What’s it like living with autism? ABA Centers of Tennessee understands how parents and caregivers can feel overwhelmed when presented with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis for their child. ASD is a developmental disability that affects one’s neurological functions and will be life-changing. Still, in the grand scheme, it’s about taking a handful of extra steps when caring for your child.
The more autism diagnosis increases, the more resources have become available to help those with ASD and their caregivers. However, “spectrum” means people with autism function on various levels, and living with autism presents unique challenges. Parents can educate themselves on what to look for when observing their child’s behaviors and considering the next steps. Most importantly, they should understand that there are ways to overcome difficulties so their child can lead a full, productive life.
8 Aspects of Living with Autism
Reading articles like this goes a long way toward understanding what a child living with autism might experience. Most parents and caregivers notice the differences in their children from an early age but aren’t always sure how to define the behavior or whether it’s merely a phase. Keep an eye out for behaviors like those listed below:
- Social Interactions Present Challenges – Possible clues of ASD in interpersonal communication include when a child avoids eye contact or communication in general. ASD children might even prefer solo play when allowed to play with peers. In addition, these children lean toward logical, tangible play rather than participating in imaginary scenarios.
- Topic Fixation – It’s comforting for someone with autism to be an expert in a subject of their choice. While the topics that interest them can differ from person to person, people with ASD tend to be passionate about learning. Being educated also means they can use their knowledge to teach others, a social interaction seen as beneficial when such interactions are otherwise largely avoided.
- Literal Language – For those diagnosed with ASD, hyperbole, exaggeration, and sarcasm are often lost in translation, as their minds process things like the language very literally. Those with autism are most often straightforward, precise, and honest, and things that others might see as extremes, they see as possible.
- Interpreting Emotions is Difficult – Folks with ASD do not pick up on social cues regarding what might be uncomfortable for others to discuss. They don’t always fit in well with others because they tell people exactly what is on their minds. Finding and maintaining friendships often involves understanding when to be candid versus when to keep honest comments to oneself.
Once again, eye contact avoidance and discomfort with social connections contribute to struggles such as working within a group. However, the friendships that do form are often with select individuals who are patient and empathetic.
- Determining Right from Wrong – ASD kids may see the world as wrong and right and have difficulty understanding how anyone could make a different choice. While most people with ASD have a solid moral compass and are determined to live to their highest moral ability, they can inadvertently say something that others find hurtful or offensive. However, upon being made aware that their actions have caused someone pain, they are often very empathic and regretful for hurting someone.
- Change Causes Emotional Reactions – One important behavior connecting many with ASD is the difficulty maintaining a calm reaction when something gets off schedule. Daily routines, bells between classes, or having the same toothpaste each morning can all be considered familiar and comforting parts of a day, so when there are changes to a routine or new situation to confront, the desire for consistency becomes overwhelming.
- Sensory Overload – Many people diagnosed with autism have sensitivities to noise and light. The autistic mind can be brilliant and fascinating, but it can also often be overwhelmed by what some would consider to be minor annoyances. When a crowd gets too loud, or if lights begin to flash suddenly, or loud screeches alert everyone to an equipment malfunction, most people tend not to notice. Still, such changes in an environment can become stressful and overstimulating for someone on the spectrum.
- Strong Situational Avoidance – Those with autism may try to leave overwhelming situations. Sometimes the desire to flee or “elope” can result in problems at school or work. Suppose there’s a strong desire to drown out the noise around them that they deem overwhelming. In that case, we recommend investing in noise-canceling devices and considering arranging an ASD diagnostic consultation.
Talking About ASD
Admittedly, autism is not always easy to talk about with others. No one wants to be “different” when they’re young. Kids with autism don’t always tell their friends about it for reasons that are easy to imagine.
School is difficult enough without autism. Thankfully, services are available to students with ASD to help with daily living, giving them a nonjudgmental ear to listen to their experiences and offer perspectives without common misconceptions.
Common Misconceptions
Many have the perception that autism is only present in children. The truth is that adults on the spectrum have spent their whole lives learning what behaviors others find unsocial. They have had time to practice for things like working or dating. Social interactions, while often avoided, help those with autism to understand others and improve their social skills over time.
The idea that autistic people cannot do what “neurotypical” people can is another engrained misconception. Those with ASD are unique, thoughtful, and sometimes remarkably intelligent. While there are different intensities on the spectrum, most individuals with ASD demonstrate strong reading, memorization, visual learning, and punctuality skills and present solid personal ethical and moral codes. For some job requirements, a single-minded focus and attention to detail can make someone on the spectrum a far more productive employee.
Living with Autism in Tennessee
Nobody wants to hear what they can’t do. Yet, right now, your family and neighbors face statistics about what they won’t achieve. People with autism want to be treated with respect and given the same opportunities as everyone else; they want to sit next to their friends in class, go on dates, and find acceptance.
Raising a child with autism has its own set of challenges. Family members of those with ASD can feel forgotten or neglected as their needs require less urgency. However, when healthy communication happens, those living with autistic individuals can learn to be more patient, kind, peaceful, and honest. And while being a parent or caregiver might require classes and teaching appropriate behaviors and responses while preparing children for difficult situations, autism can be a tremendous gift to everyone in the family.
ABA Centers of Tennessee Can Help You Work Through the Challenges
Before achieving personal independence, individuals with autism will face challenges that can benefit from support and improved social skills. We know parents and caregivers of ASD kids want to help them grow and learn, which is where applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy comes in.
At ABA Centers of Tennessee, we specialize in helping families create the brightest possible future. We have experience with people of all ages with various forms of autism and have programs and learning tools ready to help your family. If you’re interested in discovering more about autism care and ABA play-based therapy, contact us today for a FREE consultation with one of our autism treatment professionals.
