Although the percentage of the population that has autism may be small, being only 1%, this amount is still massive in terms of numbers. Compared to the entire population, that’s around 75,000,000 people. Autism is a complex neurological condition affecting communication, social interaction, and general behavior. Around 1 in 54 children in the US will be diagnosed with the condition, making it one of the most common developmental disorders. With April rolling around, it is also important to acknowledge that it is autism awareness month, a month to reflect on how we can show understanding and embrace our knowledge of the often overlooked and stigmatized disability.
Not all of us can contribute something massive to the community. However, we can all offer our support and open ourselves up to understanding and learning more about autism as a whole. It does not cost money or take time to reflect on how we treat people with autism and how we can improve as a society. Creating an inclusive and supportive environment is essential for individuals with autism.
Here are some ways to support individuals on the spectrum:
- Simply learn about autism and the challenges the condition provides
- Educate yourself and others
- Promote understanding and acceptance of autism in your community
- Make sure the environments you surround yourself in are where individuals with autism would feel welcomed
- Provide necessary accommodations
- Advocate for autism acceptance and other companies or programs promoting these ideas or similar ones
While autism should be professionally diagnosed by a certified professional and many with autism have varying symptoms, common characteristics of the condition include:
- Difficulty with social interactions
- Difficulty with verbal/non-verbal communication
- Repetitive behaviors
- Repeating interests and intense focus on topics
- Sensory issues
