What is Autism?

Autism is a unique way of thinking, problem-solving, interacting, and learning. Individuals on the autism spectrum can have varying aptitudes for unraveling puzzles, creating color-filled, dynamic masterpieces, and applying focus and concentration to very specific areas of interest and curiosity.

Gifts unfold and blossom.

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understanding autism

Autism is a complex ability*, typically emerging during childhood years. Autism has a spectrum of aptitudes, which makes each individual’s communication, thinking, and perception of the world their own. As with all abilities it is paramount to be on the journey with the person, rather than to assume the person’s needs and desires. * changing the language in how we talk about autism is our first step to creating a more empathic understanding.

Creating a more empathic understanding of autism is vital work because of the negative stigmas that historically surround our individuals on the spectrum. Our first step is to shift the language so each individuals’ gifts unfold and blossom.

This shift is also crucial for our parents and care partners, because according to Autism Speaks, a parent with a child on the autism spectrum, pays an estimated $60,000 each year, to meet the needs of their child’s therapies, special services, childcare and their own lost wages. Autism Speaks, also reports that mothers of children with autism often serve as the child’s sole advocate for school and life and are more likely to work at home, earning considerably less than mothers with neurotypical children.

“Changing the language in how we talk about autism is our first step to creating a more empathic understanding.”

HISTORY OF autism

In 2013, the American Psychological Association (APA) stomped-out old, tattered language used to label individuals: autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder (not otherwise specified) and Aspbergers syndrome. Today, individuals are referred to as having autism or being on the autism spectrum.

Today, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 1 in 59 children are diagnosed with autism. The diagnosis is often terrifying and confusing for parents because of the stigmas that are often associated with autism. Rightfully so, because according to Autism Speaks, nearly ⅓ of people with autism are non-verbal, which can open doors for bullying at school and/or work, anxiety, depression, and more. Additionally, autism contributes to chronic sleep problems, causes some gastrointestinal disorders, and creates delays in developing social understanding of cues and communication.

Read About Autism

Book – The Clouds that Chase Us: A Journey into Autism

From $19.95

Read a personal story about the struggles of a child on the autism spectrum who can't seem to fit into the molds of traditional society. The Clouds that Chase Us is a story of how one mother uses daily meditation, breathing exercises, kindness, and a whole lot of patience to help her child and herself get through each day. This book is for those who are parents, sisters, brothers, or friends of a child on the autism spectrum, and it reminds us that apologizing for uncommon behaviors or sensory meltdowns is never necessary.