April is Autism Acceptance Month. This is a time to reflect on the experiences of Autistic people everywhere and to consider ways to create more autism affirming spaces. I’m a doctor who was diagnosed with autism in my early 50s. My journey with autism has given me the privilege not only to help other Autistic adults get diagnosed, but also to see the ways that simple things, like acceptance, can help Autistic people.
Autism isn’t just for children. About 7 million U.S. adults are Autistic and may have lived years knowing they are different without knowing why.
Autism acceptance
in the community can take many forms including discussing sensory concerns and
avoiding triggers to reduce anxiety, increase comfort, and improve focus.
Burnout can be prevented with breaks, quiet places, and scheduled time for
recovery in busy schedules. Predictability and routine can be reassuring for
Autistic people. Stick to the plan, and if the plan must change, give as much
warning as possible.
Just because an Autistic person is not looking at you does not mean they are not listening. Walking, tapping, fidgeting, shaking, running, biking, and many other repetitive behaviors are an Autistic person’s way of focusing and relaxing. Managing sensory needs, providing rest and predictability, and allowing movement are simple ways to support Autistic people.
Employers can
make workplace accommodations to support Autistic people. A private workspace
with fewer distractions could help Autistic employees that struggle with
interruptions. Creating dimmer and quieter environments or flexible working
arrangements could help those struggling with sensory overload.
As a physician, it concerns me that Autistic people often do not meet their routine healthcare needs, have twice the rate of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, and have higher rates of hearing loss, autoimmune disease, and sleep problems. As a result, the average Autistic person’s life is shortened by 16 years compared to non-Autistic people.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Healthcare providers can offer simple sensory accommodations, like ear plugs, headphones, or sunglasses. Lowering the lights, closing a door, or offering a weighted blanket can be soothing also.
Predictability is
important for Autistic people, where surprises can cause distress. Detailed
discussions about planned tests or procedures is critical. Communication
differences between Autistic people and staff are common and asking questions
to confirm understanding helps close communication gaps.
The goal is to allow Autistic people to be themselves. Acceptance
is the foundation from which Autistic spaces grow. Acceptance is about breaking
down stigma, changing environments, and building positive perceptions about
Autistic people. Celebrating Autistic people and helping us reach our potential
is what Autism Acceptance Month is all about!
Online Autism screening tools that you can use on your own
such as the Autism
Quotient (AQ) or the Ritvo
Autism & Asperger Diagnostic Survey-14 (RAADS-14) are available. Helpful
resources can be found at the Association for
Autism and Neurodiversity and The
Autism Society. For a formal autism diagnosis, contact your primary care or
mental health provider to start the conversation.
Dr. Thomas Pineo serves as the Medical Director and Hospitalist at
UPMC Community Osteopathic Hospital in Harrisburg, PA.
Photo
Caption: Thomas Pineo, D.O., medical director, UPMC Community Osteopathic
