"You Have a Condition, So You Can't Do It!": The Importance of a Simple Word

Being incorrectly considered "special" or a "child with a condition" for living with autism, generally becomes the ideal justification to stop being and doing, which hinders the implementation of the process of inclusion in the social and educational field.

The human being has always had the urgent need to name, catalog, classify, order and rationalize the world and everything that it comprises.

At present, social struggles are planting the discourse of diversity as a banner. The awareness campaigns on Autism Spectrum Disorder do not escape this trend, a constant debate about the correct way to refer or name certain topics.

No diagnosis can nor must suppress the capacity to be; to be considered a person, a human being with the same rights as any other. Rights that, not because they are universal, must cease to be diverse in the ways in which their implementation is conceived.

The Importance of a Simple Word

In the area of ​​education, to speak of disability is to close the doors not only to the recognition of the capacities and opportunities that the person does have, but also to close them to change. A change that is becoming increasingly evident and necessary in the schools of the 21st century.

However, there is another problem in educational inclusion where the meaning of a word makes it an impediment to the successful development of this process: a diagnosis of ASD and be automatically cataloged "special," and not in a good way.

In school, being considered "special" for children with autism, usually becomes that reason to stop doing, which hinders and delays the process of inclusion in the educational field, for several reasons.

When an adult justifies or associates inappropriate behaviors with the "special" character of the child, ignores the explanation and the taboo reason of the topic, but immediately gives a negative label to the fact of being considered "special" before the eyes of the rest of children. And at the end of the day, because of the understanding that children usually have, being special is equivalent to behaving badly.

Then they will begin to wonder “Am I special? Do I have something that makes me special? Do I want to be special?”

If the teachers have no measure to refer to our children with ASD and call them incorrectly, it becomes a definition that instead of explaining and accompanying the process, segregates and hinders it. This moves us away from the goal of working for an education where there is tolerance, acceptance, and respect for the different. It hinders the way to build and transform subjects and mentalities capable of respecting and living in a diverse society.

Build and transform subjects and mentalities capable of respecting and living in a diverse society.

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Theory of Mind: How Autistic Minds Work

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The Theory of Mind refers to the ability that people have to put themselves in the place of another person. This ability allows people to understand what others feel, perceive, think, desire or believe. Children from about age 4 start developing this ability. At this age, kids can understand other people’s thoughts, intentions, and desires that determine the way in which they behave. They are, as well, able to recognize that people differ in their thoughts and intentions and that these differences influence in behavior.

Although many autistic individuals present difficulties when developing this ability, they can successfully work to improve their empathy and try to put themselves in the place of others. This theory has been tested in non-autistic as well as autistic children, and according to autism.com, the Theory of Mind phenomenon appears to be unique to those with autism. Also, this theory seems not to be related to a person's intelligence, though people with Asperger’s syndrome have revealed this problem to a lesser degree.

Due to this phenomenon, many autistic individuals show certain social and communication problems. They have a hard time understanding that people think different. Also, they may not be able to anticipate what others will say or do in different situations.

There are several methods used to help autistic children and adults develop empathy and improve the way they relate to others. One of these methods is an intervention called ‘social stories,’ which describe different scenarios which allow autistic people understand themselves and others much better. These stories are meant to motivate them to ask questions about other people and their surroundings and to help them recognize that others think in unique ways.

If you want to know more about ASD and all information related, be sure to keep an eye on our social media networks and blog! Autism Soccer is a project created to help autistic children develop in a safe environment with people ready to help. If you want to enroll your child, check the information at the end of this entry!

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This TV Serie Shows that Even with ASD You Can Be Successful

The message behind The Good Doctor is how autistic people can help in ways that others might not. 

Television series, depending on the genre, usually have leading roles that highlight the differences that people may have. With such powerful characters, people somehow feel identified and can develop feelings of acceptance and personal growth. Recently, this has been the case for people in the ASD community. Thanks to The Good Doctor, ASD and savant syndrome can be shared with the world so others can understand these disorders much better.

The Good Doctor is a medical drama TV series, based on a 2013 award-winning South Korean series of the same name. The show stars Freddie Highmore as main character Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome from the mid-size city of Casper, Wyoming, who had a troubled childhood. He then relocates to San Jose, California where he practices his profession at the prestigious San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital.

What’s the message behind this great show?

The main message that can be understood during the trailer is that autism is a condition that does not prevent people from achieving goals and fulfilling their dreams because, as we observed, this series shows an autistic man with savant syndrome who also is a surgeon.

Enjoy The Good Doctor’s trailer here.

The trailer shows the amazing abilities that an autistic and savant person can have in emergency situations. Although, it stands out how hard it can be for people in the spectrum to socially interact and build relationships in today’s society. Also, it highlights the excellent qualities of the savant syndrome and how being autistic is no issue for helping others.

The savant syndrome is a condition in which a person with significant difficulties such as development, social skills, and communication, just like an autistic person, demonstrates abilities above the average, such as rapid calculation, musical or artistic abilities, map making, or skills related to memory.

This TV series can hopefully help people open their eyes and get to know how is the life of a person with autism spectrum disorder. It shows how sometimes, people with certain conditions have unfair treatments but also indicates how autistic savants are just as capable as anyone else of doing a job well if they are given the opportunity.

There are a lot of TV shows created recently to help raise awareness about autism spectrum disorder. Just like The Good Doctor, the TV series Atypical shares an incredible message about ASD. To know more about other TV series, films, and documentaries about ASD, or any other topic regarding the spectrum, be sure to check our blog and social media networks!

This TV show gives hope to people with differences, to show them that those differences can also be useful.

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Tips and Exercises to Promote Empathy in Autistic Children

Sometimes we want to transmit things that people may perceive, think or feel differently.

People usually think that having Autism Spectrum Disorder or any other related disorder will prevent children from developing empathy. People mistakenly believe that people on the spectrum can become violent or uncaring because of a lack of empathy. This is not true.

What is actually true, is that people with ASD sometimes need to make a bigger effort to see things from other people’s perspectives. Although, a child or adult on the autism spectrum might understand that someone is sad or angry or that the person is in pain, but will not necessarily understand why.

To promote empathy in autistic children (or adults), you can try these steps:

Developing the five senses

• Elaborate exercises so that your child becomes familiar with the senses and the organs that develop them and the verbs associated with them (see, smell, hear, touch and taste). First, try with showing photographs of people and ask them to point out the different organs of the senses, as well as pointing them out in themselves. To work the verbs (see smell, hear, touch and taste) try with different objects such as the ones that can be seen (toys, table), that can be smelled (food, perfume, flowers), others that can be tasted (chocolate, soup, juice), others that can be heard (music and instruments, the tv) and the ones that can be played (a cat, a ball).

Use visual aids as much a possible

• Autistic people are usually visual learners. You can try to show your child visually how other people feel in certain situations. These exercises can help him/her develop the ability to understand other people’s perspectives. Try watching a tv show or movie with your child, then pause the show at certain points and ask your child what the characters think or feel and why it might be happening.

Relate experiences to your child’s point of view

• This is the most basic skill you can teach to your child. Teach them to look at past experiences from others, and try to relate them to your child’s point of view. For example, you want to teach your child not to grab toys out of other children’s hands. Get as an example a book, a toy or stuffed animal that he or she loves and couldn’t bear to lose, then proceed to remind them the feeling that they can sense when the toy gets lost.

Verbalize your own empathy

• Parents become models and example for children. As children with ASD learn well by seeing what others do, you can demonstrate your abilities to take other people’s perspectives.

But above all, remember that children (and also adults) with Autism Spectrum Disorder CAN experience empathy. Have confidence that your child can and will learn to be empathic with others; you just need to help him/her learn and develop this virtue.

Being empathic starts with being aware and controlling our own five senses. Helping autistic children get in control of their senses, may help them grow empathy.

For more content, facts, and more information about the Autism Spectrum Disorder make sure to check our social media and keep reading our blog. Autism Soccer is here to help!

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Atypical: a Not So Typical TV Show About a Boy With Autism

Thanks to the media revolution, the ASD is becoming known and understood. 

Every day, more series, films, and documentaries about Autism Spectrum Disorder are being released. This is a great initiative to help raise awareness about this spectrum. ‘Atypical’ is a series created and written by Robia Rashid. The show, originally known as ‘Antarctica,’ was made with a very accurate portrayal of ASD because Robia consulted a California State University professor who worked at UCLA’s Center for Autism Research and Treatment. Robia then wrote the script after a lot of research, books read, and movies watched for inspiration.

It is centered on the life of Sam Gardner, an 18-year-old boy with autism spectrum disorder, who announces that he wants to start dating because of a piece of advice from his therapist. With the help of his friends and family, he begins to learn the challenges of dating.

In the series, Sam grows more independent, while his mother struggles to find a life outside being Sam’s guardian. During the series development, we can see characters such as Sam’s mother, sister, father, and therapist, and how their lives revolve around Sam’s ASD condition. This show is a must watch for every teen who has a friend, a family member or just knows someone with autism spectrum disorder.

Enjoy Atypical’s trailer here.

Several series about Autism Spectrum Disorder are starting to gain popularity in today’s media; this is a great show to help people understand this condition and how it affects people in the spectrum on a daily basis. It’s great to see that every day, more and more series and movies about this topic are being released because it’s a great way to help people raise awareness.

Atypical is a TV show created to display how going from adolescence to adulthood is also a struggle for autistic people.

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Activities and Events That Help Raise Awareness About The Autism Spectrum Disorder

There's a day dedicated to inform and help people spread the message about the autism spectrum disorder. Also, there are a lot of campaigns and activities to enjoy with children on the spectrum.

Every day, Autism Spectrum Disorder is becoming more known all around the globe. Now more and more people are joining this wonderful cause to help raise awareness about this disorder. Keep reading to find activities and events that help raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Walk for Autism

Autism Speaks, Autism Speaks is an autism advocacy organization that sponsors autism research and conducts awareness and outreach activities aimed at families, governments, and the public. It organizes more than 50 fundraiser walks per year all across the U.S. and Canada. You can find a walk in your region, organize, and share these events with your family and friends to help raise money for autism research and awareness programs.

Wear Blue

“Light It Up Blue” is another campaign created by Autism Speaks, which focuses on motivating people to wear a blue colored garment to help others raise awareness about this disorder. This campaign is usually implemented on the International Autism Awareness Day which is usually celebrated at the beginning of April.

Read Books About Autism

Books are very helpful to understand autism spectrum disorder, especially for younger children that might have a hard time comprehending what this disorder is. Luckily, there are many great books made for kids that easily explain what ASD is. There are books for toddlers and even books for teenagers. By reading a book, your child will be curious and encouraged to ask questions about this topic. As a parent, this is an excellent opportunity to talk about the importance of showing empathy to all people.

Organize or Join a No-Bullying Campaign

Children with ASD usually have a hard time socializing, bonding and creating friendships, which makes them potential targets for bullying in and out of school. Organizing or joining a no-bullying campaign with your child can be a good idea to help kids with autism. At your child’s school encourage your kid and others to inform and raise awareness and become more empathic.

Joining fundraisers and campaigns that sponsor autism research and help raise awareness of this disorder and spread the word, so more people participate.

A day to encourage and support people raising awareness of the Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism Soccer is an organization that was also created for autistic children, to help them develop their motor and social skills in a safe environment and surrounded by people willing to help. Contact us to know more about us and how you can enroll your child in this beautiful project. Check our social media and website for more information!

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