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MENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS |
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that impacts behavior and communication. Those diagnosed with autism often face mild to significant social, behavioral, and functional communication challenges. Early intervention and behavioral therapy are beneficial for those with autism and can assist in teaching important developmental skills to individuals diagnosed with ASD. Myths Vs. Facts Myth: Autism is a disease. Fact: ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that primarily impairs an individual’s ability to interact socially or communicate with others. Myth: Autism can be cured with medicine. Fact: Autism is a lifelong disorder that can be managed with therapies and interventions. While medicine may assist with the reduction of maladaptive, aggressive behaviors, behavioral intervention is important to assist with appropriate developmental learning. Myth: Individuals with autism are either geniuses or completely nonverbal. Fact: ASD is a spectrum disorder, meaning that the characteristics of autism differ from one individual to another. Therefore, it cannot be generalized and it’s benefits and limitations are unique in each case. Myth: There is an autism epidemic going on. Fact: Because of the increased awareness around ASD, more parents, teachers/educators, and pediatric specialists have been able to recognize the signs of autism. As a result, more individuals are being diagnosed now than in the past. Additionally, as the awareness around autism has increased, the diagnosis of ASD has changed and encompasses a more thorough spectrum of developmental difficulties. This change in definition also lends to the higher rate of diagnosis now than in previous years. Popular Media with Leads who have Autism Atypical (Character name: Sam)- Netflix Love on the Spectrum (multiple characters)- Netflix Parenthood (Character name: Max)- NBC The Good Doctor (Character name: Shaun)- ABC The Bridge (Character Name: Sonya)- SVT1 Skins (Character Name: JJ)- Company Pictures Sesame Street (Character name: Julia)- PBS Claws (Character name: Dean)- TNT Feel free to leave a reply about your experience with or comments related to this weeks topic! References: Hanson-Firestone, D. (2017, August 9). TV Shows That Have Done a Great Job Addressing Autism. TVOvermind. https://www.tvovermind.com/tv-shows-done-great-job-addressing-autism/ NIMH » Autism Spectrum Disorder. (n.d.). Retrieved August 1, 2020, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml
6 Comments
Matt R.
6/4/2023 11:51:55 am
Except for Love on the Spectrum, all of the media you listed is non-autistic actors playing autistic characters, and most of it is bad representation. You state categorically that early intervention is beneficial, when there is strong evidence that many “therapies” for autistic children cause trauma, and most of it is only “beneficial” in the sense that it makes us less visibly different, with no regard for our inner feelings. Suicide is a leading cause of death for autistic teens and adults because we are pressured to be something we are not and when we fail we are bullied, harassed, and assaulted. This is a deeply flawed overview that harms autistic people more than it helps, and it is especially upsetting to see this here given how many of us develop PTSD. We don’t need to be fixed, we need to be understood and accepted so that we aren’t constantly traumatized by the mistreatment of others. Do better.
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