Julia asked her nonverbal 8-year-old autistic child, “Is Autism a Disability?” She could see the frustration in her son’s eyes. He wanted to communicate but was unable to. She couldn’t resist wondering if autism was a real disability.
What is autism if it’s not disability? Is it a condition? Is it a disorder? Many parents, and even people with autism spectrum disorders themselves, ask these questions. We’ll answer these questions in this article.
What is considered a disability?
It’s important to first define disability to understand the relationship between autism, and disability.
On the other hand,
To determine whether autism is a disorder, it’s important to examine the characteristics of autism. NIMH says that ASD is a developmental disorder because the symptoms are usually present during the first two developmental years.
The symptoms can be severe or mild. ASD is a term that encompasses autistic disorders, pervasive development disorders not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), as well as Asperger syndrome.
Autism can manifest in several ways.
- There is very little eye contact
- The child may not listen or look at others.
- The person may not be interested in people or objects, or may have the ability to interact with others but lack social skills.
- It is possible that the child will not respond when someone tries to get their attention.
- A child with a communication disorder may find it difficult to converse.
- A child may speak about a topic in a more intense way
- It may be that the child’s voice is flat or his/her facial expressions don’t match what he/she says
- Repeating words or phrases
- You may find it difficult to express your needs or feelings
- They can focus on specific parts and their functions.
- Some people are overly sensitive to light, sounds, textures or temperatures
- Sleep problems and irritability may be present
- Some people may have had some skills but lost their ability to use them later.
What is Autism?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a developmental disability caused by brain differences. It can affect how someone communicates, interacts and perceives the world.
Autism has a spectrum of symptoms and behaviour, from mild to severe. The spectrum is highly diverse because no two people are alike. The spectrum includes a wide range of challenges, abilities, and traits.
Does Autism Affect Learning?
A person with Autism does not necessarily have an Intellectual Disability. Sometimes, ASD children who don’t communicate verbally are mistakenly assumed to have intellectual disabilities.
In the 1980s 69% of those with autism also had an intellectual disability. As the researchers refined the criteria to diagnose autism, the percentage of children with both diagnoses decreased. In 2014, it was 30%.
Intellectual disabilities may be misdiagnosed as being caused by the same genes. While social problems may include autism, it does not necessarily mean that intellectual disabilities are also present.
A nonverbal intelligence assessment may be needed at the time of autism screening. In a 2007 study that was published in Sage Journals, 38 children with autism were given a nonverbal IQ test. The nonverbal IQ test scored 30 points higher than the test for those with “typical verbal abilities”.
Children with autism spectrum disorders can remember and learn details. They may also excel in math, science and creative areas such as music or art.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke is a part of the National Institutes of Health. It supports autism research through the Autism Centers of Excellence to discover the causes and treatment for this disorder. ACE centres examine the risks and factors during pregnancy, in the first few years of a child’s life and the environment.
NINDS also uses some studies to compare people who have ASD and those without it. This will help them understand the differences between the nervous system and come up with possible approaches or treatments.
What causes autism in children?
There is no cause for autism in children. However, some scientists believe that Genetics may be a contributing factor. A child with an autism-prone sibling is at a greater risk. A child who was born prematurely had low birth weight, or has been exposed to lead, can also have higher chances of developing developmental issues. They should be tested for ASD.
There are a variety of developmental autism screenings. Some parents, grandparents and early childhood caretakers may use a checklist to track milestones. The pediatrician will also look for delays during the child’s annual well-visit.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a behavioural and development screening at 9, 18, and 30 months, and a screening specifically for ASD between 18 and 24 months.
If the child exhibits any of the signs or risk factors listed above, or if the child is screened for developmental, an additional screen could be recommended.
It could be a psychologist, a child or a developmental pediatrician to evaluate brain development. A neuropsychologist can be consulted for neurodevelopmental problems, or a speech-language therapist to determine if communication issues exist.
A child study team or special education team can test and evaluate an older child and may suggest that the child be evaluated by a doctor.
Early diagnosis is better for a child since research shows early intervention can help improve communication and life skills.
Autism: Types of challenges
Even though each person with autism is unique, there are some common challenges for those on the spectrum. Some of the most common challenges include:
- Communication Challenges: Many people with autism have difficulty with both expressive and receptive communication. This can make it difficult for them to communicate their thoughts and feelings effectively.
- Sensory challenges are common in individuals with autism. Hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity can have a significant impact on daily functioning.
- Social challenges: Difficulties in Early detection and intervention are crucial to helping children with autism overcome possible difficulties. Early therapies and specialized educational programs can be essential for improving communication, social skills and adaptive behaviour.
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
Individualized education plans are programs that are designed to meet the needs of students with Autism. These plans are designed to provide accommodations and support for students with autism in educational settings.
Sensory-Friendly Environments
Children with autism can benefit greatly from creating sensory-friendly environments in workplaces and public spaces. It is important to minimize sensory overload and provide sensory tools and environments.
Conclusion
Is autism a form of disability? It’s not important. It doesn’t matter. The most important thing is that a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders receives help and services at the earliest possible time. All children can contribute to society in some way with the right support.
