Autism - A Fathers search for Answers !

What is Autism?

Autism is a condition where individuals experience and respond to the world differently from neurotypical people. It falls under neurodivergence, which includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. Unlike certain conditions such as Down’s syndrome, autism doesn’t have distinct physical features.

Autism exists on a spectrum.

At one end, an autistic individual might excel academically, be musically gifted, or a chess champion, yet struggle with sensory sensitivities like loud sounds or sticky textures.

At the other end, there are children like my son, Avnit. He is non-verbal, joyful, loves food, but faces unique challenges, including:

👉Aversion to wearing helmets, caps, or gloves—even in freezing weather. He resists change and reacts intensely if others wear these around him.

👉A strong need for sensory input, like spinning in circles or enjoying the wind on his face.

👉Discomfort in closed spaces and difficulty with fine motor skills, making tasks like picking up small objects or breaking bread challenging.

👉Dependence on help for everyday activities, such as bathing, due to poor hand-eye coordination.

👉A unique response to pain—he might smile even when injured.

👉An obsessive need for order; things must remain where they were left.

👉Excitement in meeting people, often expressed through physical gestures that may seem unusual but reflect his eagerness to connect.

As parents, we are concerned about his future. Things like...

❓What happens when we grow older and can no longer assist him? Who will care for him when we’re gone?

❓Are there systems or programs for lifelong care of special needs individuals, similar to old-age homes?

❓Can schools or institutions provide tailored therapies—speech, occupational, or hydrotherapy—to help him gain independence in daily tasks?

❓Will he ever acquire basic independence—bathing, dressing, eating, or crossing roads? And how do we find the “right” therapist?

❓Can he achieve self-sufficiency to earn a living and lead a fulfilling life, even if it’s not considered “normal”?

Autism isn’t something to be “cured”; it’s simply a different way of being, much like:

🌟Left-handed vs. Right-handed: Just as some write with their left hand while others use their right, autistic individuals think and solve problems uniquely.

🌟Eye Colours: Different eye colours don’t affect vision but make people unique. Similarly, autism shapes unique perspectives.

🌟Taste Preferences: Some love spicy food; others don’t. People with autism may be sensitive to loud noises, textures, or lights.

🌟Learning Styles: Some learn by reading, others by doing. Autistic individuals thrive with tailored approaches.

🌟Hobbies: Just as one child loves drawing and the other loves building, autistic individuals often have intense passions for specific topics.

#Autism reminds us that every individual has their own way of experiencing the world, and that’s what makes humanity beautiful.

#AutismAwareness #NeuroDiversity #Inclusion #Diversity #ASD