Grace McAlister
Reporter1@riverbendnews.org
April used to be known as Autism Awareness Month; however, this was later changed to Autism Acceptance Month. The subtle, yet important change, was authorized by the Autism Society of America because, according to Christopher Banks, CEO of the Autism Society of America, “Awareness is knowing that somebody has autism. Acceptance is when you include a person with autism in your activities and help them to develop in that community and get that sense of connection to other people.”
Phillip Micheal Pinello is an 18-year-old boy from Hamilton County who has autism; however, Pinello has not allowed his disability to hold him back. He currently has his learner's permit, attends RIVEROAK Technical College for Culinary Arts, was Hamilton County High School’s prom king and participated in the Special Olympics, winning “goal for individual” at the state competition. Pinello points out society has a few misconceptions about autism. He knows some people believe “autism is a disease, people with autism don’t feel emotions and have trouble talking to people.” However, this is not the case. People with autism are able to feel a full range of human emotions and not all autistic individuals struggle with communication.
Pinello describes autism as “a disorder that appears at a young age and causes difficulties with relationships and friendships that can also affect behavior and emotions.” He does not see it as a disadvantage. Instead, he says it makes it easier to make friends and it helps him with his emotions. Upon leaving RIVEROAK Technical College, Pinello says he would like to cook or be a waiter. He adds, “I like culinary arts because I need to learn how to cook and how to cut food.”
Atlas Stovell is a Suwannee County resident who was diagnosed with autism in the fourth grade. Stovell currently works as a server, but has a true passion for art; specifically, drawing animals with anthropomorphic traits. One of the main flaws Stovell has noticed in society’s perception of autistic individuals is the idea of “high functioning” and “low functioning” autism. Some people believe autism comes on a spectrum with two polar extremes. However, as Stovell says, “There are no such official diagnoses; the reason for that is the labels of high and low functioning autism are based solely on personal perspectives.” For example, would a person be considered high functioning if they are verbal and bright but, due to intense sensory challenges, are unable to attend school or hold down a job? Would one be considered low functioning if they are non-verbal, but are able to care for themselves? Because these terms cause more confusion than clarification, they are not used officially.
Stovell says autism has caused difficulties in building friendships. “I’ve struggled socially for as long as I can remember. Talking to people is difficult and I don’t understand social cues. When I say things, they often come out wrong, so I would rather avoid saying things,” Stovell said. “I like speaking and I like people. I really want and would love to make friends, but it is difficult.” Despite the struggles that come with autism, Stovell would not change being autistic if given the choice. “Yes, there are hardships but, in my mind, I’m just an ordinary person living my life and hoping others like me, just like everybody else.”