Challenges Within Autism

    There are a lot of challenges those with autism face on a day to day basis. These challenges can be internally (i.e. overstimulation from texture/smell) or even externally (i.e. socially or lack of accommodations). These challenges can be brought on by other people, such as family or friends, or even brought upon by themselves. On the other hand, a child with autism can cause challenges for other people; such as friends or family. Nonetheless, challenges are common with those with autism and we are going to navigate some of these here today. 

Challenges and Solutions

    One common challenge for those with autism is anxiety. This can show itself in different ways depending on the person. It could look like social phobias, excessive worrying, and meltdowns or shutdowns when faced with certain situations. There are several things people do in these situations to help which include headphones to drown out any excess noise, wearing a weighted vest, or playing with a fidget. Individuals with anxiety may fidget or make small movements when they are feeling anxious. Fidget toys give these movements an outlet, which can help calm a person's nerves, relieve stress and serve as a distraction in an overstimulating environment (Ismail, 2022). Another challenge those with autism may face is bullying. To help combat bullying, schools should hold assemblies and educate their communities on what it is like to have autism, common symptoms or behaviors, and allow children to ask questions. This will help with understanding and kids will be less apt to bully. 

Challenges and Issues for Family Members

When it comes to being a parent or sibling with someone with autism, it definitely changes the definition of what your role usually is. When couples have a child with autism, they must now place their primary focus on helping their child with ASD. This has the potential to put stress on their marriage, other children, work, finances, and personal relationships and responsibilities. Parents now have to shift much of their resources of time and money towards providing treatment and interventions for their child, to the exclusion of other priorities (Autism and Your Family, 2018). One parent may end up having to quit their job or even work part time to take care of the child with ASD and take them to the extensive amount of therapies and doctors appointments that are recommended. Parents often now have a lifetime commitment of care to this child. Most kids end up leaving the house and become independent from their parents, however those with ASD may not be able to do that. 

    Challenges also arise when you are a sibling to somebody with autism. A sibling may feel embarrassed around peers if their sibling acts a certain way or they may even feel jealous regarding the amount of time parents are spending with the other child. Siblings may feel frustrated if they are not able to engage in a normal interaction with their autistic siblings and may even get frustrated if they are the target of some aggressive behaviors. Lastly, the other siblings may feel very stressed out. They may feel like they have to make up for the deficits of the other child or even be concerned for their parents (in regards to their grief and stress). They also may feel concern about their role in future caregiving responsibilities and they may feel guilty for feeling those things (Autism and Your Family, 2018). The key is to remind them that everything they are feeling is valid and keeping them updated and informed on every situation.

Issues in Societal Areas and Solutions (accommodations)

A lot of social settings are not well equipped to handle those with autism or even to accommodate their families. Kids with autism are often unable to do things other kids their age are able to do because of sensory issues or even behavioral issues. A lot of families can not have a family day at the movies because of the movie may play too loud or the flashing lights have the potential to be overwhelming. A solution for this is going to specific centers or movie times that are labeled as "sensory friendly" showings. Next, a lot of places have not yet been equipped with proper spacing for assistive devices such as motorized wheelchair (which a lot of families need). Parents often to have to drive to destinations far away instead of flying due to their child being unable to stay in their motorized chair as it does not fit up and down the aisle and there is no permanent place to park it in the plane. Better and more accessible designs are needed when building things such as planes. There are also not specific places in most buildings for parents to take their child who is having a melt-down. Children with autism often have sensory issues (internally and externally) that may cause them to act out in public. Having a place where parents can take their child without confining them to the car or having to leave the building would be incredibly beneficial as some kids are elopers and will take their opportunity to sprint away from parents once they exit the building. We as a society are still working on making the world a more accessible place for those with autism. 

Mainstreaming the Child/Adolescent

When it comes to school settings, children with autism are often all put into one classroom where they receive special and individualized lesson plans, or IEPs. Some, however, do not need that kind of schooling and can function in a general education classroom with the other children their age. Schools sometimes do not allow this however, as kids with autism may be seen as a distraction. We can avoid this type of isolation by normalizing children playing with fidgets during the school day. We can also have specific chairs that allow the child to bounce in place to help relieve some of those jitters or fulfill the need to move around the room. I think that what really needs to happen though, is society normalizing autism and its' quirks and taking the time to educate the other children in the classroom about it.

https://youtu.be/wc77MksM_2c

This video does a very great job at describing the way autism can look in a classroom setting and other disabilities. It also does it at a children's level, which is wonderful.

Societal Awareness and Accommodations

Society often judges things they do not understand. Therefore, when they see a kid with headphones on or a child shaking their hands in the air in a flapping motion, or anything else they deem "socially inappropriate" they want to judge and stare. If we normalized talking about and educating those in regards to autism, we can have safer spaces for those diagnosed to go and feel comfortable. I can go into any store and know that I am going to have what I need there while those with autism do not have that same luxury. They fear having a meltdown in public due to sensory overload, they fear judgement for their stims (movements or sounds they make to regulate the body when they are feeling overwhelmed) and even fear that there isn't enough space for them to get around with their assistive devices. If we took the time and normalized spaces with wide aisles, dressing rooms that accommodated wheelchairs, weighted clothing being sold for those that are overstimulated, etc. then people with autism would be able to thrive in our society. 

References: 

Autism and your family. Autism Society. (2018, August 9). Retrieved from https://www.autism-society.org/living-with-autism/autism-and-your-family/

Ismail, N. (2022, August 8). Your guide to anxiety fidget toys. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/fidget-toys-for-anxiety/#:~:text=Individuals%20with%20anxiety%20may%20fidget,distraction%20in%20an%20overstimulating%20environment.