What I want to do is take these pieces and through nurturing show families how they can blossom and grow, but I can t do this alone. We need to unite as one and work together to empower these families together...

7 First and Foremost they are Children No matter what the disability may be they are first and foremost a child. Yes, many of these children can not be identified due to looking neurotypical, but inside there may be issues you have not been able to identify. The child who is grabbing more than one piece of candy may have poor motor skills. The child who takes forever to pick out one piece of candy may have motor planning issues. The child who does not say thank you may be non-verbal. The child who is hiding may have a sensory issue (SPD) or Autism. That big boy may appear to be an adult, but may be developmentally delayed. Amongst these deep within there is a child craving to learn. A child wanting to be loved. A child wanting to be accepted for who they are A child who wants to be included They are children and like others they have the right to be nurtured, educated and included. Take just one of these away and we are not giving them the opportunity to reach their full potential like other children Everyone is an important part of these children s lives and the journey these families are on, as they are only one part of the equation and while these children aren t able to be children it impacts everyone in the family including siblings. It s time we see these children for who they really are and what they offer our communities, as the more these they are accepted for who they are the sooner the pieces of the puzzle will be seen as a Spectrum of Opportunities.

8 Together we can unite as one to create a better world for Families Living with Autism I am committed to changing the lives of families Living Life On The Spectrum by bringing parents, children, community members and professionals together to create a greater understanding and increased acceptance in the world of Autism globally. My vision is not only to show parents ways to create better opportunities through nurturing themselves, it s to also show the community what a major role they have in nurturing these amazing children... To find out more join our amazing Facebook Community and visit our Website where I continue to share the wisdom, knowledge and tools that I have gained on this journey as a parent of a child with Autism by turning obstacles into opportunities