Like people, art is always different: a wide variety of colors, genres, or patterns. However, each piece of unique, distinctive work, like paintings, sculptures, and even music, is all described as art. Many people in the world are diagnosed with autism. However, this doesn’t eliminate the fact that they are people like everyone else.
To people diagnosed with autism, everyday environments come alive in ways: colors appear brighter, sounds stretch longer, and patterns seem like puzzles to be solved. April is Autism Acceptance Month (AAM), which focuses on shifting the narrative from solitude to inclusion, spreading attention on how these students see the world not as broken, but as brilliantly different.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is often diagnosed in early childhood, often between the ages of two and three. Difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors usually characterize ASD.
Seeing autism instead of a struggle and more as a celebration of individuality recognizes human diversity and unique strength within individuals. AAM shifts the focus from a “disability” to a distinctive difference and provides a more inclusive and understanding community.
At PPCHS, journalism sponsor Mr. Fagen describes his autistic son, Spencer, as a gift. “My son is very loyal, he doesn’t have a mean bone in his body. Growing up, he was very underdeveloped and [we’re] grateful with all the knowledge he’s learned after thinking it wasn’t possible,” he explains.
Children with autism often have a hyper fixation or a special interest, meaning they have a truckload of knowledge about a random topic that interests them. Although it is similar to people who do not have ASD, a special interest is typically studied and learned for a long time.
For example, as the media portrays young boys who have autism liking trains into adulthood, hyper fixation is similar; however, the topics differ. Fagen finds that Spencer is interested and passionate in topics like cooking, computer programming, and occasionally sports. He says his son is practically an expert in the topics.
ASD can come with many challenges. Oftentimes, autistic people tend to find it hard to express their feelings, convey their ideas, or communicate in social settings. Fagen says that patience is one of the most important factors when raising a child with autism, along with also learning empathy and humor through true parenting.
“He’s shown me what true adversity looks like more than anyone else I’ve ever known,” he says. “With the help of some organizations like the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) at Nova State University, we’ve been able to have a lot of help [along the way].”
There are many common misconceptions spread about ASD, which consist of it being a learning disability or that people with ASD are considered violent. Society has grown a flawed impression of those who have autism because of these misconceptions, and they have often been pushed away by their community.
To create and promote a more inclusive and understanding society, it’s essential to change these false narratives and educate people on the diverse experiences of individuals with autism. By replacing misinformation with empathy and awareness for those who have ASD, we can begin to see people for who they are — unique individuals with their strengths, perspectives, and potential. Different, not less.
