Before I begin sharing posts related to sensory integration, behavioral and social challenges, and occupational therapy treatment for ASD (autism spectrum disorder), I thought it would be beneficial to explain the inspiration behind this blog and what has motivated me to focus on this unique, complex, and opportunistic disorder.
I am not part of a transformational story of someone diagnosed with autism, I did not have first-hand experience growing up with a sibling with autism, and up until two years ago I had never heard of the organization Autism Speaks. So you may be thinking, "why is she creating a blog about ASD if she has no significant background with it?" Despite a lack of experience for most of my life, I find it incredibly interesting how more and more people are being diagnosed with autism today than ever before. In addition, although I am encouraged to see programs and facilities adapt to enable people with autism to feel more comfortable, I believe there is still room for improvement.
Throughout my elementary years, I had the privilege of getting to know a young boy, named Ethan (not his real name), who attended my church. I was a shy child so I didn't create many opportunities to speak with him but I was always amazed at how bold he was to speak his mind and move around. Growing up, I always felt inferior and intimidated by people who carried themselves with confidence and confronted anyone with conversation. To me, that was a lot of additional work that wasn't necessary, so I often sat by myself or with my close friend and analyzed everything around me. I noticed something different about Ethan, but I wasn't able to understand what it was at a young age. As years went by, I occasionally saw Ethan at church when we both happened to be there but I no longer tried to solve what made him unique.
Now, I realize I was blinded by Ethan's diagnosis, which was partly refreshing but also inhibiting. It was refreshing because I was not categorizing him as an autistic boy, but it was inhibiting because I was not aware of his unique perception of life. I was not allowing myself to expand my strategies of approaching Ethan and communicating with him because I wasn't aware of his diagnosis.
This is the tricky balance that I have learned to be true of many diagnoses today. No one wants to be placed in a box due to a certain condition that "separates" them from society, but they also want to feel understood and accepted; therefore, it is important to understand each individual's inhibiting and enhancing occupational factors of their diagnosis.
When I began my college career at Duquesne University, I joined the Autism Speaks club and my interest in autism began to grow. This past summer I had the opportunity to shadow at an elementary school for children with autism and I was fascinated. I knew I wanted to learn more about ASD so that I could empathetically interact with kids with autism and help make them feel comfortable in all situations.
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