By Lydia Le
Arkansas TV intern
“Arkansas Week: Understanding Autism and Autism Acceptance” will highlight local experts and advocates for individuals on the autism spectrum. Topics include how autism is identified, where local resources can be accessed, and how Arkansas communities are leading efforts to support autistic individuals.
We’ll dig a little deeper here to specifically address a topic of interest in modern-day disability activism, and you can find resources and topics mentioned in the program at the links below.
“Arkansas Week” airs July 24 and is now one hour. You can watch live at 6 p.m. on broadcast or on YouTube at YouTube.com/@arkansastv.
“Homogeneity lacks genius.”
– Edgar Morin, Philosopher and Sociologist
Defining Autism Then – What is Normal, or Not?
“Autism” is a relatively new term. When we don't quite fully understand what it means to have autism and research is constantly evolving, we are prone to modes of thinking that contradict our good intentions. Without clarity, autism support can be notoriously difficult.
Historically, autism has been viewed through the lens of normal and abnormal- what disability activists refer to as the “Pathology Paradigm.” According to Nick Walker, Ph.D., this dichotomy indicates that there is a standard for how brains should function and how people should behave, and that divergence from that standard is wrong or “pathological.” In practice, the Pathology Paradigm can look like “acting normal” as a measure of success in autism therapy. It can look like an autistic individual ignoring personal needs to appear neurotypical. Institutionally, in schools or in workplaces, it may look like rigid protocols and discouragement from self-accommodations.
Defining Autism Now – Support and Thrive
An alternate perspective on autism is presented through the “Neurodiversity Paradigm.” Rather than approaching autistics as ill neurotypicals, the Neurodiversity Paradigm considers autism simply as a different neurotype- with its own unique set of strengths, needs and patterns. By removing the focus on “normality,” the paradigm considers each individual on their own terms. In autism treatment, goals shift from achieving a neurotypical appearance to maximizing quality of life and the child’s individual capabilities. Support involves fostering social connections in ways that the child resonates with and celebrating autistic identity (not just identity despite autism).
“[Treatment today is about] teaching them the skills that they need to get their wants and needs met, and to communicate well with people and get along in the world as independently as possible – to empower them!”
– Dianna Varady
The Neurodiversity Paradigm is not intended to disacknowledge autism as a disability, nor minimize the challenges autistic individuals and their loved ones face. It is a social model, applied such that neurodivergence may thrive and those with autism have the space to be autistic without shame.
Featured “Arkansas Week” Panelists:
- Dr. Jayne Bellando, Ph.D., UAMS Pediatric Psychologist and Professor
- Jessica Saum, Collaboration and Inclusion Coordinator with the Special Education Office of Cabot, Public Schools Teacher of the Year 2022
- Patricia Smith, Ed.D., UCA Honors College and Learning Communities Dean
- Ethan Smith, Arkansas TV Intern, Central Baptist College Graduate
Learn More:
- Community Based Autism Liaison and Treatment Project (CoBALT)
- Arkansas Autism Resource & Outreach Center
- University of Arkansas, Partners
- Welcome The Children Project
- Academic Support Center for Executive functioning and Neurodiversity (ASCEND)
How to Watch
Watch “Arkansas Week" on Friday, July 24, at 6 p.m. live on broadcast or on YouTube at YouTube.com/@arkansastv.