Most people don’t know a lot about autism. Is it curable? What causes it?
The Centre for Diseases defines autism as “Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction and restricted or repetitive behaviours or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention. It is important to note that some people without ASD might also have some of these symptoms. But for people with ASD, these characteristics can make life very challenging”.
Social communication and interaction skills can be challenging for people with ASD.
Examples of social communication and social interaction characteristics related to ASD can include
- Avoids or does not keep eye contact
- Does not respond to name by 9 months of age
- Does not show facial expressions like happy, sad, angry, and surprised by 9 months of age
- Does not play simple interactive games like pat-a-cake by 12 months of age
- Uses few or no gestures by 12 months of age (for example, does not wave goodbye)
- Does not share interests with others by 15 months of age (for example, shows you an object that they like)
- Does not point to show you something interesting by 18 months of age
- Does not notice when others are hurt or upset by 24 months of age
- Does not notice other children and join them in play by 36 months of age
- Does not pretend to be something else, like a teacher or superhero, during play by 48 months of age
- Does not sing, dance, or act for you by 60 months of age
At a Christian event recently, a pastor disclosed that he prayed for his niece with autism but the prayers were not answered.
Edore is based in Calgary joined Tee Adeyemo from LCCMedia to shed light on autism. She noted that her son who is autistic passed all his developmental milestones but autism still showed up down. She speaks candidly about her journey with her eleven years old son and how she prays for grace, dedication and strength to work with her son, teaching him the skills he needs to learn.
Big Conversations is a monthly magazine show that revolves around community issues like special education needs, autism, Edmonton City Council update, Afro hair, business, mental health and so on. What you can be guaranteed is that the conversations are authentic and real. Produced by LCCMedia, it is hosted by Tee Adeyemo.
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