Autism: Disease, Disorder, Handicap or Disability?

[Guest guest]

As the parent of two young children with the Autism Spectrum Disorder, I have

learned a lot since the initial diagnosis with my son. Like most people, Autism

used to mean that people affected by it lived in their own world. In my mind, I

used to associate the picture of " Rain Man " with ASD. Now, I now a lot more,

thank God.

Nowadays, when I mention the word " Autism " to others, the main questions that

people tend to ask are: " What is Autism? Is it a disease? Will it get better?

Isn't it when people rock and are mentally challenged? Aren't they in their own

world? " Some of these questions are on the right path while others can be

downright offensive and/or plain wrong.

In fact, I even heard of people avoiding being near people with Autism simply

because they thought it could be an infectious disease. Well, they could not be

more wrong.

A disease is based either on a viral or bacterial infection, on the

malfunctioning of body organs or even radiations. Its source is often exterior

or eventually appears on its own as for ASD it is quite different. A disorder

such as the Autism Spectrum Disorder is in fact a genetic condition that is part

of the DNA of the individual as soon as the egg and the sperm cell became one,

creating a new life.

You see, the organs such as the brain even developed differently affecting its

processing of information and managing all bodily functions. In some cases, like

in my son's, the brain also does not make enough Melatonin, which is the hormone

that is responsible of both the cycle and quality of sleep. This is why often;

individuals with ASD suffer from sleep problems.

Since Autism is also physical, does it become a handicap? Well, first of all,

being a disorder which level of severity varies as it is on the spectrum, the

effects on people's lives vary as well. For example, my son is considered

non-verbal which prevents him from communicating verbally his needs, questions

and emotions and may even become a safety issue. In this case, I would say that

Autism can be a handicap.

My daughter, on the other hand, is verbal but has difficulty understanding

questions. Well, as long as you say it differently, she will be able to give or

understand a message. In her case, her problems with communication skills would

be more of a disability.

What is the difference between a disability and a handicap? A disability is

basically a task that you are unable to do without assistance. A handicap is

something that is usually physical, that cannot allow someone to complete a task

on their own or without the help of a mechanical device such as: a wheelchair, a

special computer or technology, etc.

Since the Autism Spectrum Disorder is not always as obvious as a paraplegic

sitting in a wheelchair, how can you identify and even assist someone with ASD?

Well, unfortunately people with Autism are often misjudged as eccentric, a

hermit or for children, little brats trying to get their way with their parents.

And in other cases, when the parents remain calm and loving with a screaming

child, they are being judged as bad parents.

Nowadays, some parents will either explain briefly to you or give you an

explanatory card about their child's Autism. Unfortunately, unless you know what

Autism is because you happen to know someone that is affected by ASD, it can be

difficult to identify, most of the time.

So, just in case, never judge others' behavior as you may not be aware of what

lies beneath the surface.

autismnvc/

[Guest guest]

A disorder such as the Autism Spectrum Disorder is in fact a genetic

condition that is part of the DNA of the individual as soon as the egg and

the sperm cell became one, creating a new life.

Hi

Thank you for your insights into your children.

For my children, the situation was different. While their genetics

certainly played a role in where they are now, so did the environment they

were exposed to, both in utero and in " babyhood " . And of the two, I believe

the environment played the greater role. My first son regressed into autism

between 1 and 2 years of age. Learning from him and making significant

changes meant my second son didn't, although the early signs were that he

would be even more severely affected.

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