April is Autism Awareness Month, and for many of us, it is more than a calendar reminder. It is an opportunity to reflect on how we understand, support, and connect with autistic individuals, as well as their support networks.
Whether you are newly navigating an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, parenting a child with autism, or an autistic adult looking for a more in-depth understanding, this month is all for you!
What Autism Actually Looks Like
The key concept is in the full name of the disorder: spectrum. Autism operates on a wide spectrum with varying presentations. No two autistic individuals are the same, and no experience is a cookie-cutter for another. Some individuals are highly verbal and academically gifted. Others may be nonverbal and require complex support. Many people fall somewhere between those two ends of the spectrum, with a unique mix of strengths and challenges. The balance between the two is heavily influenced by the environment, support available, and stress.
Autism generally includes common traits like:
- Differences in social communication
- Sensory sensitivities
- Preferences for routines and structures
- Deeply focused interests
Social norms may try to influence what is considered acceptable, but there is no right or wrong way to navigate your world. The autistic brain is wired a bit differently than neurotypical brains. While these traits may seem odd, they’re simply a different way of experiencing the world.
The Nervous System’s Role in Autism
An important aspect of autism to be aware of is that many of its features are rooted in how the nervous system receives and processes information. An autistic brain absorbs more information on a sensory level compared to a neurotypical brain. For this reason, the brain can become overwhelmed much faster. What appears to be a behavioral meltdown is actually the nervous system in a state of distress.
This is why having a deeper understanding of the autonomic nervous system can help identify what is going on under the surface. Creating a supportive environment and effective strategies for regulating emotions becomes much easier. Demanding the same expectations of neurotypical individuals will often end poorly and be harmful for the autistic individual.
From Awareness to Acceptance
Over recent years, we’ve seen a shift towards more acceptance of autism. With that said, there is still much work that needs to be done. Autism still carries a stigma in certain environments and situations that something is wrong or broken. This is so far from the truth.
Many autistic adults have shared that years of being pushed to mask their natural behaviors have come at a serious cost to their mental and physical health. Trying to fit into a mold that isn’t designed for you is exhausting and can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and burnout.
Therapies that honor autistic identity and focus on quality of life rather than normalization produce much better outcomes long-term. The goal shouldn’t be changing who you are to survive but embracing your uniqueness to thrive.
Supporting Autistic Individuals
Support looks different for every individual and their family. If you’re looking to provide support, you can make a meaningful difference by:
- Learning about sensory needs and making relevant adjustments
- Building predictable routines that promote safety
- Focusing on communication in whatever form works best for the individual
- Validating emotions even when their expression looks different
- Seeking professional support from someone who understands neurodiversity
As a parent or caregiver, you also want to make sure you’re caring for your own well-being, too. Caregiver burnout is real, and you can’t show up for your loved one if you’re running on empty.
We’re Here to Help
Whether you’re an autistic individual searching for understanding and support or a caregiver seeking guidance, we are here to help you navigate your journey. If you’re ready to take the next step, we invite you to reach out and learn more about counseling for autism spectrum disorder. You are not alone.
Resources:
National Autism Resource and Information Center The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
Our Autism Spectrum Specialists
Our specialists combine play therapy, cognitive behavioral approaches, skill development and trauma treatments (for those who have been bullied or have experienced other stressful or traumatic events as part of their diagnosis or separate from autism spectrum symptoms).
Anxiety and depression are common issues that occur together as well, frequently treated in tandem for people on the spectrum.
Brianna Swenson-Brack, LMHC, RPT
Author: Jennifer Spencer, PhD, HSPP is the owner of Spencer Psychology, and a licensed psychologist with over 30 years of experience in mental health counseling in Bloomington IN. Spencer Psychology is committed to providing compassionate expert care in-person and by telehealth for Bloomington, the surrounding area and by telehealth for all of Indiana.