Optimism for Autistic Adults
During this time of unprecedented change, we are given the opportunity to reflect on the past and anticipate what is to come. We are reminded of the universal rhythm of life and the predictable pattern of light that precedes darkness and death generating new life. Through it all, the only constant is the fact that change is constant and relentless all around us. Autumn is a beautiful time of year, as the falling leaves and crisp air remind us of the imminent arrival of winter. This is also a time of transition that puts the cycle of life on full display. Seeing only the decay and disappearance during the fall season is equivalent to seeing only the trees, but not the forest itself.
With the falling leaves, there is also the promise of new life and regeneration both in human interactions and in the natural world. For humans, the anticipation of a new year brings renewed hope to pursue dreams and goals once considered unattainable. Also, past hurts and failures are set aside and limitless possibilities await to be claimed. Nature affirms its promise of a new tomorrow even during the dormant seasons when inactivity is all that meets the eye. However, there is growth and strength deep within the roots. All this leads to adults on the autism spectrum sometimes going through seasons in which there are no external changes, but a new day arrives full of hope and optimism.
There are a number of forces coming together in the world today that make autism an area of interest and studies that support the movement. However, for the purpose of this article, only two main reasons will be explored in an effort to explain why the future is bright for autistic adults. While this is a complex subject, identifying the simple foundational truths will take us to a place of greater understanding. First, the world is changing its views on autism and is now more accepting than ever. Investments are now pouring into research and development in an attempt to find a cure. In addition, support programs related to educational development and employment issues are growing exponentially. One of the reasons for the explosive growth in support for autism is due to the fact that the disorder is no longer a mystery.
Most people around the world have a family member or know someone on the autism spectrum. Learning differences are now recognized in educational settings, with a special interest in therapies such as physical, occupational, and artistic interventions. Most importantly, the stigma once associated with autism is diminishing as awareness of the disorder has expanded significantly over the past decade. There is still a remnant of the world’s population that clings to negative perceptions of autism in remote villages and developing countries. Those perceptions are often rooted in cultural norms and traditions that have little to do with autism itself.
The second driving factor behind the increased acceptance of autism is self-advocacy within the autism community. Women in particular have become leaders in self-advocacy, as well as in calling for equality in autism. The recent movement involving adults on the spectrum who are first diagnosed later in life has been driven, for the most part, by women demanding answers in their personal lives. Additionally, corporate work environments are changing as a result of autistic employees taking a stand for change. This would have been unheard of just a few years ago, as employees on the spectrum struggled with assimilation within corporate cultures. Challenges with communication and socializing with peers at work were a matter of whether or not the autistic employees fit in.
In many cases, the pressure to conform was simply too overwhelming, resulting in highly talented and talented employees accepting less demanding roles or leaving the workplace altogether. Fortunately, employers are recognizing the need to provide supportive environments to capture the unique talents that autistic workers offer. In addition, similar changes are taking place in community places like grocery stores, churches, and libraries, as quiet rooms for customers are becoming more common. Addressing sensory and communication challenges is part of the inclusion movement that is now underway in most countries. There is certainly hope for adults on the autism spectrum as more opportunities open up to provide a better quality of life for all.