Last Updated | October 4, 2023
There is this vague idea prevalent across the globe about “normal” neurological development and “abnormal” neurological development in individuals.
People think autistic individuals need to be fixed or corrected or should act less weird.
However, this incorrect paradigm of failing neurotypical people needs to change!
This Autism acceptance month, we have gathered 10 things you need to know about Autism.
1. Autism Spectrum Disorder Can Be Explained by the Neurodiversity Paradigm
The best way to describe Autism is through the neurodiversity paradigm. According, to the neurodiversity paradigm, Autism is a part of the range of the spectrum of human neurological development. The core idea of the neurodiversity paradigm is to create a safe, healthy, and sustainable cognitive environment.
The neurodiversity paradigm treats all the spectrum of neurological development as equally valid and valuable.
2. Autism is not a Disability of an Individual
We live in a society where disability is treated as a medical condition confined to the particular individual presenting with it. However, according to the social model of disability, disability is when a person’s environment is unable to cater to that person’s characteristics.
The social model of disability refers to disability as the failure of our society to provide individuals with the right environment for them to learn, flourish and grow.
Rather than thinking of autistic individuals as disabled due to their inability to react to certain situations like loud noises, brightly lit spaces that are predictable and full of people like a so-called normal person would if they were in their place.
3. Autism is the Fastest-Growing Developmental Disorder
It is estimated that around one in fifty people across the globe is autistic. It is estimated that around 1 in 68 children in the USA alone have ASD. Out of these children, boys are more likely to develop ASD than girls.
4. Autistic People Suffer the Most from Under or Unemployment
60% of individuals with Autistic spectrum disorder are either under-employed or unemployed as compared to the general population.
5. Autistic People are at More Risk of Developing Mental Disorders
87% of autistic individuals end up developing a mental illness at some point in their life.
Autistic people are also nine times more likely to commit suicide than the general population.
6. Autistic Individuals have a Significantly Less Average Life Expectancy
Autistic individuals have an average life expectancy of only 54 years only.
More than 40% of all funding for ASD goes to genetic and biological research. 20% goes to research for investigating treatments for Autism and only 7% research investigating services to help autistic people.
Perhaps it’s time for researchers to spend less time in trying to figure out the causes of Autism, its prevention, and probably cure and spend more time in research to investigate services that can help autistic individuals.
7. There Is No Known Cause or Cure for Autism Yet
Despite the vast amount of research that has been done in the past decade, no one knows what causes Autism and how it can be prevented or cured.
8. Autism is Highly Heritable
If one identical twin has been diagnosed with Autism spectrum disorder, there is around a 60-96% chance the other twin will end up developing some form of Autism spectrum disorder at some point in their life.
According to research Autistic individuals can communicate as effectively with each other as two people without ASD would.
Conclusion
Autistic people are not failed, neurotypical people but perfect autistic people. It’s about time we change our attitude towards Autism and accept autistic individuals for who they truly are.
Thrive is a mobile application development project for autistic children. Thrive develops interactive, digital, therapeutic tools and resources that are tailored to handle the distinctive needs of people with Autism.
It is an app for the Apple Watch designed specifically to cater to the needs of autistic individuals.
The top-notch technology in the Thrives app enables caregivers and therapists to make visual schedules, self-regulate, have a communication portal, reward bank, and even Apple location tracking.
It is fully customizable and provides a comprehensive, technologically advanced approach towards self-regulation and strategies for autistic individuals.
FAQs
What is Autism Acceptance Month?
April is international Autism Acceptance Month, where 2nd April is celebrated as Autism acceptance day.
Is Autism genetically inherited?
According to the Autism twin study done in 1997, Autism is highly heritable.
What is the symbol of Autism?
The Autism awareness puzzle ribbon is the symbol of Autism.
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