World Autism Awareness Day: Embracing positive diversity of autistic individuals

April 2 marked World Autism Awareness Day.

While autism has received increased global attention in recent years, misconceptions about what autism truly is and how we can better support autistic individuals in feeling included in society persist.

Autism is a developmental condition that results in differences in how a person interacts, behaves and learns.

It represents a natural variation in brain development and information processing.

As a result, autistic individuals experience, understand and engage with the world in unique ways.

These different experiences cut across their communication skills, social interaction skills and sensory processing.

Communication is a vital aspect of our lives.

It enables us to share ideas, thoughts and emotions through speech and non-verbal communication such as body language, which includes facial expressions and voice. 

For example, we can often tell when someone is sad, even on the phone, without them explicitly saying so.

However, communication, social behaviours and individual sensory processing characteristics can vary significantly from person to person.

This is especially true when it comes to autistic individuals. 

Due to the different ways autism can impact the brain, autistic individuals may have communication skills that may differ from what is typically known, including verbally and non-verbally communicating in ways that are different from neurotypical individuals (people who are not autistic), such as avoiding eye contact, using literal language or relying on gestures rather than words.

They may also experience delays in reaching typical language development milestones. 

Conditions

In our part of the world, where conditions, such as, autism still face immense stigma and are considered ‘abnormal’ and needing ‘fixing’, it is important that we change that perception and embrace differences.

A mindset of broken, so let’s fix it, can create barriers and challenges for autistic persons to access education, religion, employment among others. 

The concept of neurodiversity emphasises that every brain is different and this neurological diversity shapes our unique experiences.

There is no "ideal" brain and the differences in how brains function are simply part of the human condition. 

Neurodiversity celebrates the differences in brain structure and function that contribute to autism, viewing them as a natural part of human diversity.

As the Akan proverb says, ‘Nsateaa nyinaa nnyɛ pɛ’ (“All the fingers are not the same”), we are each unique in our way. 

Just as some fingers are short and others long, some are large and others small, every individual has strengths that others may lack.

We must learn to appreciate and value all these differences.

In the same way, embracing the uniqueness of autistic individuals is essential.

Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity encourages us to focus on the strengths of autistic people, helping them to achieve their goals while recognising and addressing the challenges they may face.

By emphasising their abilities and providing the right support, we can empower everyone to lead fulfilling lives and reach their potential.

In line with this year’s theme, ‘Embracing the positive diversity of autistic individuals’, we encourage you to view autism through a different lens today.

What would happen if, instead of all the things that did not look so ‘appealing’, we focused on everything positive and beautiful?

What if, instead of comparing autistic children and adults to neurotypical individuals, we acknowledged that they are on their path and comparing them was not even possible? 

When we do this, we break down barriers and promote access, thereby ensuring a better quality of life for autistic persons.

And if you are autistic and reading this, know that you are valued, you are appreciated and the world is a much better place with you in it!

Belated happy World Autism Day!!

Josephine Ohenewa Bampoe & Adelaide Emma Yirenkyi, 
Speech and language therapists/Clinical coordinators,
University of Ghana.