Autism in Zambia Part 1: What is Autism and why should I be interested in it?

 

There are several existing conditions on the planet and the people involved in all of them have the same goals; garnering support, raising awareness, they all pursue the same things; saving lives, improving the lives of those affected/infected, pursuing societal acceptance and suitable treatment for all.

Autism is but one among the many conditions that exist; Chronic and Infectious diseases, mental health, Neurological, Cardiovascular, Musculoskeletal conditions and so on, so why must I focus my time, efforts and resources in writing about the so called Neurodevelopmental Disorder that is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Why should I focus my time and effort on any of the diseases and conditions that exist at all? I’m functional, I don’t have any of the diseases and conditions that exist, I require no special attention, so why should I get involved.

We exist on a planet that is filled with variety in every sense of the word, and that’s one of the things that make it beautiful. A combination of colours, it would be dull and boring if only one color existed, if only one race existed, if we all had one face, whether or not that world would only have one gender I’ll leave to your imagination, one occupation, one interest, the same hobby, honestly I don’t see how there would be survival because it is our differences that makes the world functional. Rich, poor, animal, human, black, white, criminal, police, good, evil, believers, non-believers plus everything in between and beyond.

If you choose to not get involved in anything at all in your existence, that is your choice, and you add to the variety of our existence, if you choose to be an advocate, help find solutions or be the one causing the problems, you are just as important as the opposite because you are adding to that variety too.

So, I choose to write about Autism, not because it is the most dire or superior condition, but because it is what I have chosen to, it would make no difference if I chose to write about blindness, women’s health or down syndrome, you are as much at liberty to choose to get involved in any way you can in any of the awareness and advocacy programs that exist, you can also choose nothing, it won’t make you any less valuable to existence, you’re just the one that chose to do nothing, and that’s okay.

Now, the common definition of Autism is that it is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how an individual sees the world and functions, which makes it difficult to communicate and function properly in society. It is known to be severe in some people and mild in others. In severe cases, the individual may need up to 24/7 care while in mild cases, a person may not need care at all, but will still have difficulties understanding how “normal” (Neurotypical) people think and function. If you’ve always been “different” from majority of the people around you, chances are, you’re Neurodivergent.

 

In part 2 of Autism in Zambia, I’ll be sharing with you what you must know about Autism, how you can identify Autism in yourself or another person or in your child and the common terms used in the Autism community and what they mean.

 

Share your Autism stories with me @blogaboutautism@gmail.com