World Autism Pride Day
Surjit Singh Flora
Communication entails sharing sentiments, likes, and dislikes. A person who cannot accomplish this is antisocial. Not everyone who does this is antisocial; autism can make communication difficult. In this situation, we need to have correct knowledge about people before making an opinion.
Every year on June 18, World Autistic Pride Day is a proud celebration of autistic people. We celebrate World Autistic Pride Day to acknowledge the significant contribution of autistic individuals in fostering positive change within society.
This year, 2024, the theme for World Autistic Pride Day is “Taking the Mask Off,” which promotes the idea of autistic individuals embracing their true selves-their innate behaviors, preferences, and ways of engaging with the world.
This theme emphasizes the need for the general public to embrace and welcome autistic people into work and art. We are also emphasizing supportive laws that reduce society’s receptivity to autistic individuals.
Indeed, there is no issue with awareness. The way some people define “awareness” is disheartening. That and awareness don’t demand much from people. It’s simple to encourage others to be mindful of or accepting of you. It can be challenging to convince others to recognize the importance of human rights and equal access in society. Reaching the latter goal necessitates more than just awareness.
Brazil celebrated its first Autistic Pride Day in 2005, reports said. Many accounts credit Gareth and Amy Nelson with making the day. In 2005, Aspires for Freedom, a Brazilian initiative, raised autism awareness and highlighted the similarities and contrasts between people with the disease. Autism has become a worldwide phenomenon over time. Autism Pride Day is essential because it raises awareness of autism’s challenges. pick up Autistic children have brain development issues. To live, they require constant assistance. A sickness of the mind. To counteract this, we should respect and care for autistic people. Celebrating this day should give autistic people equal chances.
Autism is neurodevelopmental. The disease is referred to as 1S4 Autism Spectrum Disease. Neurodevelopmental disorders occur when genetic or environmental factors impair brain development. Children usually have this condition, although it might go undetected.
Autism spectrum disorder is one of several neurodevelopmental disorders. Autism spectrum disorder impairs communication. Patients with this condition behave repetitively. This disorder hinders language and communication. It is a complicated developmental impairment that occurs in the first three years of life. Autism is not a mental impairment; people with autism may thrive in art, music, and literature.
Not hearing someone call your name or responding slowly can be frustrating.
Repeating the same phrase over and over again, or performing repetitive movements such as hand flapping, back and forth, or snapping fingers,
People have a limited interest in interacting with others, and their sensitivity to sensory stimuli like sound, smell, color, and light can either increase or decrease, causing them to become upset by slight changes in their routine.
World Autistic Pride Day highlights the need to support and improve the quality of life of people living with autism so that they can live full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.
World Autistic Pride Day aims to promote, protect, and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with autism, as well as to promote their inherent dignity and respect.
Scientists believe that genetic or environmental factors may link to autism, although the exact cause remains unknown. There is no cure for autism spectrum disorder, but language therapy, occupational therapy, educational support, and many other methods can help children with autism and their parents.
Autism is prevalent all over the world. A report predicts that by 2020, autism will impact approximately 75 million individuals worldwide.
Autism affects more people globally than diabetes, cancer, and AIDS combined. Autism affects 100 out of 10,000 children globally. Many studies show that autism is more common in boys than girls. This condition affects 80% of males.
Autistic children are difficult to parent. Their caregivers must remain optimistic and take care of themselves. Autism lasts a lifetime. The youngster may always require extra care and help.
It’s important to recognize that not all individuals on the autism spectrum are either intellectually disabled or possess extraordinary STEM abilities. Each individual possesses unique strengths, weaknesses, interests, sensitivities, and goals. It is important to have a range of options available that cater to different needs, rather than being limited to either complete dependence on NT care workers or having no support at all based on IQ levels. Unfortunately, that doesn’t provide any assistance whatsoever.
Given the unique support needs and goals of individuals on the autism spectrum, it is crucial to establish a comprehensive system of support options. This will enable us to flourish, regardless of the challenges associated with our specific form of autism. It is crucial for neurotypical individuals to invest time in listening to and understanding us as individuals, in order to build a comprehensive system of support options. Many times, individuals who possess the ability to clearly articulate their life goals and the necessary steps to achieve them are unfortunately overlooked by those who do not understand their unique perspectives. This lack of understanding often results in conflicts and failures as well-intentioned individuals attempt to guide them down paths that may not align with their true needs. Individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism often face challenges in expressing their wants, needs, and feelings. Unfortunately, they are sometimes treated with little regard, similar to how toddlers are treated. Their protests about the direction they are being taken are often ignored, leading to situations where well-meaning parents or guardians unknowingly subject their loved ones to abuse. In these cases, the cries of protest are dismissed as mere reluctance to leave the house. Unfortunately, you have no choice but to go out.
There is a significant issue with the lack of awareness and understanding between neurotypical individuals and those on the autism spectrum. This problem arises from neurotypical individuals relying on their inclination to quickly judge people and situations, rather than taking the time to truly listen, observe, and comprehend the actual circumstances. Neurotypical individuals are often raised with the belief that their instincts about the world and the people in it are consistently accurate. This notion is further reinforced by their ability to effectively understand and interpret other neurotypical individuals who share the same cultural background and social class. It can be disheartening to feel that listening to and getting to know others on a personal level is often seen as unimportant in a world where we are taught to assume that everyone thinks the same and has similar social and emotional cues. Is there someone who is reluctant to engage in an activity that you deem significant? They seem to lack motivation. Would this grown-up really choose to have a cartoon show on their iPad for their imaginary deserted island? They seem to lack maturity. This individual is attempting to articulate their perspective. They are simply fabricating excuses. Empathy and understanding are not valued, while superficial empathy and hasty assumptions are praised.
However, autism symptoms lessen with age. This will allow them to live normal lives in the future. Thus, parents and society must adapt to autistic children’s shifting requirements. Society needs to rethink its view of autism. We must show love and care for autistic children and adults, enabling them to lead normal lives.
Sadly! Until now, there has been widespread acceptance of efforts to raise awareness for autistic people. I have yet to witness any “awareness” campaign that has truly made a positive impact on the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum. We only experienced acceptance when we actively advocated for it, alongside our efforts for inclusion and integration.
Simply being aware of autism is not sufficient. It was never the case.
(The writer is a veteran journalist and
freelance writer based in Brampton).