What would you respond to this discussion?

When I was younger in my early 20’s my neighbor became a close family friend and her son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

I had no clue what that was but as the years went on it became more common to hear children like friends , family, or colleagues talk about someone or someones child being autistic. When I first met her son he just seemed shy to me. He wouldn’t really interact too much when we would go over and visit.

He would come around and stand close by but not really interact much. He would interact with his mom of course that would make sense.

I did also notice the repetitiveness he has playing with his pencil. Which would I read in our book that is one of the characteristics in Autism.

Autism spectrum disorders are characterized by problems in social interaction, problems in verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors (Boutot,2017; Gerenser & Lopez, 2017).

A child with a Autism Spectrum Disorder disability can be impacted emotional in many ways. One they may not feel they fit in with the others kids at school or even at home.

They can be bully or abuse easier since they are more vulnerable. Cognitively they would be challenging because being Autistic you have problems communicating.

They may not be able process and verbalized as they want to.

Reading in our text book in chapter 9. Angie a little girl that was 8 years old struggle with her weight and once her mother reached out for help everything change for the better for both Angie and her mother. Her mother reached out to her Pediatrician. Were her Pediatrician provided resources to help her.

If I had a child that was Autistic I would first ask my child’s doctor for help to help improve my child’s quality of life. After, I would look online for government programs and reach out to my church family. there is more awareness out there for help. Autism Awareness month is April. Which I think is great that a community can gather together and show support.