Understanding autism – different doesn’t mean inferior

World Autism Acceptance Week 2022 from 28 March to 3 April aims to give the general public a better understanding of those with autism and those who are living with loved ones who have the condition. It also strives to celebrate the unique talents of those with the disorder, and that different doesn’t mean inferior.

Having autism doesn’t mean you are not smart…

Take David Petrovic (BA), for example. David is a junior-high teacher, author and national speaker. He co-authored Expect a Miracle: A Mother/Son Asperger Journey of Determination. The second edition was retitled Expect a Miracle: Understanding and Living with Autism.

David has autism. “Different doesn’t mean inferior,” he says, about all those who learn in their own way.

This echoes our philosophy at Capulum College – and our goal is to help you and your child, whatever the problem. With your constant input, our remedial school can help assist you to help your child to reach his or her dreams. There is no guarantee for what we, with your lasting input, can achieve but together we work towards the best possible outcome.

What is autism syndrome disorder (ASD) , you may ask? It is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioural challenges – an umbrella term that covers the following conditions:

• autism disorder,
• pervasive developmental disorder — not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS),
• Asperger syndrome.

People with ASD have trouble with social interactions and with interpreting and using non-verbal and verbal communication in social contexts. Individuals with ASD may also have the following difficulties:

• inflexible interests,
• insistence on sameness in their environment or routine,
• repetitive motor and sensory behaviours, such as flapping arms or rocking,
• increased or decreased reactions to sensory stimuli.

How well a person with ASD can function in day-to-day life depends on the severity of his/her symptoms. Given that autism varies widely in severity, the symptoms aren’t always easily recognised. Signs of ASD begin during early childhood and, typically, last throughout a person’s life.

There is no cure for ASD. Research, however, illustrates that early intervention, treatment services can improve a child’s development. This includes therapy to help your child talk, walk, and interact with others. If, therefore, you think your child might have ASD; or you think there could be a problem with the way your child plays, learns, speaks, or acts; or other developmental problem, it is important to talk to your child’s doctor as soon as possible. With the assistance of sensory-trained, occupational therapists and speech therapists progress is more possible.

And remember, because we recognise that different doesn’t mean inferior, our vision is to open the doors of learning for children who find the learning process difficult. Though children usually don’t outgrow ASD, they may learn to function well.