The label ‘autism’ and what it means
There is so much debate on whether a label is an advantage or a disadvantage!! The label ‘autism’ and what it means varies from person to person.
Some see it as something to identify with whilst others consider it the beginning of a life where they will be placed in a box and others around them won’t give them a chance to be integrated into a deserved regular life just like everyone else.
The label ‘autism’ and what it means will be dealt with first. Please notice I do not and never will write it with a capital A!! The autism label is usually given to an individual that has been diagnosed through criteria. The criteria are grouped into 2 areas:
1 – Deficits in social communication and social interaction
Breaking this area down a little more means that the individual has difficulty or deficits in social-emotional reciprocity (give and take of conversation), non-verbal communicative behaviours for social interaction, and challenges in developing and maintaining relationships.
2 – Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities
When we look at this area in depth the individual has stereotypical or repetitive speech (known as echolalia), motor movements, or use of objects. They may also have extreme adherence to procedures and strong resistance to variation. They also may have highly restricted or obsessive interests, and hyper or hypo-reactivity to sensory input.
So, the individual has the label, now what? Well let’s talk about the label and if it is a positive or a negative. A couple of questions to ponder if you will….
What do labels do in a positive way? What do labels do in a negative way?
On a positive note a label
- gives the individual something to identify with
- supports parents to understand what the label means and expectations to suit.
- helps access funds and services that otherwise would not be available
- assists to add to our knowledge of the individual
- gives the school age child an individualised education plan (IEP, ILP)
- provides access to specialised instruction
The points above are some of the reasons why there is an upside to labels. Having said that however, there are always disadvantages to something that may seem so positive.
On the flip side you have the challenges that labels can create which include
- Individuals have stigmas and stereotypes attached to them
- Teachers have preconceived ideas about what a child can or cannot do
- Stress and anxiety for the labelled individual
- Shame and self-esteem issues
- Bullying
- Well-being concerns
Many individuals on the autism spectrum carry multiple diagnostic labels. Do these add to our knowledge or create added stigma?
- Sensory processing disorder
- Oppositional defiant disorder
- Speech/language delay
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- Cerebral Palsy
- Epilepsy
- Speech disorder
Do these add to our knowledge or create added stigma?
It is my hope that these multiple labels can support our understanding of autism further but unfortunately for now may studies have shown that individuals with ASD have increased depression rates and a very low retention rate in employment. If society would identify, accept and respect the diagnoses and put in place the supports necessary for effective functioning, then I would be keen to say that these labels add to our knowledge.
The 2 best echolalia strategies to use when communicating with your child
living with autism spectrum disorder >>LEARN MORE>>>
It is evident that we still have a long way to go to achieve equal opportunities to learn and work. Designing activities, implementing supports, and reflecting on what a label or labels may present in each person is paramount for success in the classroom and post-school. As a society we are quick to pass judgement but as an educator that has worked with children with autism for over two decades, I will tell you that there has not been an individual I have come across that did not have strengths, abilities, and something to teach me….
We must always remember that every person is unique, presenting with their own gifts. We cannot judge an individual based on their label. The label ‘autism’ and what it means is a spectrum of talents, goals and capacities. We need to take the label into consideration but then focus on the individual and create environments that are welcoming, empowering and without barriers.