April is Autism Awareness Month, but for families who have children on the spectrum, autism awareness is every day. It is therapy and doctor appointments. It is school meetings and milestones missed, which are then, hopefully, achieved, albeit later than their peers.
Autism is represented in the mainstream media more often than you might recognize. Here are some examples from popular and current media that demonstrate the different levels of the autism spectrum.
About 40% of children born with autism are non-verbal, and it’s the fastest-growing developmental disorder. Autism varies from case to case; no two people with autism are the same. Autism can vary heavily, but let’s start with level one. These individuals require minimal support and often lead normal, if not spectacular, lives. If you’ve ever watched “The Big Bang Theory,” you’ve met Sheldon Cooper, brilliantly acted by Jim Parsons. He is brilliant, yes, but very neurotic. He sits in the same spot on the sofa every day. He has a schedule for the clothes he wears, he is a walking encyclopedia of all things comic-book related (though I’d love to give him a run for the money) and he has much difficulty seeing his friends’ perspectives. Sheldon, by all accounts, is a level one. He is quirky and socially awkward, yet brilliant and still able to be college-educated and gainfully employed.
Level two is a bit harder to find in popular culture, unless you watch “Love on the Spectrum.” Most of the adults we’ve met on this show would be classified as level two. If you haven’t watched it, I’d encourage you to do so; it is very heart-warming. A more specific example of level two would be Sam, played by Kier Gilchrist on “Atypical.” He attends school and has meaningful employment, but his social deficiencies keep him substantially behind his peers.
If you’ve ever watched “Only Murders in the Building,” you’ve met Charles, played by Steve Martin. I think Charles would be classified as a level two as well. Both characters have trouble making social connections with neurotypical peers and can be obsessive about subjects they enjoy. I think this is the autism we most often think of; that kid in class who’s just a bit off, who maybe doesn’t make eye contact for long, if ever, they have a hard time focusing on anything other than their desired obsession. You’d swear they weren’t even listening, then they ace the test.
There is a level three on the autism spectrum. This is not something seen often on your screens, though I would bet this is the level most people picture in their heads. This is a person who is mostly, or even completely, nonverbal and will need support. They cannot live alone or complete daily tasks without aid. But don’t dismiss them; they can still be savants, even if they are nonverbal. I give you “DRAWINGS BY TRENT.” Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you must have seen him on TikTok. He has amassed 2.9 million followers and is a level three. He can draw anything, and thanks to TikTok, he has been able to make money selling his drawings. He is really inspiring
“I think that we are doing a better job at representing it, but I think for the most part, it’s represented very negatively. And it’s seen as something that is bad and they’re represented as a flaw,” said President of SMU’s Best Buddies chapter Giovanna Nogales-Norero.
Best Buddies is an international non-profit organization founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver. The organization is dedicated to ending social, physical and economic isolation of the millions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“The goal of the organization is to create and build genuine one-on-one friendships that go beyond surface-level inclusion,” Nogales-Norero said. With individuals with IDD [intellectual and developmental disabilities], whether they are on campus or off campus and commute to our events, we just want to create intentional, genuine friendships to not only just promote awareness, but inclusivity.”
Autism comes in many forms. When my brother William was first diagnosed, Autism was diagnosed in one in 110 children; now it’s one in 31. Autism awareness is on the rise, and with more awareness comes more funding for more research.
I once asked my brother if we could cure autism with a vaccine would he take it? His answer was quick and just.
“Autism is my super power; the rest of the world just needs to catch up,” William said.
I couldn’t agree more.
