April 2019 - Autism Acceptance Month 2019

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS COPIED OVER FROM MY FACEBOOK, WHERE I STILL USED THE ANNUAL MODEL OF POSTING, THERE MAY BE SOME REFERENCES TO THIS MODEL, JUST IGNORE THEM.

So, a few days ago on the 2nd of April, it was International Autism Awareness Day, meaning, you guessed it, it's International Autism Awareness Month 2019. Now, around this time last year, I made a post which, from what I understand, made a large impact on all who read it. So, I believe that creating another may allow me to reach more people for a 2nd time.

so, let's start. What is autism?

A neurological disorder, which causes you to have more or less neurological connections, you can think faster, or slower.

It also causes your brain to be wired differently, so you may behave in an odd way.

How can autism change your life, or the lives of your relatives?

well, your life will be very different if you, or someone you know has autism. They have bonus individual needs, and sometimes, can really upset people. I argue with my family more than I'd like to, but struggle to be able to help it.

How can you cope with someone diagnosed with autism?

If they're annoyed, give them some room, especially if you're the reason.

If you're the person with autism who is annoyed, try something such as:

1. A fidget toy

2. Music

3. Stress relief exercises.

I could recommend more, but unfortunately, everyone has their own specific needs, and therefore, their own specific solutions.

How has my life changed?

well, after I received my diagnosis, I always originally worked on hiding it. It wasn't something I wanted, because it had always alienated me from other kids. Eventually, I behaved as similarly to everyone else as I could (this was mostly down to the amazing support from family, teachers, and friends!!) and as I grew older and entered secondary school, I knew it was a badge I should wear proudly, and so I do.

I give presentations now almost once a year to year groups of 150 people explaining what autism is, ranging from my own year group, to younger years.

Why is autism so unrecognized?

part of autism is that it is extremely mysterious, because there are many different variations of it. Another problem with autism is that all of the people who have the power to tell people about it, make stuff up instead. Companies based around raising awareness for autism only decide to pretend to work towards a "cure" for it.

when all of this stops, and the people with the power to do something actually do it, autism will become better known and recognized.

A day I cannot wait to see, and I know my friends cannot either.

It's been a long journey, and I really must thank all of my teachers, friends, and family for the support that has lead me here.

I realize this has been a very long post, and thank you for anyone who actually took a few minutes out of your busy day to read what a random teenager had to say.

- Joshua