The Impact of Inclusion
The diversity in our communities should include those with additional needs, not simply tolerate them, but fully embrace them in ways that ALL of us can have fulfilling, meaningful lives. After all, humans are social creatures and want to be accepted. Autism families are in the front row waving their hands to be included. This ranges from the need for employment for those more profoundly impacted to supporting others in social situations by learning to accept and embrace people’s differences.
Inclusion is much more than simply providing the opportunity to participate. While creating activities like the Special Olympics allows those individuals to participate in competitive sports, that is not what inclusion means. Inclusion at its best is having a spot at the table designed especially for you, being welcomed, and having meaningful interaction once you are there. Not everything can provide the opportunity for full inclusion. However, those with autism should be offered the opportunity to try things safely.
For children diagnosed with autism early, their first encounter with inclusion will probably be in the preschool setting. Programs hosted by local school systems place “typically developing peers” with special needs children of cross-disability to provide peer modeling. This creates an atmosphere of learning, acceptance, empathy, and inclusion. They simply view each other as friends and classmates. Students exposed to inclusive settings with special needs students have increased self-esteem and more caring relationships. In addition, they are more comfortable and tolerant of others who are different.
As children age and progress through school, a great divide and a more competitive atmosphere happens. It is in middle and high school where autistic individuals will feel more excluded and may even experience bullying. It is only when we as a society teach our children that it is okay to be different and that different does NOT mean less that we can be fully inclusive as a society. When we are not just taught about but able to interact with others different from ourselves, we develop a much stronger ability to be empathic. It is empathy, acceptance, and understanding that will build real inclusion.
Part of the diagnosis of ASD (autism spectrum disorder) is having social issues. For those more profoundly affected, like my son, it can be overwhelming from a sensory standpoint. Others toward the higher functioning part of the spectrum can have significant social deficits, making interacting complex, such as misinterpreting social cues or even missing them altogether. They may take sarcasm more literally, causing miscommunication issues. Nearly 26% of youth with ASD have depressive or anxiety symptoms versus 12% of their typically developing peers. Many with autism report having difficulty making and maintaining friendships.
The need for inclusion and acceptance spills into adulthood, with at least 50% of those with an ASD diagnosis unemployed. These numbers increase as the opportunity for employment for those more profoundly affected increases. Employment is not just about bringing home a paycheck. It provides the opportunity to build self-esteem, develop skills and relationships, and offer meaning and purpose to the individual. At the same time, it encourages the community to see this population as different yet equal and brings further awareness to the broad spectrum of those affected by ASD. Many families are faced with trying to fill the day with activities to prevent their loved ones from becoming couch potatoes due to the lack of day programs and employment opportunities.
Be the organization or business that welcomes and finds ways for everyone to participate. Our loved ones want to be accepted, but that will never happen until we are given the chance to be included. Ask parents with genuine curiosity about how to help include their children. I urge you, the reader, to ensure you are being inclusive of those with additional needs, teaching your children to do the same, and, even better, building relationships with those families in the community. The impact of inclusion is powerful for everyone.
About the Author:
Hello everyone. My name is Nancy Masannat.
In 2003, my youngest of two children was diagnosed with autism. He has had hundreds of hours of therapy poured into him and other intervention steps taken. While he has come a long way, he remains non-verbal and is profoundly autistic.
Besides being his mom, I ran my design business for eight years. In 2020, I became a Certified Life Coach, wanting to assist other parents in reclaiming their lives from their child's diagnosis. While autism can significantly impact the individual with the diagnosis and their family, it doesn't have to be all-consuming. With tools and coaching, parents can find joy in the parenting journey.
Early this year, I released my first book, Your Mindset Matters, available on Amazon. You can find me on Facebook as Nancy Masannat Life Coach. You can learn more about coaching and find free resources and parenting tips. Or reach out NancyMCoaching@gmail.com