5 ways Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are misunderstood

1. 5waysChildrenwithAutismSpectrumDisorder (ASD)aremisunderstood The world around us isbecoming more inclusive and so are the schools. However, to become totally inclusive, we need to spread awareness about what challenges individuals with additional support face and whatabruptresponsescouldliterallymean. Inthis article, we will talk abitabout Autism Spectrum Disorderand the ways children with ASDare frequentlymisunderstood.UnderstandingASDisveryimportantforustoplayourpartinmakingour societysupportiveandinclusiveforchildrenwhoexperienceit. Let'sgothroughthemisapprehension ofchildrenwithAutismSpectrumDisorder(ASD): 1.The childis disinterestedordeant A child with ASD would often face verbal and non-verbal communication issues which can lead to misinterpretation. Important to notice that their silence or unusual speech patterns such as echolalia (repeating words or phrases) arefrequentlyunderstoodasshowing disinterestordeance.Butlittledopeople understand that this is often a result of their neurological dierences, not a lack of understanding or unwillingnesstocommunicate. 1.Thechildhasbehaviour issuesortantrums Children with ASD may experience overwhelmingly intense sensory experiences. In many cases, bright lights, loud noises, or even certain holds the potential to trigger discomfort and distress. Now please know that these sensitivities are often misjudged as tantrums or poor displays of behaviour. But itisfor society to understand that these reactions are genuine responses to sensory overload, not mereoverreactions.

2. 1.Nointerestinformingarelationship Now this one is important, children with ASD mayseestrugglesinunderstanding social cues making it appear like social withdrawal or having unconventional interactions.Before we come to the conclusion that the child is rude or lacks interest in forming relationships, butinreality,thesechildrenmaydesiresocial connectionbutoften nditchallengingtonavigatesocialinteractionsandestablishbonds. 1.StubbornKid Many children with ASD are accustomed to a routine, which makes them very predictable. Because of strict adherence to their routine, theyareresistanttochangewhichis misinterpretedasstubbornnessorde ance. Again, do know that this inexibility isnot a deliberateattempttobedicultbutrathera copingmechanismtomanage anxietyandmaintainasenseofcontrolwithintheirenvironment. 1.Theyareemotionallydetached Managing emotions can be particularly dicult for children on the spectrum. They might experience intense emotional responses or at times appear like they are emotionally detached. For many of us individuals,thisdetachmentorpooremotionalresponsesaremisunderstoodwhichleadsto unnecessary or inappropriate disciplinary actions.Itisfor us to understand their diculties with emotionalregulationsandhelpthemwithasafespaceforbetterinclusion. Societyshouldbeinformed aboutthecommonmisconceptionsaboutAutismSpectrumDisorder andhow theycontributetothestereotypesandstigmasthatchildrenonthespectrumface,andthisleadsto

3. negativeassumptionsabouttheirpotentialandcapabilities.Letusbemoreawareanddoourpartto promoteamoreaccurateunderstandingofAutismSpectrumDisorderanditschallenges. Empathyandeducationandkeytoimprovingourunderstanding,andbyaddressingandrectifyingthese commonmisunderstandings,wewillhelpthesechildrenthriveandreachtheirfullpotential. ConnectwithTotalCommunication: Phone/WhatsApp:+6591158895 E-mail:enquiries@totalcommunication.com.sg Address:10WinstedtRoad,BlockA#02-01,SINGAPORE 227977 Toreach out tous,llout ourinquiryform