When talking about Autism, we all have these wrong preconceived notions and misconceptions. Luckily, many of these misconceptions got cleared when I, along with Miss Markham’s English class, got the opportunity to interview Omer who has an eight-year-old cousin with Autism.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is on a spectrum – some cases can be severe while some aren’t. Autism is basically an untreatable, chronic condition that’s a developmental disorder and creates difficulties with the ability to interact and communicate. Most people know about Autism and it’s characteristics but only have surface level knowledge on it and – if they haven’t met someone with this particular condition – have certain stereotypes and fixed thoughts on people affected with it.
Through a brief interview with him, he single-handedly shattered most stereotypes while talking about his cousin. He tells us about a typical day he would have with his cousin: breakfast, a therapy session (“would you say these sessions are helping?” “I mean, I’ve definitely seen some improvement. It’s slow but it’s there”), come back home and would be off to another therapy session. Omer describes his cousin’s disorder to be somewhere on the third, and last part of the spectrum. The severe section. But, and here’s easily the most impactful thing out thing one can get out of this interview, that does not hinder or affect their relationship as much as people would think it does.
As Omer puts it, his cousin stays in his “little bubble” and therefore does not respond to social cues well and therefore a little more effort is needed to break through that bubble and to do so requires patience, perseverance and personal space which are all the three things Omer obeys and it has definitely paid off. Omer ensures his little cousin is in his comfort zone and that in no way will he feel uncomfortable with Omer.
When asked about what he wants people to know, he told us it’s unfortunate that the actual word ‘autistic’ has so many negative connotations and is being used as an insult which is truly demeaning to those who have autism. On a more positive note, he said that Autism should be no reason to lack a relationship and one can overcome all difficulties if they really try to and that a positive relationship with an autistic person is possible.