Autism Awareness Month, observed every April, is a time to promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for individuals living with autism spectrum disorder. The month focuses on fostering acceptance, promoting neurodiversity, and building inclusive communities for autistic individuals.

“We are getting more savvy with our diagnostic screening methods and our awareness around autism,” said occupational therapist and autism expert Beth Conolly. “So we can pick it up earlier, but we don’t always pick it up in girls. We do tend to pick it up a bit faster with boys.”

Boys tend to display more noticeable and direct behaviours associated with autism, making it easier for parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals to recognise the signs at a younger age. 

In contrast, girls are more likely to engage in what is known as masking, in which they consciously or unconsciously mimic neurotypical behaviour, such as maintaining eye contact or imitating social interactions, even when it does not come naturally to them.

“Early identification and intervention are really important with any neurodevelopmental disorders because, as the brain is developing and going through these critical windows, key skills need to be learned.”

Every life has value

This year’s observance emphasises the themes: Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value, and embracing neurodiversity, building inclusive communities, and promoting actionable rights, education, and supportive services for autistic individuals.

Autism spectrum disorder and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterised, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviours.  It appears to have its roots in very early brain development, according to Autism Resources South Africa.

Despite international human rights conventions, autistic people continue to face stigma, discrimination, and limited access to healthcare and support services, highlighting the need for inclusive policies and sustained action.

“There is a misconception that autistic individuals lack the desire for connection, but in reality, they value relationships deeply; they simply experience and navigate them differently,” said Conolly.

“Autistic individuals are not being antisocial when they avoid eye contact; they are often overwhelmed by emotional cues.”

Stigma

“Many people don’t realise when an autistic individual makes eye contact, their brain may respond more intensely, mimicking pupil size and emotional cues much faster, which can quickly become overwhelming and lead to withdrawal.”

Stigma persists because of a lack of awareness, but with the right education, we can move from judgment to empathy and create more inclusive spaces for autistic individuals, she said.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg

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