Navigating the Marginalization of the Spectrum
People with autism often face marginalization or are treated insignificantly by the government, media, and their own communities. This prevents autistic people from having their needs met. In this blog, let’s look at how autistic people are marginalized.
What is autism?
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utism is better known as autism spectrum disorder(ASD); it is a neurodevelopmental disability that includes “repetitive behaviors and impaired social interaction.” ASD has a spectrum; in other words, every person with autism has varying degrees of symptoms. For instance, not all people with ASD are non-verbal or cannot use language. ASD can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. In the past years, autism has become more prevalent, which is why understanding autism is important.
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The inaccurate definitions of autism have contributed to negative stigmas about the disorder.
Take a look at the timeline below:
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Myths:
People are not educated about autism and consider it a disease that can be cured or grown out of.
These myths erase the presence of adults with ASD as they never grow out of it.
Stigma:
Autism is often described as a disease and slurs like “retarded” are attributed to people with ASD.
These terms suppress people with ASD because they are forced to conform to these misconceptions and labels, which affect their treatment and chances of employment.
Abuse by Medical System and violence:
Medial professionals have used shock treatment on ASD patients to enforce behavior. This continues on today as the FDA’s ban on shock treatment has been lifted.
Nine out of ten autistic women are sexually abused.
Abuse keeps people with ASD suppressed and unable to be heard.
Infighting:
Within the autistic community, there is further marginalization. White males with ASD are most likely to be heard and receive support than people with ASD who are from low-income families or people of color.
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Language:
Throughout history, autism has been seen as a related to schizophrenia, a serious mental health illness. In addition, people with autism have been described as retarded with “refrigerator mothers.”
This lack of understanding of the disorder has led to negative stereotypes and misconceptions about those with autism, leading people with autism to be treated differently
Inability to integrate into society:
Autism limits a person ability to interact with society to a certain degree, making them left out by the rest of society who do not understand autism. Limitations of people with ASD are furthered by lack of resources and programs to help with interactions with society.
How marginalization affects people with autism:
1.socioeconomic disadvantages:not all people with ASD can afford professional help from childhood to adulthoodthis is a result of Social Security’s Disability benefits not being inclusive and easily accessible to people with ASD who do not have time and money.
2. Denial of civil rights leads to poverty
The root causes of unemployment for people with ASD is not their impaired communication abilities; rather, the lack of inclusivity in the workplace for people with ASD does not allow them to work. People with ASD can adapt to a setting if they are given support. Currently, there is no research being conducted to help people with ASD adapt to their workplaces.
