Challenges and Overcoming: The reality of people with Autism in today's society

People with autism face a number of daily challenges due to a condition characterized by difficulties in communication, social interaction and repetitive behaviors. One of these challenges is inclusion.

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O Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects about 2 million people in Brazil and affects 1% to 2% of the world's population. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, it is estimated that one in every 44 children is affected by a problem that is still little understood, but widely studied.

Experts say that an early diagnosis is crucial to determine the appropriate treatment, which can be instrumental in ensuring an improved quality of life for individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

What is Autism?

There are still many misconceptions and prejudices regarding autism, which results in harmful stereotypes and discrimination. Therefore, it is extremely important to promote society's education about autism and clarify common misconceptions.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by difficulties in communication, social interaction and deficits in socio-emotional reciprocity. Children with autism may experience delays and changes in several areas of development, as well as difficulty engaging in imaginative play and exhibiting cognitive rigidity.

Challenges

One of the main challenges of autistic is social inclusion. They are often excluded from activities and events because they do not fit established social norms. In addition, society's lack of empathy and understanding can make the lives of autistic people even more difficult. Therefore, it is important that people are informed about autism and know how to act to offer support and inclusion to those with the condition.

Another challenge faced by autistic it's the daily routine. For them, sudden changes can be extremely uncomfortable and even traumatic. It is essential that the family and caregivers of autistic people establish a clear and predictable routine, with schedules for daily activities and leisure time. Also, education is a big challenge for autistic people. Many schools are not prepared to meet the needs of these students, which can result in learning difficulties and exclusion. Therefore, it is important that schools and teachers receive training to understand and meet the needs of autistic students, providing them with an inclusive and quality education.

Gaining space in society

Despite the challenges, the people with autism are capable people of overcoming and achieving. With the support of family, friends and trained professionals, many autistic people have achieved their goals and achieved professional and personal success.

An example of overcoming this is the businessman Elon Musk, this year he shared on the American television program Saturday Night Live that he has level 1 autism, also known as Asperger syndrome. Elon plays many important roles in the business world, being the founder of SpaceX, CEO of Tesla, vice president of OpenAI, founder and CEO of Neuralink, co-founder and president of SolarCity, in addition to being the owner of Twitter.

Another example is the renowned actor Anthony Hopkins. Known for playing the cannibalistic serial killer, Hannibal Lecter, in The Silence of the Lambs, its sequel Hannibal and its prequel Red Dragon, the artist openly shared that he received the diagnosis of autism in his adult life, at the age of 70. Interestingly, it was thanks to his wife that he became interested in researching more about the autism spectrum disorder, allowing him to recognize that some of its characteristics could be signs of an atypical person.

Greta Thunberg, the Swedish activist and young climate change fighter, also recently openly shared her diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder and selective mutism, received at the age of 12. His objective in revealing these diagnoses is to challenge the mistaken idea that people with disabilities and neurodivergent people do not have the ability to lead or achieve goals. Greta is an example of what autistic people are capable of and that social inclusion is possible when people are informed and respectful.

Conclusion

Therefore, it is essential that society understands that autistic people are people with skills and potential, who only need support and inclusion to achieve their full development. And it is the role of all of us, as citizens, to offer this support and respect to people with autism.