By Alex Russell
April is Autism Acceptance Month in the United States, a month-long effort intended to educate people about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), spread awareness of the symptoms and warning signs, and boost support and acceptance for individuals with ASD.
According to research done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diagnosis of ASD — a condition that is reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups — continues to increase among children in the U.S.
Michael C. Brachfeld, PhD, a clinical psychologist specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry at the WISE Center at MedStar, Georgetown University Hospital, spoke with the Falls Church News-Press about the significance of autism awareness, the importance of educating people about neurodiversity, and the various resources and events available in the Northern Virginia region and beyond.
ASD encompasses a wide range of symptoms and a “broad spectrum…of different strengths, but also challenges,” Brachfeld explained, adding that some individuals “through intervention and treatment [and] support from [their] families” can work “independent jobs and function at a high level, [while] some require support from family or a medical provider.” Touching on ASD treatment and care, Brachfeld states that “the earlier…intervention [can occur], the better.”
Acknowledging that ASD diagnoses have continued to rise, he noted that this increase in cases “reflects that [psychologists] know more about autism now. There are more diagnoses [now] because we have a better understanding of what to look for.”
Reflecting on the lingering misconceptions and stigma surrounding ASD, Brachfeld notes professionals in his field are “hoping to shift that stigma” through better information and interpersonal education. Continued research and attention to the ways in which autism makes itself present in people of all ages has been a key component of “raising awareness of what autism is and who is affected.”
Citing the American Psychiatric Association’s “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” as a key resource in his field, Brachfeld says that this research has helped split ASD into three levels that denote an individual’s level of functioning.
As described by the CDC, Level 1 requires support, Level 2 requires substantial support, and Level 3 requires very substantial support. This kind of segmentation, according to Brachfeld, “helps people understand how much support an individual will need,” knowledge that can potentially improve an individual’s level of care.
In addition to clinical research, Brachfeld stresses that parent and family advocacy is a driving force in raising both awareness and acceptance. “One of the things I really advocate for is for parents to educate their children. There are a lot of variations in how brains work, everyone is wired differently.” Brachfeld explains that promoting this kind of openness for neurodiversity, particularly at a young age, is an essential step to greater acceptance of specific conditions, like ASD.
Neurodiversity, according to the National Institutes of Health, “describes the idea that people experience…the world…in many ways, with no one ‘right’ way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not deficits.” Brachfeld stresses that it is crucial to instill this understanding in children as they grow and interact with the world.
Speaking about helpful resources and organizations, Brachfeld shared that the National Institute of Mental Health has published a comprehensive guide to ASD, which can be downloaded as a PDF document off their website (visit nimh.nih.gov to learn more). He also mentioned the Autism Society of America as an important group for individuals with ASD.
The Autism Society of America, a non-profit organization founded in 1965, continues its #CelebrateDifferences campaign throughout Autism Acceptance Month. This kind of social media engagement helps support outreach programs and initiatives while inviting people to share their stories and perspectives all month long.
The Autism Society also operates a National Helpline that provides information on services and resources in a caller’s given area. Learn more about the Autism Society by visiting autismsociety.org.
The Autism Society of Northern Virginia (ASNV), a chapter of the Autism Society of America, “builds community for over 5,000 individuals and families affected by autism through education, advocacy, and support.” The ASNV sponsors several Parent Resource Centers throughout the region, including one in Alexandria, one in Arlington County, and one in Fairfax County. Learn more at asnv.org.
Pathfinders for Autism, a non-profit organization working to provide support, information, and resources free of charge for individuals affected by ASD in the State of Maryland, responds to inquiries via telephone, email, and Facebook; sponsors a variety of events; and organizes workshops throughout the state. Learn more by visiting pathfindersforautism.org.
