April is Autism Awareness Month: What Does That Mean?
Over the past 20 years, autism diagnoses have increased by 300%. This can sound concerning, as if we’re facing an epidemic. Many point to outside causes to this monumental increase ; vaccines, 5G, heavy metal in our bodies, red-40, sugar, anything but genetics.
What Is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability, meaning that it affects brain development. It is most often characterized by difficulties with communication, sensory processing differences, and intense interest in specific topics. It’s difficult to list all the signs of autism ; given that it is caused by a difference in brain development, autistic people often find that almost every facet of their life is affected by their diagnosis. This is why a lot of people prefer the term ‘autistic person’ rather than ‘person with autism’. Autism isn’t a disease; it can’t be cured. It isn’t caused by some exterior factor; people are born autistic and they die autistic.
How Do I Interact With An Autistic Person?
Given that 1 in 50 Canadian children are diagnosed with autism, it is impossible for you to never interact with an autistic person. The truth is, every single autistic person is going to have different needs from one another, which is why it’s called a spectrum. Some people are fully non-verbal; they have to rely on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to express themselves. Some may not fit your idea of what autism may look like, just like some may wear headphones to navigate their daily life, some may lack expression in their voice or demeanour, while others might seem to be intentionally rude because of a lack of filter. Some autistic people suck, just like everyone else can suck, but remember to differentiate the suckiness of their personality from the signs of their autism.
If you want to ensure proper communication with an autistic person, the best course of action, I find, is to be patient and kind, much like you would be to any other person. Certain challenges may arise: autistic people might struggle with eye contact, knowing when it is their turn to speak in conversations, or they might talk endlessly about their special interest. If there is an autistic person in your life that you want to grow closer to, understand the social differences that come with their diagnosis. You can engage in their special interest if you truly want to go the extra mile to connect with them.
How Do I Get Through Life As An Autistic Person?
It can be frustrating when all you hear about in regards to your disorder are tips and tricks on how other people can manage you, but nothing on how to manage yourself. No one will know your struggles better than you do, which is why it is important to identify areas that could be improved to make daily life more enjoyable. You aren’t broken; you just experience life in a different way than most people because your brain is different. Not everyone will get what it’s like to be you, and there’s nothing you can do about it, but, trust me, there are people out there that will understand you more than you think possible. You’ll have some hard days and some easier ones, but they’ll all be days that are made all the better because you are here.
Conclusion
As the author of this article, I find it important to mention that I am autistic. It is often a challenge, if I’m being honest. I struggle with a lot of noise sensitivity, with processing emotions, and with social interactions. It is the cause of many of my problems, but I wouldn’t be myself without it. I can’t suppress my differences. I’ve tried in the past and I’ll probably keep trying in the future, but the fact is that there is no changing the development of my brain. I don’t want the world to be tailored to my specific needs; I just want to be given the chance to regulate them. I want a bit of compassion, but I don’t want pity. Maybe if people were a bit more aware of autism, everyone could be a bit more comfortable interacting with one another.
References
- Autism Canada. “What is Autism?” History of Autism, https://www.autismcanada.org/history-of-autism.
- “Interacting with Autistic People.” Milestones Autism Resources, https://www.milestones.org/get-started/for-community-at-large/interacting-with-autistic-people. A
- “Signs that a child or adult may be autistic.” National Autistic Society, https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/diagnosis/before-diagnosis/signs-that-a-child-or-adult-may-be-autistic.
- Ward, Adam. “Autism in Canada: What you need to know.” Faculty of Health Sciences – McMaster University, 2 April 2025, https://healthsci.mcmaster.ca/what-this-expert-wants-you-to-know-about-autism/.
- https://www.autismbc.ca/blog/what-is-autism/
