Sweet Java Cafe holds autism awareness event
Local author speaks on learning to live with those with autism
Having an opportunity to talk to 25-plus local Roxborough residents about Autism Awareness is a great thing.
Doing so amidst fantastic art by local autistic artists and drinking coffee at a local coffee shop, however, makes for a truly successful event.
In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, Sweet Java Cafe on Ridge Ave this past Sunday hosted a gathering of interested community members to do exactly that.
My wife Sarah and I, in collaboration with local artists Emily Burke and Phoebe Murer, highlighted a topic that is being wrestled with by families, schools, communities and medical circles.
Like many things, the more we work to understand important social issues, the more complex they seem to become — which is why these community events are so important.
Learning how we are able to communicate in varying ways, not just spoken words, can open up people and situations which empower and positively impact everyone.
The use of pictures and art have guided and informed humans as we have passed on knowledge and stories for centuries.
Making art accessible and encouraged, especially to those who struggle with or do not have a voice, enables the sharing of dreams, desires, needs and challenges.
In a similar vein, some, like my wife Sarah, may find their voice more strongly in written words, as she shared at the event about our book.
As we continue to learn how each person expresses themselves, we learn how to support them and their ongoing efforts at living their best lives.
Alongside Emily’s and Phoebe’s artistic expressions, I shared some words about how knowing yourself is the beginning of empowering yourself.
The diagnosis, or label, if you will, of “Autistic,” has become so broad in use and membership as to render the term not often helpful in identifying how best to assist or engage with an individual who is on the spectrum.
It is not until one is able to qualify their needs, as expressed
often in traits, that we are able to truly understand how to engage successfully.
From a few specific sensory needs to those who are non-verbal, there is a litany of possible differences associated with one’s unique comprisement and it is in the power of knowing yourself, or having the community know you, that enables positive outcomes.
Recently the term neurodiversity has become popular as it is more inclusive of those who are Autistic, ADHD, OCD, Dyslexia, or other similar diagnosed labels. Within the neurodivergent community, many traits can often overlap, even as the diversity of traits can be quite broad, which speaks to a greater understanding all of us must have, that individuality needs to be accounted for as much as celebrated.
As common traits are understood and accepted, what begins as formal accommodations can become more commonplace, since they may not only be helpful for neurodivergent individuals, but also for everyone.
Examples such as fixing fluorescent lights that flicker, computer sign-in forms for doctors offices, coloring and reading nooks, and quiet shopping times, are amongst many changes our businesses and communities continue to evolve.
During the Q-and-A portion of the event, questions arose surrounding education, acceptance and challenges within the workplace.
The common thread in the ensuing discussion was fear and frustration with how caregivers, in addition to those who are neurodiverse, handle daily challenges, especially those which are as important as one’s education and ability to earn an income.
There is still much stigma around engaging neurodivergent individuals. Many of these challenges can be due to a lack of understanding about how to best work with someone who has neurodiverse traits, and can be compounded when an individual requests accommodations or supports, whether it be in a professional or education setting.
Many lessons from successful interactions stem from looking past the accommodations, and rather getting to know the unique individuals and their strengths.
A common trait shared by many — whether neurodiverse or not — is a strong desire to be successful, conscious and complete.
While it is true that a portion of the neurodiverse community excel at repetitive tasks and thrive in an exacting structure, it is equally true that some of our finest artists, lawyers, politicians and entrepreneurs count themselves amongst the same neurodiverse community.
In terms of education and learning abilities, breaking out of standardized testing and refocusing assessment to the competency and understanding of the individual can showcase that knowledge has been retained, even if expression is
non-standard.
Lastly, there is a common misconception that Autism is new. While it is true that more people are getting diagnosed, it is much clearer that this is due to the significant increase in our knowledge and ability to qualify the traits of an individual as neurodivergent. Prior to 1980, Autism was not a formal diagnosis. Masking and mental health challenges related to not being understood were the primary focus and diagnosis within the medical field.
Looking back further, there were fewer resources and even less time afforded to those who did not fit into the demands of an emerging society. This often resulted in the shuffling of those who expressed themselves and their needs differently to orphanages, sanitariums and even worse destinations.
So in acknowledgement of Autism Awareness Month, remember that if you have met one autistic or neurodivergent person, well you have just done that: met one person on some form of a spectrum.
Every person is different. Challenge yourself to forget what you may have heard or learned about such labels and rather take a moment to get to know the person in front of you.
Most likely you will find a kind, wise and capable person who might just not initially communicate in a way you’re used to… and that’s ok, as they are also meeting you for the first time.
You can see Emily’s and Phoebe’s work through April at Sweet Java Cafe.