Autism is a neurological disorder that will affect 1 in 150 children. As the father of a 10-year-old son with autism I have created 5 clues and 6 suggestions that the general public should keep in mind as they go through their daily lives that will help those with autism and their families feel more welcomed and accepted in your community.
Since most individuals with autism show no physical signs of the disorder it is virtually impossible for the general public to distinguish a person with autism from anyone else. So, when they display an unexpected behavior those in the general public can not respond appropriately, with empathy and understanding.
- Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that it affects each individual differently.
- Individuals with classic autism often lack all verbal communication, some may start talking as they develop, but many will never communicate verbally. This does not mean that they can’t communicate.
- Those with higher functioning autism, such as Asperger’s Syndrome may speak at inappropriate times or only about subjects that interest them.
- Autism does not mean mental retardation. Individuals with autism may or may not be mentally retarded. Lack of an ability to communicate with those around you has nothing to do with intelligence. Rather it creates an issue with being able to have your intelligence assessed by others.
Individuals with autism are savants or especially gifted.
- A very small percentage are gifted in a certain area
- Most are not like the character Raymond portrayed in the movie Rain Man.