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AUTISM SOCIOLOGY
Due to the complexity of autism,
there are many facets of sociology that need to be considered when
discussing it, such as the culture which has evolved from autistic persons
connecting and communicating with one another. In addition, there are
several subgroups forming within the autistic community, sometimes in
strong opposition to one another.
Community and politics
Further information: Autistic community and Autism rights movement.
Curing autism is a very highly controversial and politicized issue. What
some call the "autistic community" has splintered into several strands.
Some seek a cure for autism - sometimes dubbed by pro-cure. Others do not
desire a "cure", because they point out that autism is a way of life
rather than a "disease", and as such resist it. They are sometimes dubbed
anti-cure. Many more may have views between these two. Recently, with
scientists learning more about autism and possibly coming closer to
effective remedies, some members of the "anti-cure" movement sent a letter
to the United Nations demanding to be treated as a minority group rather
than a group with a mental disability or disease.
There are many resources available for autistic people. Because many
autistics find it easier to communicate online than in person, a large
number of these resources are online. In addition, successful autistic
adults in a local community will sometimes help children with autism,
using their own experience in developing coping strategies and/or
interacting with society.
The year 2002 was declared Autism Awareness Year in the United
Kingdom—this idea was initiated by Ivan and Charika Corea, parents of an
autistic child, Charin. Autism Awareness Year was led by the British
Institute of Brain Injured Children, Disabilities Trust, National Autistic
Society, Autism London and 800 organizations in the United Kingdom. It had
the personal backing of British Prime Minister Tony Blair and
parliamentarians of all parties in the Palace of Westminster.
Culture
For more details on this topic, see Autistic culture.
With the recent increases in autism recognition and new approaches to
educating and socializing autistics, an autistic culture has begun to
develop. Similar to deaf culture, autistic culture is based on a more
accepting belief that autism is a unique way of being and not a disorder
to be cured. There are some commonalities which are specific to autism in
general as a culture, not just "autistic culture".
It is a common misperception that autistic people do not marry; many do
seek out close relationships and marry. Often, they marry another
autistic, although this is not always the case. Autistic people are often
attracted to other autistic people due to shared interests or obsessions,
but more often than not the attraction is due to simple compatibility with
personality types, the same as for non-autistics. Autistics who
communicate have explained that companionship is as important to autistics
as it is to anyone else.
It is also a common misperception that autistic people live away from
other people, such as in a rural area rather than an urban area; many
autistics do happily live in a suburb or large city. However, a
metropolitan area can provide more opportunities for cultural and personal
conflicts, requiring greater needs for adjustment.
In schools it is commonplace for autistics to be singled out by teachers
and students as "unruly," though an autistic student may not understand
why his or her actions are considered inappropriate, especially when the
student has a logical explanation for his or her behavior.
The interests of autistic people and so-called "geeks" or "nerds" can
often overlap as autistic people can sometimes become preoccupied with
certain subjects, much like anyone else. However, in practice many
autistic people have difficulty with working in groups, which impairs them
even in the most 'geeky' of situations. The connection of autism with
so-called geek or nerd behavior has received attention in the popular
press, but is still controversial within these groups.[76]
Speculation arises over famous people and celebrities who are now
suspected, but unconfirmed, of having autism and Asperger's syndrome. They
are rumored to have most symptoms of autism or autistic-spectrum disorder.
Biographers, personal physicians and media journalists continually
investigate these rumors, but some say that the claims are actually
libellous of their character as public figures, being singled out as "odd"
or "nerdy" people.[77]
Autistic adults
Communication and social problems often cause difficulties in many
areas of the autistic's life. A much smaller proportion of adult autistics
marry or have children than the general population. Even when they do
marry, some argue, it is more likely to end in divorce than the norm,[78]
although further research should perhaps be made. Nevertheless, as more
social groups form, progressively more diagnosed adults are forming
relationships with others on the spectrum.
A small proportion of autistic adults, usually those with high-functioning
autism or Asperger's syndrome, are able to work successfully in mainstream
jobs, although frequently far below their actual level of skills and
qualification. Some have managed to gain self-employment.
Others are employed in sheltered workshops under the supervision of
managers trained in working with persons with disabilities. A nurturing
environment at home, at school, and later in job training and at work,
helps autistic people continue to learn and to develop throughout their
lives.
It is often said that the Internet, since it is almost devoid of the
non-verbal cues that autistics find so hard to interact with, has given
some autistic individuals an environment in which they can, and do,
communicate and form online communities. The internet has also provided
the option of occupations such as, teleworking and independent consulting,
which, in general, do not require much human interaction offline.
Under the public law, in the United States, the public schools'
responsibility for providing services ends when the autistic person is 21
years of age. The autistic person and their family are then faced with the
challenge of finding living arrangements and employment to match their
particular needs, as well as the programs and facilities that can provide
support services to achieve these goals.
Many parents of autistic children also face financial difficulties as they
must often pay for essential support and therapeutic services.
Furthermore, autism is often linked to poverty because autistics who might
qualify for financial assistance in one country are not eligible in
another, because some nations do not recognize autism as a disability.
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1
Terminology
2
History
3
Characteristics
Key Behaviors
Noted behaviors
Social development
Sensory system
Autism and blindness
Communication difficulties
Repetitive behaviors
Effects in education
4
DSM definition
5
Types of autism
Asperger's and Kanner's syndrome
Autism as a spectrum disorder
6
Epidemiology
7
Treatment
8
Causes
Physiology and Neurology
Genetic Component
9
Sociology
Community and politics
Culture
Autistic adults
Terminology
Autistic savants
References |
