'Children with autism are colorful - they are often very beautiful and, like the rainbow, they stand out.' (Devine, 2014).
In life there are sunny days as well as blustery days, which in some cases can be a great or terrible day. Meeting and knowing an individual that has autism spectrum disorder is an experience for those who do not have autism, to learn that not all people are the same. People with autism are blessings to those who nurtured, raised, care for, and love them for who they are. As cited recently, those who have autism are like a rainbow, they stand out from a crowd. Indeed in spite of the fact that autism disorder can be a tussle to others (Devine, 2014); but it can be much more than an involvement to others. It may be complicated to deal with such a situation, but in the event that there is a will at that point, there will always be a way. Autism spectrum disorder affects millions of people because not only is it caused by genetics but also by environmental factors.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can affect communication, social skills, and behavior. Communication and social skills develop in children at different rates and it involves many different skills. Children learn to understand what people say to them, understand and use actions, signs and body language, and take turns in a conversation. Behaviors related with ASD include limited or repeating interests, and facing difficulty with change than other children of an almost the same age. ASD is not the same for every child who has it. The word 'spectrum' refers to the wide range of differences children with ASD can have. These differences can change with age and can also change over time in a child. ASD related changes are sometimes seen in the little child’s years but they may not be as obvious until social difficulties go beyond a child's abilities.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism spectrum disorder is the term for a cluster of developmental disorders. It is a condition known with mental health that affects how a person sees and communicates with others. People with ASD often have characteristics of ongoing social issues, as mentioned earlier; that includes trouble speaking and interacting with others, repetitive behavior as well as limited interests or activities. Language development is also usually impacted at early ages, with failures to develop typical speech and language understanding as among the most common first signs of the disorder. These behaviors cause further challenges to social interactions for the individual with ASD and the people in his or her world.
Some people are not strongly abled because of their symptoms, while others are strictly disabled. Treatments and services can improve a person's symptoms and ability to function. Families and friends who are concerned should talk to their pediatrician about what they see on a daily basis and the possibility of ASD screening. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 1 in 68 children have been identified with some type of ASD.
Autism spectrum disorder is a difference in the way a kid’s brain develops. Kids with autism may have trouble understanding the world around them (Treadwell-Deering, 2018). Someone with autism might show some problems talking and learning the meaning of words, making friends or fitting in; dealing with changes such as new food, having a substitute teacher, or having toys moved from their normal places, and dealing with loud noises, bright lights, or crowds. People with autism may have a little trouble with these things, or a lot. Some people need only a little bit of help, and others might need a lot of help with learning and doing everyday stuff. There are certain types of Autism spectrum disorder that will be mentioned sometime further in this paper. It will give a clarification on the types of autism that someone can have.
What are the types of ASD?
Autism spectrum disorder may have a number of effects on a person’s social interaction and communication including; late developmental of speech skills, avoiding eye contact with others, or not responding to their name (Hammond, 2018). There are three types of autism spectrum disorder which are classic autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and atypical disorder. These types of autism have their own different types of causes.
Classic Disorder: classic autism is defined as the most serious form of autistic spectrum disorder. Someone with classic autism has noticeable problems with speech, behavior, and social interaction (Medic8, 2018). This type of autism has no label; it comes in many form; whether you are a baby, adult, a grandma or grandpa. Classic autism people with an extreme confusion of rules have huge dialect postponements, social and correspondence challenges, and abnormal practices and interest. Many individuals with extremely timid disorder likewise have scholarly disability.
Asperger's Syndrome: Asperger syndrome is defined as a neurobiological disorder that causes that causes obvious deficiencies in social skills such as difficulty in communication and changing the routines (Iwanami et al, 2011). The symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome may appear the first year of life. These include poorly coordinated motor skills, leading to clumsiness, or awkwardness. They may also include, restrictive and repetitive interests, formal or distinct speech, routines, social isolation delays in motor development and imagination. It is also when individuals generally have some milder side effects of mentally unbalanced disorder (Nordqvist, C. 2017). They may have social difficulties and strange practices and interests. The ordinary does not have issues with dialect or scholarly disable. Asperger’s Syndrome can be treated with a range of therapies to help the person to adapt to their behavior for a better social outcome. This may include some training in education and academic skills, acquiring appropriate social skills, communication skills, behavior modification and medication (Nordqvist, 2017).
Atypical Disorder: is a neurobiological disorder characterized by impairment in ability to interact with others and by abnormalities in either communication or behavior patterns or interests. It is described as atypical autism because individuals with the disorder exhibit some but not all of the same symptoms associated with autism (Augustyn, 2014). Atypical disorder is when individuals who meet a portion of the criteria for extremely introverted disorder or Asperger disorder, however not all, might be determined to have pervasive developmental disorder - not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). Those without PPD-NOS have less and milder side effects than those with extremely introverted confusion. The manifestations may cause just social and correspondence challenge.
The three types of Autism Spectrum Disorders are classic autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified. Having someone with autism affects a whole family. It can be stressful, time-consuming and expensive. Paying attention to the physical and emotional health of the whole family is important. As for parents with a child that has autism, it is best to learn as much as possible about autism spectrum disorder, provide consistent structure and routine, connect with other parents and children’s with autism, seek professional help for specific concerns and take time for yourself and other family members.
What can a teacher do to help an autistic child?
There are numerous of methods that a teacher can do to help an autistic child learn the same way a normal child learns. As quoted by the famous Ignacio Estrada; “If a child cannot learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn” (Waters, 2015). I believe what Estrada was saying is one-hundred percent true when involves the art of teaching. Not all children can learn the identical manner and it is up to the teacher to fulfill the requirements of every student so each of them can understand what was being taught. Teaching is more than just a job, you do not just walk in the classroom and give instructions and by the end of the day not even a single child understood. Being a teacher is a calling, and I believe it whole-heartedly. When it comes to learning and learners, all children are the same. Each child has his or her own learning ability, we teachers; have to cater to your students’ needs in order for them to succeed in your class.
As a teacher who speaks from experience, I had a very hard time trying all the ideas and strategies to help a child learn but he just did not get it. I brought myself down to the level of communication and behavior of my students for me to be able to teach them. Dealing with a child with autism in five days of every week was a super struggle, but it gets easier every day because I care about this child. It is definitely my job to meet all his needs because I want him to feel that he is more than welcome in our classroom and to excel on to the next level of education without even thinking he is different. Many teachers do not want to deal with students with autism, but not me. I strongly believe that teachers are well-prepared to make their students learn and grow into fruitful individuals in the future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, autism really affects millions of people, but at the same time, the right purpose is still unknown. Somehow, this type of disorder is not an easy task of life. There will be many challenges for those who care for the autistic person. It is very strong disorder that can easily affect a person's learning development and behavior. A great solution can be found for the ones with autism education. Why? Education is the key when the treatment options are to be found in which best works for the autism individuals. So let us all work together as a community to become successful education wise, and let us all help assist those with autism disorder, for it was once said that is can take a village to raise a child.
I have experienced dealing with individuals with autism; I would say it was problematic to cater to this child’s needs since I have more than fifteen children to teach plus no help from Special Education Program, but it was also fun knowing how he reacts differently. He was a big help to his classmates to have only positive expectations. He taught me to look at things differently and brightly, not all children are the same. With his learning abilities, he helped me built an effective, inviting, and encouraging learning environment. I am blessed beyond measures that I have met him, taught him, learn and grow with him.