While the non-verbal autistic individual faces unique challenges, I vociferously object to people who label the higher-functioning end of the autistic spectrum, as those with mild autism. Autistic people, no matter where on the spectrum, face profound challenges. Even if an autist can seemingly communicate, even well, they are simply able to better fake, the behaviour of a NT (neurotypical). This has profound implications that affect, effect, and influence their entire life - ranging from mental and physical exhaustion, to becoming even more of a social outcast because they have said or enacted socially inappropriate behaviour(s). The autist who seemingly blends into society, ironically, is, perhaps, more at risk. Being able to blend in, but not at the same time, can have profound psychological implications ranging from even more and deeper feelings of social isolation, to profound bouts of depression, etc., etc. Most autists, no matter their spectrum position, can often have debilitating sensory issue(s). They can also have OCD issues that reduce their productive ability in the workplace; anxiety issues can profoundly impact the autist lives of non-verbal as well as verbal autists. And many other issues that can impact the ability of autists to personally grow. Labelling autists as profoundly autistic, mildly autistic, etc., ironically denies the reality that ALL autists have issues that do and can profoundly impact their lives. The autistic spectrum is just that: a spectrum. Individuals may also have comorbid diagnoses that impact ones ability to compare them to other autistic individuals. The most important thing to remember in dealing with autistic individuals, no matter their place on the spectrum: Meeting or knowing an autistic individual means you know one autistic individual.
Posted on: Sat, 11 Oct 2014 00:30:35 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015