A Close to Autism Month
April - Autism Acceptance Month
April is quickly coming to a close. As you may know, April marks Autisim Acceptance Month - no longer simply “Awareness Month”, but we are now growing to recognize Autism Acceptance Month. In doing so, we are gladly celebrating differences + neurodiversity! The neurodiverse movement is making a shift in the autism community as more autistic adults speak up about how they feel autism is portrayed and what they want others to know.
First things first… What kind of language should we be using? When we consult individuals about their preferences, most adults prefer “identity first” language (autistic individual) while others prefer “person first” language (person with autism). It depends on the individual — all we have to do is ask each person’s preference!
“Autism is not some add on. There is not some hidden child or adult beneath the autism. Autism is neurological – it makes up the core of us. It permeates everything about our lives: how we see, hear, taste, experience the world around us” -fb/heartforautism
As more people become aware of autism and the perspectives of autistic people, it is through connection that we can grow into acceptance. Everyone wants to feel human connection and wants to feel accepted for who they are. Remember – autistic children grow up to be autistic adults. We need to provide them with relatable role models and positive language to support their needs and ensure that they will grow to be successful adults who can accept and advocate for themselves.
Did you know?
At rest, the autistic brain generates more electrical and chemical activity and receives more sensory input than their neurotypical counterpart. This causes overstimulation and exhaustion and can make it difficult to filter out input. One person may quickly hear a sound, identify it, conclude that it is no longer a threat, and filter it out. That person no longer “registers it” or focuses on the sound even though the sound is still occurring. However, an autistic brain cannot filter sound out as easily and will continue to hear a sound without “filtering it out” until it stops.
You can see how overwhelm, overstimulation or dysregulation can happen. This same principal applies to tactile, visual and other sensory stimuli as well.
Autistic individuals may have great communication skills when regulated but these skills may not carryover when they are dysregulated. When their brain is overwhelmed from sensory input and high expectations, behaviors such as becoming defiant, yelling, crying, screaming, or throwing things may be observed. This is resulting from overload, and indicates that the brain cannot tolerate and process any more information.
All behaviors carry meaning. We must reframe our language from calling children “naughty” or “bad”, and learn how children are communicating even through these types of behaviors. No behavior is simply a repetitive action without purpose. All behavior is communication. When we consider this perspective, we can help another co-regulate. It is through the regulation of our own thoughts and emotions that we can support and impact another’s. Co-regulation is one of the most beneficial practices a parent can grow in to help their child.
“I want to live in a world where I can say I am autistic and not be expected to be a bundle of deficits” – Amanda Baggs
Autism is a spectrum. No two people present the same. Every person, whether neurotypical or neurodiverse, has strengths and weaknesses. Every person on this earth is unique and beautiful! Today, we understand that terms such as ‘low functioning’ and ‘high functioning’ stem from an ableist point of view, and should instead be replaced with “low support needs” or “high support needs.” We can accept and support a person’s needs without labeling their ability to function. Making these simple changes in the way we talk about autism will have a major impact. The language we use matters.
This type of language takes a strengths based approach which highlights strengths rather than emphasizing deficits. We can shift to phrases such as, “specialized interests” or “what brings them joy,” versus terming something as “obsessive” with the goal to eliminate the behavior. Avoiding terms like “aggressiveness” and replacing them with “difficulty regulating their sensory system” will teach children that they, themselves, are not bad. Yes, there may be challenges to overcome, but that’s where the beauty lies. We can support each individual by emphasizing their personal strengths and watching their development trajectory unfold.
Showing your support
While in previous years we wore blue to support autism awareness day, this year “Go Red Instead” or “Light it up Gold” are campaigns started and backed by autistic adults. Why not “Light it up blue”? Blue was formerly chosen, due to the widely held belief that autism primarily impacts boys – which is just not true! In contrast, red - a color of love and respect - and gold - a color symbolizing great value - do a much better job of capturing the heart of the month. Speaking of symbols, perhaps you’re wondering why you see fewer puzzle pieces and more infinity signs supporting autism?! Well, autistic adults have noted that they are not simply a puzzle to be solved. The truth is, they are humans just like everyone else. Whereas the puzzle piece is limiting and restrictive, the infinity sign supports everyone – children and adults alike!
helpful steps towards appreciation + acceptance:
Incorporate breaks and downtime into daily schedules. This will help prevent meltdowns and allow children to regulate, relax, + replenish
Engage in child-led, low-pressure, low demand connection— join in their play. Find what they enjoy and engage in that activity with them.
Place more emphasis on what a child CAN do versus what they cannot do and build upon that.
Accept all types of play. Playing with a shoe or “non-toy” object does not make it any less of playful. Find their interests and join in.
Don’t aim to change, but aim to support— based on their needs— allowing stimming, fidgeting, movement, closed eyes, doodling. A child can be still be an active listener even while doing these things.
Recognize that some children with autism seek sensory input, some avoid sensory input, and some crave a mixture (seek some input while avoiding others). This is normal and everyone is different! Needs change not only person to person but also day to day!
Today, we close out Autism Month with hope for greater connection, and more informed appreciation - so that we can walk along side one another with better understanding of our shared humanity.
Blog written with primary contribution from Speech-Language Pathologist and Autism Enthusiast, Brittany Hoffmire, together with Lauren E Deppe, MA, CCC-SLP