Understanding Autism: A Parent's Perspective

Running head: PUBLIC SPEAKING
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PUBLIC SPEAKING
Autism, the most misconstrued but growing neurotype that often confused with being
a disorder. I’m a parent of a beautiful 12-year-old Autistic child. 1 in every 59 children are
affected with autism. Statistical evidences reveal that 1 in every 37 guy and 1 in every 151
girl is affected with autism in the United States of America. Statistical evidences have further
stated that the prevalence of autism has gone up by 15% since the year 2012
(Autismspeaks.org). Further, it can be stated that the diagnosis of autism goes unnoticed till
the age 4 as revealed by the current trends of autism in children. It is critical to proceed with
the initial diagnosis of the condition because if the condition is not treated appropriately at
the correct time, it leads to life-long complications.
Autistics are marginalized by society, with huge charities that wish the destruction of
autistics alongside many other horrors, through therapy of autistics that pushes for total
compliance and frequently results in PTSD, depression, anxiety, and similar disorders.
Autistics children often present uncontrolled behaviour that is socially unacceptable by the
society (Autism Speaks). However, it should be noted that actions such as screaming or
making noises are not under the control of the child and is a result of neurodegenerative
disorder.
Being a parent to an Autistic child has taught me that this neurotype is still being
researched by many with hopes of solving the mystery of its cause. Being a parent to an
autistic child has exposed me to a different experience altogether. I have known that autism is
widely dependent upon genetic and environmental factors and that it can even be caused due

1PUBLIC SPEAKING
to complications experienced during pregnancy. It is a developmental disorder that can only
be controlled not be completely cured.
First, I will discuss Autism itself. Autistics are frequently spoken over and or
dismissed. Autistics are socially isolated because of the manner in which they present
themselves to the society. It is often considered as matter of shame by the society. Societal
stigma should be minimized so as to promote a social life to autistics.
Autism is not a bad thing by nature, in the same way that being allistic (not autistic) is
not a bad thing by nature. Autism or being allistic is not under human control and is
characterized by the progress of neurodegenerative disorder and developmental crisis
(Konstantareas, Mary and Soula).
A frequent comparison is that of computer operating platforms, be it Mac, Windows,
Linux, Dell or otherwise. The Mac, Windows and Linux are computer operating platforms
and although structurally different provide a platform for computer application. Similarly,
autistic children are no different than normal children with certain developmental and
neurological complications.
They each work differently, but one is not better than the other. They give you the
same result which is computed service. The difference mainly depends upon structural
dissimilarity, however the innocence is similar as that present in a normal child.
Indeed being an autistic parent can be a hugely positive experience, so long as you are
willing to accept the journey as it comes. It is important to accept the child the way he or she
is with the disorder and provide support so as to ensure a positive childhood experience.