So what is Autism? According to Autism Speaks Inc., an incorporate full of individuals who are specialized in autism, willing to help those who are diagnosed with autism, autism is one of three recognized disorders in the Autism Spectrum (the other two are Asperger syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder). It is a disorder of neural development characterize by one’s impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. Although autism has a strong genetic basis, we are unsure whether it is, more by rare mutations or common genetic variants. It first appears during infancy or childhood, and then shows steady show of symptoms without remission (state of absence of disease activity in patients who are diagnosed with incurable chronic illness. With that said, there are huge numbers of people who are diagnosed with autism. According to Ryan, Hughes, Katsiyannis, McDaniel, and Sprinkle, “Autism spectrum disorder has become the fastest growing disability in the US. Current prevalence rates estimated at as many as 1 in 110 children”(56). It is tough to figure out the exact number of who’s diagnosed and who is not. However, one thing we are certain is that these individuals need our society to understand, as well as to help.
People who are diagnosed with autism have a characteristic of triad of symptoms: impairments in social interaction, impairments in communication, and restricted interests and repetitive behavior. Impairments in social interaction cause individuals to lack the intuition about others that many people take for granted. And because of their inability to understand the social community, people with normal neural development (normal) tend to distance themselves from people who are diagnosed with autism. However, in our society as of now, it is common to identify people who think that people with autism prefer to be alone.
Secondly, impairments in communication cause autistic patients to babble, show unusual gesture and vocal patterns, and diminished responsiveness. Similar to the first, impairments in social interaction, it deals with people. Unlike normal people with normal neural development, autistic people don’t share their experiences or make requests. Which means that, it would be difficult to understand normal people with normal neural development, due to lack of communication.
Lastly, their restrictions in interests and repetitive behavior cause those who are diagnosed with autism, to behave in specific ways: repetitive movement, compulsive behavior, resistance to change, ritualistic behavior, and restricted behavior. Many people, who deal with people with autism, believed that people with autism are harmful to themselves and that they might become self-injurious. However, according to Kauffman’s study, “repetitive behaviors are frequent but do not cause physical injury to the student exhibiting them. These behaviors often include, body rocking, hand flapping, eye rubbing, lip licking, or repeating the same vocalization over and over” (461).
Although there are plenty of pessimistic ideas we could think of, from having these symptoms, there are positive ways to think about autism. If people with autism are more on the Asperger syndrome side, they could have a genius quality in certain subject. For example, there are numerous of famous people who have autism and used autism to benefit from it: Albert Einstein, Beethoven, Mozart, and Isaac Newton. Yes, it is very unlikely to witness another one of these individuals. However, if we could see it optimistically, we might not have another Albert Einstein but people who will dedicate their lives, focusing on the subject they love. After all, autistic individuals don’t like to break the ice and try something new. If they like something or have desire to do something, like everyone else, they will strive for it. Only thing is that, these individuals don’t think about feelings or other emotions that could slow them down. If we could try not to ignore and work with these individuals with autism, maybe, just maybe, we might have another Isaac Newton or Albert Einstein.
By now, it is clear that autism can’t be taken jokingly. Although people recognize autism through their personal relationships with people diagnosed with autism, there is still a huge numbers of people who are clueless. Even with people who are aware of autism, they are clueless as well, when caught in an action with autistic person. We lack knowledge on autism and how to deal with autistic individuals. It is important that we know how to deal with these people and that autistic people could feel normal as well. People who are diagnosed with autism have problems, just like everyone in our society. Their problems and struggles might be much more severe than people with normal neural development. However, they battle those struggles and problems like everyone else, or much more severely. Our society needs to accept the fact that, these people aren’t born with a disorder, but disadvantages.
Through the 14 days, I will be in the street asking and surveying specific individuals who are in these categories: Young Adult or Adult and Male or Female. I chose Young Adult and Adult because of the difference in maturity level. An adult, who has a child, thinks differently about humanity and society than a college student who’s busy studying to graduate. Next, I chose male and female because of gender differences. Through our relationships with families and friends, we could generalize that males are masculine and females are feminine. Due to that, we think differently in many ways. For example, males are tougher; therefore when his child falls and scratch his knees, he will tell his child to laugh it off. However his mother feels differently. She feels as if, he was badly hurt after seeing the blood on his knees. Therefore, males and females could think differently about autism, since it deals with their feelings. After surveying 6 groups, which will consist a male and a female; total of 12 people: 6 males and 6 females, I’m planning to survey 2 individuals who are specialized in Autism. These specialists would be able to thoroughly state how to deal with people with autism. With that said, all the surveyors will be answering the following questions. :
Name:
Gender
Age:
How do you work with people who are nonverbal?
How do you deal with those who have aggressive behavior?
How do you deal with people who don’t have the same interest as you?
How do you deal with people who have ritualistic behavior (ex. Dressing ritual, unchanging menu)
If a person, who resists changing, is doing something incorrectly, how do you convince them to do it correctly?
Do you know what Autism is?
If yes, define autism.
Do you know anyone who has Autism?
If yes, how do you know this person?
How would you characterize those who are diagnosed with autism?
Do you know any services or organizations that offer therapy to those who are diagnosed with autism?
Comments:
-SPECIALISTS-
DAY 1
NAME: Amy Shull
1. Age– 27
2. Male or Female – Female
3. Occupation – Special Day Class Teacher
4. How do you work with people who are nonverbal?
- Using visual aids, gestures and short phrases
5. How do you deal with those who have aggressive behavior?
- It depends what the purpose of the behavior is, but generally, removing anyone else that can be potentially harmed, redirection and/or a calming activity. Keeping a neutral reaction sometimes helps to discourage aggressive behavior in the future.
6. How do you deal with people who don’t have the same interest as you?
- Taking turns changing topics during conversations, also trying to get an understanding of exactly why they have their interest helps me to be interested.
7. How do you deal with people who have ritualistic behavior (Ex. Dressing ritual, unchanging menu)?
- Keeping a visual schedule for each child in the classroom helps the students to predict changes. The schedule is what is followed no matter what, so the students know what to expect. Making small changes in a ritual can help to make bigger changes later.
8. If a person, who resists changing, is doing something incorrectly, how do you convince them to do it correctly?
- Use small steps in changing a behavior, positively reinforcing if they make a step in the right direction, and by using visual reminders to help them remember the correct process.
9. Do you know anyone who has autism? If yes – how do you know this individual?
- Many. I am a teacher of children with autism and previously worked with adults with autism through the city of San Jose.
10. How would you characterize those who are diagnosed with autism?
- Very unique, inspirational people, who see the world very differently than neurotypical people. Their senses seem to be heightened, causing them to react differently to input. Though they have the same diagnosis, no two people with autism are the same.
11. Do you know any services or organizations that offer therapy to those who are diagnosed with autism?
- The cities of the Bay Area have therapeutic services through their Parks and Recreation departments, as well as there are many private practices that offer a range of services based on various methodologies surrounding therapy of those with autism.
DAY 2
NAME: Christine Jeong
1. Age– 28
2. Male or Female – Female
3. Occupation – Special Day Class Teacher
4. How do you work with people who are nonverbal?
- Communicate through pictures/visual aids, gestures/sign language, and repetitive phrases.
5. How do you deal with those who have aggressive behavior?
- If he is being aggressive towards another person, first remove that other person or “trigger” (whatever is causing the aggressive behavior) away from him. Give the aggressive person some time and space to calm down before approaching him about the situation that is causing him to be aggressive. Use a lot of “active listening” to allow that person to talk out their high-level of emotions (if applicable). When they are calm, it may be beneficial to teach them more appropriate coping mechanisms than displaying aggressive behavior.
6. How do you deal with people who don’t have the same interest as you?
- Try to find out what is important or of interest to them by asking them questions and/or through meaningful conversation.
7. How do you deal with people who have ritualistic behavior (Ex. Dressing ritual, unchanging menu)?
- I use a visual schedule (picture icons representing the order of events) which helps my students to be able to predict what events will come up ahead so there’s no element of surprise. They know what to expect when they look at their schedule. Sometimes, I have to change up the daily routine by adding a different activity to the schedule or changing the order of events, and this helps them to deal with change to their daily routine.
8. If a person, who resists changing, is doing something incorrectly, how do you convince them to do it correctly?
- I try to use a lot of verbal praise and positive reinforcement when the person does something correctly to encourage them to continue with the correct/desired behavior. They need to feel intrinsically motivated to want to change, and that’s something that could take time to develop.
9. Do you know anyone who has autism?
- If yes – how do you know this individual? Yes, I know many young people with autism. I am a special education teacher for students with autism at an elementary school.
10. How would you characterize those who are diagnosed with autism?
- I used to think autism was a disability, something that hindered people from learning and living life, but I went to a training conference for autism this past year and someone said, “Autism is not a disorder or a disability, but a discovery!” I completely agree with this statement. People with autism just have a different way of discovering the world that we live in. They process the world differently than typical people, and no two diagnoses are the same. Each and every one of my students is unique in his or her own way of thinking and learning about the world, and I think that’s true for all people with autism.
11. Do you know any services or organizations that offer therapy to those who are diagnosed with autism?
- There are private services that can be offered to those who are diagnosed with autism, such as speech and language, ABA (applied behavioral analysis), and even horseback riding therapy. There are also organizations that provide resources for parents with children with autism like PHP (parents helping parents).
-RANDOM INDIVIDUALS-
NAME: S. Lee1. AGE – 21 years old
2. Male or Female – Male
3. Occupation – Student
4. How do you work with people who are nonverbal?
- I would use body languages. My example would be that I would assume and guess what they are trying to say and use nouns/objects to communicate what I’m trying to say.
5. How do you deal with those who have aggressive behavior?
- I’ll be aggressive too. Like eye for an eye. For example, if someone pushes me I’ll push him or her back. If it’s a kid that’s aggressive then I would scold him.
6. How do you deal with people who don’t have the same interest as you?
- Then I wouldn’t be interested in him and I wouldn’t really deal with those who don’t have the same interest as me. If it’s a kid, then I would convince him that my interests are better than his.
7. How do you deal with people who have ritualistic behavior (Ex. Dressing ritual, unchanging menu)?
- I would try to convince them that there are better ways; bigger views. Being ritual in their behavior isn’t a good thing. As far as unchanging menu, same thing. I would convince, not make, them to do eat different food
8. If a person, who resists changing, is doing something incorrectly, how do you convince them to do it correctly?
- I would tell them the other options, better ways. If they don’t like it, then I’ll tell them more deeply. I would tell them life examples or extreme cases where they would want to change. I would tell them but I would not make them because it is their choice.
9. Do you know anyone who has autism?
If yes – how do you know this individual?
- What is Autism?
o In middle school, I did a community service at a community school, where it had full of children with autism. Other then that, I don’t know anyone who has autism.
- After telling this individual the definition of autism…
o I wouldn’t really try to change them unless they are going through something really bad. I’ll try to change them if they are really close. I would continue to tell them to change certain ways, but if they continue to not to change, then I would leave them alone.
10. How would you characterize those who are diagnosed with autism?
- I don’t know anything about autism specifically. If I see some individuals acting weird and have a lot of trouble socially, then I would characterize them as autistic individuals.
11. Do you know any services or organizations that offer therapy to those who are diagnosed with autism?
- no
Comments:
I think one of my friends has autism. People with autism, including my friend, they don’t want to change. If it doesn’t bother me, then I wouldn’t care if they change but if certain behaviors bother me, then I would tell them not to do it around me. When I was in middle school, I went to a community school full of students with autism. I had to play with them. While I was playing with him, one of the children bit me. I was very shocked and due to that, I couldn’t do anything. The kid seemed like he didn’t care that he bit me.
DAY 4
NAME: Diane You1. AGE – 21
2. Male or Female – Female
3. Occupation – Student
4. How do you work with people who are nonverbal?
- Hand gestures and Hand motions; Eye contacts to make sure we both have the right understanding. Also, if we are working together then I would watch them to make sure that I’m not doing anything wrong.
5. How do you deal with those who have aggressive behavior?
- Back off and give them space so that they could cool down. I would find a different solution so that I don’t have to be aggressive as well.
6. How do you deal with people who don’t have the same interest as you?
- I would try to see if their interests would interest me too. But at the same time, I will try to find something that interests both of us, so that we would spend time.
7. How do you deal with people who have ritualistic behavior (Ex. Dressing ritual, unchanging menu)?
- For my kid, different alternatives that’s similar but different, so that they could slowly change. But for a friend or a random person, I would try to convince them to change.
8. If a person, who resists changing, is doing something incorrectly, how do you convince them to do it correctly?
- Force them to go out somewhere else and try new things. So basically, I would use the power of force to convince them to change.
9. Do you know anyone who has autism?
If yes – how do you know this individual?
- Maybe. I didn’t think this person had autism but after going through this survey, I might believe that one of my friends might have it. Other than that, I don’t know.
10. How would you characterize those who are diagnosed with autism?
- Autism is a behavioral symptom. Everyone has behavior patterns but some people know how to deal with. However the ones who are diagnosed with autism can’t. Therefore, they need medications and counseling.
11. Do you know any services or organizations that offer therapy to those who are diagnosed with autism?
- No.
Comments:
It is scary that when people don’t get treatments at a early age, they adapt to live the way they’ve been living that when others point that out, they simply answer, “I’ve been living this way for all my life”.
DAY 5
NAME: Gene Jun
1. AGE – 21
2. Male or Female – Male
3. Occupation – Student/Part time worker
4. How do you work with people who are nonverbal?
- Use a lot of hand gestures and point at them. Try to understand what they’re saying by watching them. Also, I would use little English words if that could help them understand.
5. How do you deal with those who have aggressive behavior?
- I’ll probably speak to aggressively and also, I’ll be very defensive. Not only that, I’ll be frustrated and I wouldn’t want to talk to them.
6. How do you deal with people who don’t have the same interest as you?
- I would act like I’m interested to their interests. And if the individual really doesn’t like what I like repetitively, then I would convince him to be interested in my interests.
7. How do you deal with people who have ritualistic behavior (Ex. Dressing ritual, unchanging menu)?
- I would assume that they’re OCD, therefore I would think that they are weird. Due to that, I wouldn’t care what the individual does as long as it doesn’t affect me. They should do what they want to do.
8. If a person, who resists changing, is doing something incorrectly, how do you convince them to do it correctly?
- I would probably bring or show other people who would agree with me, to prove that what the individual is doing is wrong. Kind of like a reality check.
9. Do you know anyone who has autism?
If yes – how do you know this individual?
- I don’t think I know anyone. One or two might have it but there’s no proof.
10. How would you characterize those who are diagnosed with autism?
- I wouldn’t know the characteristics of people who are diagnosed with autism. However, I would put them in “SYMPATHY GROUP” as in I feel bad for them.
11. Do you know any services or organizations that offer therapy to those who are diagnosed with autism?
- No, I might have seen it in commercials but I don’t remember any.
Comments:
I think Autism should be more publicized because there are people, like myself, that have no idea what it is.
DAY 6
NAME: Eddy Kim1. AGE – 30
2. Male or Female – Male
3. Occupation – Operations Manager
4. How do you work with people who are nonverbal?
- I rely more heavily on email and written communications.
5. How do you deal with those who have aggressive behavior?
- I have yet to work with people that I find aggressive.
6. How do you deal with people who don’t have the same interest as you?
- In a workplace environment, whether or not they have the same interests as me is irrelevant. I trust co-workers and employees are inline with the company's mission/vision/goals. If not, they need to be reminded.
7. How do you deal with people who have ritualistic behavior (Ex. Dressing ritual, unchanging menu)?
- No issue. I am ritualistic. I eat subway everyday.
8. If a person, who resists changing, is doing something incorrectly, how do you convince them to do it correctly?
- I prove it. Sometime people need to be shown or proven. This is not an issue of pride, but a teaching moment. Again, this ties into the organizations goals. Work needs to be done effectively and efficiently.
9. Do you know anyone who has autism?
If yes – how do you know this individual?
- Not over the age of 10.
10. How would you characterize those who are diagnosed with autism?
- Insanely smart but lacking some social and cognitive skills.
11. Do you know any services or organizations that offer therapy to those who are diagnosed with autism?
- no.
DAY 7
NAME: David Griffard
1. AGE – 26
2. Male or Female – Male
3. Occupation – Construction Superintendent
4. How do you work with people who are nonverbal?
- Rarely work with people who are non verbal. Gesturing and universal symbols (pictures, motions, etc.)
5. How do you deal with those who have aggressive behavior?
- Try to be composed in a calm manner at first. If aggressive behavior continues, I tend to lose my patince and also have an aggresive behavior.
6. How do you deal with people who don’t have the same interest as you?
- I understand and listen to them and try to see things from their perspective. While I am ready and willing to voice and defend my postion, I am always willing to hear what others have to say.
7. How do you deal with people who have ritualistic behavior (Ex. Dressing ritual, unchanging menu)?
- I tend to have these behaviors on a small level (Check all my pockets when standing up, checking stove twice after cooking, etc.) but never experienced anyone with a severe case.
8. If a person, who resists changing, is doing something incorrectly, how do you convince them to do it correctly?
- Make sure they understand what they are doing and why they are doing it before convincing them to change. That way they have a better understanding of why they need to change it.
9. Do you know anyone who has autism?
If yes – how do you know this individual?
- No
10. How would you characterize those who are diagnosed with autism?
- A behavioral diagnosis of an individual who has an inhibited ability to communicate properly in a normal social environement.
11. Do you know any services or organizations that offer therapy to those who are diagnosed with autism?
- no
DAY 8
NAME: Sarah1. AGE – 27
2. Male or Female – Female
3. Occupation – Preschool Teacher
4. How do you work with people who are nonverbal?
- I ask a lot of yes or no questions so that they can at least nod their heads. I might have them point or show me what they need or want. I may ask them to do an activity that doesn't involve talking.
5. How do you deal with those who have aggressive behavior?
- I make sure I let them know of my expectations. I tend to have a lot of conversations about what makes them feel upset/aggressive so that I can be sensitive towards what they need. Direct them to do something else that removes them from being aggressive.
6. How do you deal with people who don’t have the same interest as you?
- I compromise. I may do things out of my comfort zone and then expect that in return. I don't let it bother me.
7. How do you deal with people who have ritualistic behavior (Ex. Dressing ritual, unchanging menu)?
- I just let them do what they need to do.
8. If a person, who resists changing, is doing something incorrectly, how do you convince them to do it correctly?
- I may ask them to do something the way they think is right and then say, "this is how I would do it". "What do you think about the way I did this?" That way I'm not directly saying they are doing something wrong, but giving them a different outlook and perspective. It will take patience before seeing any change.
9. Do you know anyone who has autism?
If yes – how do you know this individual?
- Yes, I went to church with him. I also had a student who was autistic.
10. How would you characterize those who are diagnosed with autism?
- They are very smart. They have difficulty developing their social-emotional skills, but in other areas, they are at a high level. They like things to be in a particular way and it is difficult for them to see it any other way.
11. Do you know any services or organizations that offer therapy to those who are diagnosed with autism?
- No
DAY 9
NAME: Jennifer Herrera
1. AGE – 25
2. Male or Female – Female
3. Occupation – Administrative Assistant
4. How do you work with people who are nonverbal?
- Through hand gestures since I do not know Sign Language.
5. How do you deal with those who have aggressive behavior?
- Keeping things calm and neutral seem to help ease things for that type of behavior.
6. How do you deal with people who don’t have the same interest as you?
- I try to compromise, meet them in the middle. If we can’t I try to just go with the flow, tends to make things easier.
7. How do you deal with people who have ritualistic behavior (Ex. Dressing ritual, unchanging menu)?
- Try to go with the flow here as well and if that doesn’t work then I would do my best by trying to open them up to new ideas/things. Have to stay motivated!
8. If a person, who resists changing, is doing something incorrectly, how do you convince them to do it correctly?
- By trying to get them to see the situation from different views, help them to understand the difference between how they may be doing something as compared to the correct way to do it.
9. Do you know anyone who has autism?
If yes – how do you know this individual?
- Yes, my younger cousin.
10. How would you characterize those who are diagnosed with autism?
- I would characterize people with autism as innocent and spontaneous human beings. Autism is a hard thing to deal with let alone be diagnosed with it, and I think it takes a strong person to understand how to deal with this. It takes a lot of patience and these people are innocent because they did not chose to have to live with autism and they are spontaneous because you never know what they will do next. To me, its just another way of life.
11. Do you know any services or organizations that offer therapy to those who are diagnosed with autism?
- No.
DAY 10
NAME: Jessica Bloom
1. AGE – 24
2. Male or Female – F
3. Occupation – Graduate student (studying Teaching French as a Foreign Language)
4. How do you work with people who are nonverbal?
- Most often, I will try to draw them out of their shell, by joking around with them or asking them questions. However, if this doesn’t work, I’ll typically just leave them alone.
5. How do you deal with those who have aggressive behavior?
- I get very uncomfortable, may feel threatened, and try to avoid them.
6. How do you deal with people who don’t have the same interests as you?
- I usually find it interesting, and want to know more about them. However, sometimes it makes me not want to get to know them more (if I don’t feel like I can connect with them).
7. How do you deal with people who have ritualistic behavior (Ex. Dressing ritual, unchanging menu)?
- I’m one of them!
8. If a person, who resists changing, is doing something incorrectly, how do you convince them to do it correctly?
- Usually I’ll try to ask them questions about why they do what they do, and then perhaps tell them what I do.
9. Do you know anyone who has autism?
If yes – how do you know this individual? See above.
- Not personally, but I volunteered with an organization that served autistic adults.
10. How would you characterize those who are diagnosed with autism?
- I usually think of someone who may not be able to communicate or do basic tasks (getting dressed, etc.) normally or without others’ help.
11. Do you know any services or organizations that offer therapy to those who are diagnosed with autism?
- no
Comments:
Jesus is the Lord ☺
DAY 11
NAME: Lina1. AGE – 18
2. Male or Female – female
3. Occupation – hostess at applebee’s & student at u.c.s.d.
4. How do you work with people who are nonverbal?
- I try to depict their facial expressions and body gestures. I also use hand gestures to communicate what I’m trying to say.
5. How do you deal with those who have aggressive behavior?
- I talk to them in a placid tone and not raise my voice at them even if they raise their voice. I also try to calm them down by relocating them in an environment that might be less prone to encourage hostile behavior.
6. How do you deal with people who don’t have the same interests as you?
- I ask them questions about their interests and try to learn new things that I probably did not know before and try to find something interesting among their interests.
7. How do you deal with people who have ritualistic behavior (Ex. Dressing ritual, unchanging menu)?
- I respect their ritualistic behaviors and make the situation comfortable for them as well. For instance, if I were to have dinner with a vegetarian, I would prepare beforehand that the meal served is going to be vegetarian-friendly.
8. If a person, who resists changing, is doing something incorrectly, how do you convince them to do it correctly?
- I try not to reprimand them for their incorrect behavior and instead of using negative words like “that’s wrong” I will use less condescending words such as “that could work, but why not try this other approach?”. Moreover, I will try to guide them step-by-step the correct approach without losing my patience if they are slow or stubborn to learn.
9. Do you know anyone who has autism?
- Yes, my friend’s younger sister has autism.
10. How would you characterize those who are diagnosed with autism?
- Those with autism lack some capabilities that those not diagnosed with autism are able to do effortlessly. There are different levels of autism, and the abilities differ with each different level. In a more serious condition, those with autism would lack the capability to speak coherently or to feed themselves without the guidance of others.
11. Do you know any services or organizations that offer therapy to those who are diagnosed with autism?
- Yes, I have previously volunteered at an organization called “Organization for Special Needs Children” in San Jose, California in which it offered a day-care/school-like program for children with autism. It offered a variety of activities for the kids such as music class, art class, and physical education class. As a volunteer, it was my responsibility to guide the child I was assigned to from the beginning to the end of each class session, and guide them to their next class.
Comments:
I still don’t know what this survey is for...
DAY 12
NAME: Rahima Naveed
1. Age range: 31-35
2. Male or Female – Female
3. Occupation – RSP
4. How do you work with people who are nonverbal? N/A
5. How do you deal with those who have aggressive behavior? N/A
6. How do you deal with people who don’t have the same interest as you?
- I share my interests with them and also enjoy learning about interests that others have. I might learn something!
7. How do you deal with people who have ritualistic behavior (Ex. Dressing ritual, unchanging menu)?
- I get bored with routine and like variety so I can’t handle ritualistic behavior for myself but if someone else is this way then good for them! ☺
8. If a person, who resists changing, is doing something incorrectly, how do you convince them to do it correctly?
- I model the correct behavior to them and then show them the outcome which is correct.
9. Do you know anyone who has autism?
- Yes
10. How would you characterize those who are diagnosed with autism?
- It is hard to group everyone with autism into one category or characterize everyone with autism the same way. Autism is a spectrum disease where those diagnosed with it can have different characteristics. A lot of people with autism are high functioning and a lot are low functioning. Some are verbal while others do not utter a sound. Some students are placed into general education classrooms and are very successful academically while others are in more restrictive environments and struggle either behaviorally or academically or socially.
11. Do you know any services or organizations that offer therapy to those who are diagnosed with autism?
- Pacific Autism Center for Education (PACE)
In conclusion, answers that I received from those who took the survey gave me a better understanding of how aware they were about autism. Although their answers show that they all know something about autism, it is clear that either they have encountered with someone who's diagnosed with autism or they have never even met anyone who’s diagnosed with autism. As I constructed these questions in specific ways, it surprised each individual after finishing the survey. First, I started of by asking how to deal with behaviors that we all have, whether in minor or serious conditions. Thus, they would have completely zero clue of whether these questions are based on autism. Also, through their experiences, they would know how to deal with specific behaviors that I asked in questions one through eight. From questions from nine through eleven, I purposely asked about autism, so that the surveyors would have an idea that previous questions were based on individuals who are diagnosed with autism. Purpose of that, was to prove that we all know how to deal with these behaviors: nonverbal, aggressive, different interests, ritualistic, and resistance from changes. However, we see those who are diagnosed with autism differently because we believe that they are abnormal. Their conditions might be more serious, but if we are aware and helpful, maybe and just maybe, this is our only cure for autism.
With that said, I began my survey with two individuals, who are specialized in autism and work with students who are autistic. For the viewers/readers, this will give them better understanding of how to deal with those who are diagnosed with autism Also, having this information before reading random surveyors’ answers, viewers/readers will be able to compare and contrast their differences. Followed by two specialists, I asked five students, two males and three females, and six individuals, two males and four females, who are in their careers.
Most people knew how to deal with these behaviors whether it was through patience or anger. When they were asked how they would deal with individuals who are non-verbal, answers from all age groups were very similar; use hand gestures or communicate through visualization: Draw, point fingers, and eye contact. However, when they were asked how they would deal with individuals who have aggressive behaviors, their answers were different by genders. Males answered that they would try to calm themselves, but if it continues, then they would be aggressive too. In the other hand, females answered that they would give them space and let things cool off. This showed that females were more patient when dealing with aggressive behavior. Also, females’ answers were more similar to the two specialists’ answers. Third question was, “how they would deal with people who don’t share the same interest” and most people’s answers were to compromise among their interests. Yes, if these individuals weren’t autistic then surveyors would be able to compromise their interests. However, when it comes to people who are diagnosed with autism, it can’t be about your interests at first, but has to be about their interests. Basically, you have to be patient and willing to learn and adapt to new interests, when dealing with people who are autistic. Fourth question was very interesting. When I asked them how they would deal with people who have ritualistic behavior, answers were everywhere: some people said, “Good for them”, which showed how much they didn’t care about people who are ritual. Also, some people said they would try to change them by showing them different and better options. I didn’t find these answers to be wrong before looking back at what the two specialists had to say. However, when I went back and looked at what they had to say, it was not what I expected. Their answers were to make a schedule, so that those who are diagnosed with autism would expect changes to come. Personally, this sounded too simple, but very effective. Fifth and last behavior question was, “how they would try to change people, who resist to change their incorrect behavior ”. Answers to this question were very similar. It is simply to prove them wrong, no matter what it takes. Whether it is by putting them down or not, surveyors would do anything to put them down. However, two specialists and those who dealt with autistic individuals’ answers were different. Their goal wasn’t to prove them wrong but to show them different options by motivating them. With that said, positive communication was necessary when dealing with individuals who are diagnosed with autism.
Questions nine through eleven were there to surprise and knowledge surveyors that this survey was about autism. As I looked at all my surveyors when they read the questions, I knew exactly what they were thinking. As I expected, they looked at me and said, “Oh!!! Now I know what this survey is about”. Luckily, all my surveyors had even a slight knowledge of what autism was. Also, they were able to simply characterize those who are diagnosed with autism. However when I asked them about organization/services that offer therapy to those who are diagnosed with autism, most people didn’t know any. It was as if there weren’t any in this community. People who dealt with autistic individuals knew couple. However, if I apply my percentage from this survey to our community, 8 out 10 people don’t have a clue if there’s organization/services that help the individuals who are diagnosed with autism. As I conclude my 14 days experiment project, it is necessary in our community and around the world, to be aware of autism. We are knowledgeable and we have dealt with these behaviors. We just need to accept these people as normal and not disordered. People who are diagnosed with autism need us to learn how to communicate with them, so that they could learn how to deal with us. We need to make sure that we make the bridge, so that they could cross their obstacles to come to us.
