Autism Acceptance Month

April is an exciting month here at Trillium Health Resources. We join friends across our communities to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month. Acceptance happens when we ignite our curiosity and understanding. Together we can listen and learn how to build a more inclusive world for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). What defines autism? How can we help people with autism lead happy, fulfilled lives?

When paired with the right services and supports, people with ASD can flourish. All it takes is for us to come together to create a more accepting, connected world. This world already exists for Robert, a Trillium member who lives in Wilmington. Robert is meeting his goals by working toward independent living. He is thriving at his job and connecting to his community. Robert's story shows us what is possible.

The first step of acceptance is learning about autism.

What is Autism?

Autism affects about 1 in 36 children in the United States. ASD covers a broad range of conditions. It is unique for each person. Individuals diagnosed with ASD often have difficulty with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and communication. Here are some common signs:

• Finding it hard to understand what others are thinking or feeling.
• Getting very anxious about social situations.
• Finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on your own.
• Seeming blunt, rude, or not interested in others without meaning to.
• Finding it hard to say how they feel.
• Taking things very literally (for example, a person with ASD may not understand sarcasm or phrases like “break a leg”).
• Having the same routine every day and getting very anxious if it changes.

People who have ASD are diagnosed within three levels. Identifying these levels helps connect them with the right support based on their unique needs.

• High-functioning: People with high-functioning autism often cannot communicate well verbally. They may avoid eye contact and social interaction. They prefer to spend time alone rather than with others.
• Low-functioning: People with low-functioning autism may have limited speech or may be unable to speak at all. Severe behavioral problems may be present such as wandering or running away from home and caregivers, or attacking other people. They need a lot of assistance.
• Classic autism: People who have classic autism may have severe communication problems and very limited speech. They tend to be socially withdrawn. They have severe problems interacting with others. They also spend much of their time alone doing repetitive things.

Assessment, Support, and Care

Spotting the signs of autism early and connecting to services can have a big impact on health and wellness. Children with autism can learn to interact socially and communicate better. Keeping an eye on your child’s developmental milestones can help connect them with interventions early. Talk to your primary healthcare provider to help identify behaviors.

It is important to get the right information, services, and support. Health care for people with ASD is complex. Everyone has their own unique needs and preferences. Integrated services may be needed. These services may include health promotion, treatment, and rehabilitation. Collaboration among healthcare providers and community supports also is very important. Community supports may include education, employment, and social care. Interventions work best when those getting care have a voice. The design and delivery of support should involve people with ASD. Movement forward is only possible with community action. We all have a role to play for greater accessibility, inclusivity, and support.

Individuals with ASD have different levels of needs. Some can work toward independent living. Others may need lifelong care and support. Learning and work opportunities can be affected. The demands on families providing care and support also can be significant. This is the reason why acceptance is so important. When communities understand and accept individuals with autism, they can thrive. When they have a chance to thrive, their quality of life is greatly improved.

Strengths of Individuals with Autism

People with ASD may have a range of strengths and abilities that can be directly related to their diagnosis, including:

• Learning to read at a very early age (known as hyperlexia).
• Memorizing and learning information quickly.
• Thinking and learning in a visual way.
• Logical thinking ability.
• May excel (if able) in academic areas such as science, engineering and mathematics because they are technical and logical subjects that do not heavily rely on social interaction.
• Having an extraordinarily good memory (remembering facts for long periods of time).
• Being precise and detail oriented.
• Exceptional honesty and reliability.
• Being dependable when it comes to schedules and routines.
• Having an excellent sense of direction.
• Being very punctual.
• Strong adherence to rules.
• Able to concentrate for long periods of time when motivated.
• A drive for perfection and order.
• A capability for alternate problem-solving.
• A rare freshness and sense of wonderment.

Robert’s Story – Living with Autism 

Robert is thankful for the support he gets through NC Medicaid and Trillium. At a very young age, he was diagnosed with ASD. Throughout his life, Robert has received services including individualized education plans and individual support plans to help him set goals. He also has participated in therapies and activities to help him achieve functional outcomes that promote sensory integration.

In 2014, Robert graduated with a high school diploma. He later earned a college degree. He has worked at a popular Wilmington restaurant for many years. His job has helped him to improve time management skills, social skills, and his ability to budget his income. The experience has helped Robert work toward his goal of full independent living. He worked very hard for three years to learn safety skills, how to cook his own meals, follow a chore schedule, and manage his finances to pay bills. Two years ago, he moved into his own apartment.

Autism Resources

Your journey doesn’t stop here, nor does it end on April 30. Acceptance of people with autism goes beyond a single month each year. Trillium’s My Learning Campus has free trainings to assist. They include the following:

• ASD 101: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Parenting a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Intellectual & Developmental Disability 
• Advocating for a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Intellectual & Developmental Disability 
• Supporting Individuals with Autism in Uncertain Times

Acceptance can change lives. We invite you to check out additional resources, such as Autism Speaks and the Autism Parenting Magazine, for more information. You also can watch these Caregiver Skills training videos. 

Acceptance is on all of us. Together, we can create communities where everyone has the opportunity to lead healthy, fulfilled lives.