Getting_Comfortable_with_Autism

------------------------------------------------- Getting Comfortable with autism COM/156 Kaitlin Berg October 13, 2012 October 13, 2012 Kaitlin Berg Getting Comfortable With Autism Every 20 minutes another child is diagnosed with autism, and it is the fastest growing developmental disability in the world. With autism growing so rapidly in our society it is necessary for those that may be around people diagnosed with autism to feel comfortable and confident that they are able to communicate with them in a successful way. There are several different areas within the autism spectrum. One of the most popular is known as Asperger’s Syndrome. There are so many varieties of autism ranging from some mild cases to some very severe cases. Asperger’s is one of the milder forms of autism. The children and adults who have Asperger’s Syndrome typically have a hard time socializing and are focused on a few distinct things and like set schedules. Motor development could be delayed but only on a mild range. Asperger’s could go completely unnoticed to those who aren’t aware the person has it. Mild cases of autism, such as Asperger’s, are hard to notice sometimes. Those affected in mild cases could have some repetitive actions, some very distinct interests, some mild clumsiness, etc. The signs are most definitely there but, they aren’t as pronounced as those with more severe cases. It’s very unfortunate that with many cases of autism, whether it be mild or severe, the child doesn’t tend to smile or show joyful emotions very often. They do show them, but not nearly as often as someone without the disorder. In more severe areas of autism the child or adult could have the very same signs as those in mild cases but, they could be more “in your face” about them. Those with severe cases could get physical or loud with another person in their episodes. They get upset very easily. They like their set schedules often and if something happens to change the schedule it’s something that really gets them worked up. With the severe cases it is very important to, not necessarily tip toe around them, but to know their limitations before going head-on around them. There are many things a person must know before going around a child or person with autism. There are certain ways a person must act to make the autistic person feel comfortable. A person diagnosed with autism won’t make eye contact very often. They also don’t like loud noises, physical contact, or getting off schedule. In the above paragraph it speaks of how an autistic person likes a few areas but it’s more of a hobby than an interest. They will put their whole attention on just a few certain areas that they really like. For example, an autistic child could show interest in trains. They want train tracks, toy trains, Thomas the train, real trains, model trains, etc. Anything and everything that has to do with trains they will show interest in. Another example would be one that was aired on the television not too long ago. There was a documentary on it and the child showed interest in running water. Any faucet, fountain, bathtub, etc. around the child would love to turn it on and watch the water run. It was what kept the child calm and feeling safe. Which is key, the autistic child or adult must feel safe in order to feel comfortable around a stranger. Good things to know when dealing with an autistic child or adult is to know their limitations. If they feel uncomfortable or threatened the most important thing someone can do is back off a little. Give them their space because they definitely need it. Taking some alone time settles them down and makes them focus on what makes them calm. If someone is attempting to interact with an autistic child or adult a good idea would be to show an interest in what they love. Get them in the mood to show some interest back to that person. Talking about what interests them could help them to trust the other person interacting with them. Also a very important thing to remember is to always be patient. It’s important to not make them feel rushed or pushed around. It has been stated several times above how important schedules are to those that are autistic and, it can’t be stressed any more. Schedules are key to having someone with autism feel comfortable and calm. So if a person wants to deal with an autistic child or adult make sure it is on their schedule and when they feel comfortable, not the other way around. An example of two different children on the autism spectrum would be Tighler and Nolan. Tighler is a bit more on the severe side. It’s difficult for him to interact with people that he isn’t used to. His favorite things that he does each day would be YouTube videos, trains, and t-shirt designing. If he isn’t able to do one or all of these things he isn’t very happy. Luckily with the help of wonderful teachers at school he has been able to interact a bit easier and is now in bowling leagues each weekend. He throws tantrums but mostly crying and stomping around. With Nolan he is a bit different. Nolan has two specific things he really enjoys. I likes to sweep any and everywhere. And he also likes hair gel. Nolan is known in the area to stand outside and sweep his front porch over and over again. Although Nolan is similar to Tighler in liking a few specific things he differs in how he interacts with others. Nolan won’t talk with anyone, barely even his family. If you make eye contact he will look away and leave as quickly as he can. When Nolan has his temper tantrums he gets physical. He’ll throw things and hit you. He’ll also scream, curse, and cry when he’s mad. To classify Tighler on the autism spectrum he would probably be in the middle. He’s not highly severe but he’s not mild like with Asperger’s either. He’d be classified more in the middle because he can interact okay with others but he also still has specific areas of interest. Nolan, however, would be classified in the severe area. He isn’t social in any way, has severe tantrums when upset, and also settles on a few specific areas. After going over each area from the different stages of autism, to the ways they can feel uncomfortable and make them act out, to what will make them stay calm and feel more comfortable to be themselves around you I would hope you’d feel more comfortable yourself to go out and interact with them. Autism is becoming more popular by the minute in our society and with the numbers increasing it means the odds of you having to interact with them is becoming greater so knowledge is key with being around someone who may be different than you. It’s important to not judge a book by its cover because they may surprise you and be more like you than you think. Always remember, treat others how you want to be treated. Don’t just assume they can’t understand or don’t have feelings like you do. Give them a chance and I can guarantee they’ll surprise you and maybe even become an amazing friend. References (2013). Retrieved from http://www.autismspeaks.org/ (Marcy J Hardinger, personal communication, October 4, 2013).