For some, any task can be easy. But for neurodivergent people, tasks can become daunting quickly.
Last month was known as Autism Awareness Month. Autism Spectrum Disorder acts like a different-ability rather than a disability. Those who have autism have a variety of symptoms such as sight, sound, touch, taste, or smell sensory issues, hyperfixations, language difficulties, social awareness issues, or emotional processing issues. It’s important to note that Autism Spectrum Disorder acts as a spectrum, meaning that no two people alike will exhibit the same symptoms.
“I was diagnosed with autism at age four. Autism should be talked about and more normalized in our society because 1-in-40 children get diagnosed with autism each year,” said TRIO Support Student Lexi Sylvester. “The more we talk about it and the more that we’re aware of these important events in our life and our history, the more we get accustomed to defining normal.”
Throughout the month of April, TRIO Support Services have tabled around the Yellowjacket Union and Swenson Hall to educate and help people better understand autism.
“I had a lot of people talk about the stigma about autism and getting diagnosed. It can be very difficult for children to get diagnosed because of so many people who think autism has to look a particular way,” said Sylvester.
“Making sure that if we have a wider outlook on what autism is and what autism should look like, then the stigma would be removed,” Sylvester added.
Most people are with autism are also diagnosised or misdiagnosised with ADHD. To start a diagnosis, talk to your doctor or medical provider.
