Understanding Autism: A Parent's Perspective

This article provides a parent's perspective on autism. It discusses the prevalence, diagnosis, and challenges faced by autistic children. It also highlights the importance of promoting social acceptance and positive development. The article emphasizes that autism is not a disorder but a neurotype that requires appropriate support and understanding.

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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

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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.

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A person who has autism has a brain that works differently from a typical brain.
Neither is better, they are just different. It is important to come to terms with the difference
and incorporate measures so as to make sure that growing up is a beautiful experience. It is
crucial to understand the level of intelligence would not be similar to a normal child but at the
same time the feelings and perceptions of a child would not be different.
There is a spectrum, like a number line. One person with autism may be like a 1 on
the spectrum so you only notice a little difference, but someone else may be a 10 with lots of
differences. The autism number line helps in understanding the severity of the disorder and
effectively seeking help to deal with the symptoms.
Some people with Autism have brains that work so hard that they see and process
information so fast that they cannot even walk or talk due to their brains holding on to so
much other information. Neurological complications might cause impaired coordination
between the perception and processing of information due to the accelerated brain activity.
My daughter loves YouTube, arts and crafts and books. It is sad that I fear the
interaction of other children because I fear her being bullied. Not from her looking different
because she doesn’t. Just from the fear of not being very social. Children affected with autism
are not socially acceptable but can be great learners and often parents prefer handing over
gadgets and technology to them rather than encouraging social interaction.
Sometimes noises hurt her, so she’ll hold her ears or flap her hands when she’s
overwhelmed. I can’t speak for every Autistic parent but wanting your child to be genuinely
accepted without having to answer off the wall questions is truly the first most important step
to us allowing our children to interact. The first step to ensure a positive childhood

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experience is to accept the child whole heartedly and make growing up a lovable and
optimistic experience.
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. Numerous support
organizations deal with autistic children. Seeking effective help can help in providing help to
such children and ensure positive development (Bristol).
Autism is just a diagnosis not who they are, be mindful when judging them. Be
mindful when asking questions, we as parents love to answer questions as well as share
stories. What we don’t want is this neurotype stopping our babies from achieving goals no
matter how minor they may be. Autistic children must not be stereotyped and efforts must be
undertaken for complete acceptance. Though mentally challenged, these children are great
observers and are hyperactive. Appropriate measures to channelize their energy can help in
improving their concentration levels.

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References:
Autismspeaks.org. "CDC Increases Estimate Of Autism’S Prevalence By 15 Percent, To 1 In
59 Children | Autism Speaks". Autismspeaks.Org, 2018,
https://www.autismspeaks.org/science-news/cdc-increases-estimate-autisms-prevalence-15-
percent-1-59-children. Accessed 19 Sept 2018.
Autism Speaks. "Autism Speaks". Autism Speaks, 2018, https://www.autismspeaks.org/.
Accessed 19 Sept 2018.
Konstantareas, M. Mary, and Soula Homatidis. "Assessing child symptom severity and stress in
parents of autistic children." Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 30.3 (1989): 459-470.
Bristol, Marie M. "Family resources and successful adaptation to autistic children." The effects of
autism on the family. Springer, Boston, MA, 1984. 289-310.