What is Autism?
When it comes to autism, there are many misconceptions surrounding the disorder. In 2013, classic autism and other related conditions were consolidated under a single diagnosis called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). As someone who has worked with numerous children and teenagers with autism, I have witnessed firsthand the great variation in how the disorder presents itself from person to person. No two individuals with autism will have the same experiences. For some, the signs may be easily identifiable, while others may appear more neurotypical.
Autism is a developmental disorder that mainly affects physical, social, and mental skills. Signs of autism typically emerge around the age of three. Often, individuals diagnosed with ASD also have co-occurring conditions such as ADHD or OCD, among others.
Variance Across the Spectrum
I volunteer with an organization dedicated to empowering and supporting children and adults with autism. I have volunteered for the organization for about three years, and I love everything about working with children with autism. A recurring theme you’ll notice throughout this post is the individuality of each person with autism. I love exploring each child’s unique strengths and challenges as they enjoy summer camp and other activities.
During my first year with the organization, I was paired with a child who was fairly low on the spectrum. We were able to hold full-length conversations on topics like space, physics, and video games—subjects they were fascinated with.
The same year, I was paired with a girl who was higher on the spectrum. When I met her, she would say a few words, but would communicate mostly through gestures. However, she loved music and any type of noise. I would often hear her hum tunes and even whisper song lyrics to herself.
Of course, these are just two examples of the different ways autism can manifest. I find the variability across the spectrum fascinating. However, my experience has also shown me the importance of early intervention in supporting children with autism
The Role of Early Intervention
As a volunteer, I can clearly see the impact early intervention has on children with autism.
In the organization I volunteer for, some children and teens who are non-verbal use an iPad with specialized apps to communicate. These apps have buttons that allow them to form words and sentences, giving them a voice—even if it isn’t their own. The hard part is teaching a child how to use these tools. Early exposure, however, helps children become independent and, in some cases, even learn to speak.
Scientifically speaking, early intervention is crucial, especially when a child is between the ages of two and three. During this period, the brain is still developing and has high plasticity, meaning it can adapt and change. Early intervention can thus make a lasting impact on a child’s development.
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