The community is illuminating this April with blue and breaking the silence.
Throughout April, the world celebrates autism awareness. The color blue is associated with Autism. It represents the “Light it up blue” campaign started by Autism Speaks in 2007 to bring awareness to autism. Now, individuals can wear blue on April 2nd, which is World Autism Awareness Day, to show support. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined as a “Neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave,” according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Yet it encompasses so much more than a single condition; it varies among individuals. Autism is a spectrum, and all types should be valued
ASD Clinical Therapist and Behavior Analyst Emily White’s experience in her field has led her to recognize how the spectrum has helped many individuals identify with their own needs and challenges with autism.
“The autism spectrum really kind of signifies that autism does not present one way,” White said. “There are so many variations of what autism can look like or what it could present like in someone.”
Since autism is a spectrum with many shapes and forms, the first part of understanding ASD is being able to identify what it looks like. White elaborates on the different levels of the autism spectrum, often used to categorize the severity of the condition and the support one requires.
“Level one autism is where we would see someone who primarily has social and communication challenges, and may or may not have some restricted or repetitive behaviors. When we think about level two autism, we see more of those restrictive repetitive behaviors, more communication delays or challenges, and more social challenges,” White said. “Then we have a level three autism, where someone requires very substantial support. They may be non-verbal or may be speaking one word, or using an augmentative communication device. Maybe they are unable to engage in their daily activities due to some of the behaviors that they may be showing, such as stimming, fixated interests, or sensory behaviors. We often see more behavioral challenges in this level due to limited verbal communication.”
Being informed is the biggest way to be accepting of those with ASD challenges.
“I think the more awareness, training, education and exposure to various autistic people is going to be beneficial for anyone,” White said. “Understanding that certain behaviors happen because of a lack of communication and understanding that behavior is communication can hopefully help all of us, whether you be a student, teacher or a parent.”
White explains how someone with autism may unintentionally present themselves in social interactions.
“Knowing that somebody who might be socially awkward, say maybe some rude things or come off as being rude, may have autism, and they’re just not aware of how they may be presenting themselves,” White said. That’s where that awareness comes into play. Understanding more of what those challenges are for somebody, and then supporting them, and trying to be a friend to them.”
Special education teacher Josie Fox gives ways on how schools and workplaces can create inclusive environments for all.
“Schools and workplaces to create an inclusive environment should just be open to the fact that sometimes people do things in a different way, and just because people do things a different way doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the wrong way,” Fox said.
Fox believes one of the biggest challenges the autism awareness and support movements face is how to make society more inclusive.
“I think just encouraging people to know that autism isn’t a negative thing. It’s just a way that people engage with the world in a different way than maybe we do,” Fox said.
Fox believes everyone should learn more about autism and those who experience it on a daily basis.
“I think a great way to a great place to start would be to either watch a movie or a video, or talk to someone you know who has autism,” Fox said. Autism is such an individualized experience for people because it is such a broad spectrum.”
Freshman Kaselynn VanZweden shares her experience on having ASD. VanZweden is on the girls’ varsity soccer team and enjoys playing basketball. During the school day, VanZweden follows a regular class schedule, excluding one class for academic support.
“I don’t feel like [autism] is any different. I feel like some people don’t know you have it because you can hide it. But at the same time, some people will be able to tell if you’re acting different or if you get pulled out for some reason, but that’s fine,” VanZweden said. “Other than that, I feel like it’s just something that you have, not something you should be known for.”
Someone cannot help that they have autism. But everyone can be inclusive if they don’t look at the differences, but instead focus on common humanity.
“It’s not a disability, it’s just a difference,” VanZweden said. Someone can be treated differently because of the way they were acting, but it’s not something they should be treated differently for. It’s just a different point of view someone has.”
The key to ASD support in the community is taking time to learn. Then, engaging rather than shying away from people with ASD. Luckily, we here in Kent County have the Autism Support of Kent County, which holds multiple events throughout May and the rest of the year. Each year, White and her team set up a booth at the annual autism awareness walk. They represent Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services.
“The Autism Support of Kent County, also known as ASK, holds the event in May versus April. The ASK hosts an annual walk to support their programming and to raise awareness of autism,” White said. “In addition, there are guest speakers from the community who come in and talk about different topics throughout the year.”
