Jason Futch
reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com
April is Autism Awareness Month, which is recognized around the world as a time to understand the importance of accepting and supporting those on the autistic spectrum. Educational material on the subject and advocacy support groups are abundant, as in recent years, emphasis has been placed on educating the community on autism.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how individuals communicate, interact socially, and process sensory information. The ASD spectrum is broad, meaning that children–and even adults–respond uniquely to it.
While some may excel academically and have strong skill sets artistically, others have difficulties with speech and experience behavioral issues that may not go away.
There was a time when ASD was often misunderstood, leading to commitments to behavioral hospitals and unnecessary treatment methods, such as shock therapy or punishment/reward techniques. As time went on and studies were done, ASD began to become a more understanding disorder. As a result, this allowed clinicians to work toward treating ASD instead of punishing children for something that could not be helped.
Some children who experience ASD may have sensory issues, which may cause them to be easily overwhelmed by sounds and even touch. One of the earliest inventions to help curb this was a hugging machine created by world-renowned animal scientist Temple Grandin. Grandin said that the machine, which was inspired by cattle chutes on her grandmother’s farm, helped to provide deep-touch pressure, a form of self-soothing, to help manage anxiety and other sensory sensitivities. Today, the machine has helped many on the ASD spectrum.
Some campaigns have been launched across the country to help keep children and adults with autism safe. Children with ASD have been known to walk away from home and get lost, and in some situations, find themselves in tragic situations. Law enforcement agencies have launched programs like Project Lifesaver, which helps keep track of children who are on the spectrum with tendencies to walk away. According to its website, Project Lifesaver was founded in 1999 in Chesapeake, Va. The necessity of this program was determined through the correlation between cognitive conditions and the act of wandering.
In Florida, the Purple Alert program was launched on July 1, 2024. The program, which acts like an AMBER or Silver alert, helps communicate with the public when someone with a cognitive disorder, such as ASD, goes missing. The alert is broadcast on highway signs, television, cell phone alerts and other means. It is a way to know when to be on the lookout for someone with special needs who may be lost.
By working together, the community can create a society that truly embraces and supports individuals with autism. Autism Awareness Month is not just about recognizing the challenges—it’s about celebrating the unique perspectives and contributions of those on the spectrum.