The Concept of Autism: When Awareness Matters

Autism is a term that has become increasingly familiar in mainstream discussions. Yet, despite its prevalence, many children with autism are not made aware of their diagnosis. This raises the question: can a child deduce they have autism without explicit knowledge?

Understanding an Inherent Diagnosis

From my experience, the answer to this question is no. If a child is not told they have autism, they simply do not know they have it. This principle applies to adults as well. Just as an individual might never encounter the term 'autism,' they would have no reason to deduce that they have it.

Autism is not a pre-existing condition waiting to be discovered and identified. Rather, it is a social construct—a label created to describe a broad and often vague collection of traits. An autistic person is not inherently autistic but is described as such due to their alignment with our criteria for what 'autism' entails.

Lacking the Label

Consider a child who has not been diagnosed or told they have autism. They might recognize that they possess traits different from their peers, but this awareness is typical of human diversity. They would lack the social construct that autism represents. In my case, prior to diagnosis, I was acutely aware of the traits associated with autism, but I never viewed them as a disorder.

I recall observing the traits in myself that were deemed my symptoms. I was certainly different, but I did not consider myself disordered for it. Instead, I saw myself as unique and wonderful. This is why I reject my diagnosis today. The traits I exhibit are simply attributes that make me unique, and I embrace them fully.

Historical Context and Screening

It is important to note that while I was screened for autism as a child, those screenings were conducted without my knowledge or consent. Therefore, the specifics of the process have faded over time. Nevertheless, the overall experience of not being aware of the diagnosis aligns with my understanding.

Historically, diagnostic criteria for autism have evolved. The focus has shifted from defining autism as a disorder to recognizing it as a neurodiversity. Neurodiversity embraces the idea that neurodevelopmental differences are a natural variation within the human species.

Conclusion: Embracing Neurodiversity

It is crucial to acknowledge that each individual's experience with autism is unique. Awareness and acceptance are key elements in fostering understanding and support. While official diagnoses can be helpful, the core essence of being an autistic individual lies in their unique experiences and perspectives.

In essence, awareness matters. For a child to fully understand and embrace their identity, it is important that they are given the educational materials and support to navigate their experience as an autistic individual.

By embracing neurodiversity, we can promote a more inclusive and accepting society where individuals are valued for who they are and encouraged to explore and celebrate their individuality.