Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

The month of April marks a deeply personal month in my life. National Autism Awareness Month is a month-long observance of autism spectrum disorder, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by repetitive and inflexible behavior, as well as difficulties in social interaction and communication. In short, autism inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and form relationships with others.

The month is commemorated by World Autism Awareness Day, celebrated each year on April 2. Each year when this holiday rolls around, I can’t help but reflect.

From a young age, I was diagnosed with autism. Rather than being a defined illness, autism exists on a spectrum, manifesting itself in various ways. I have seen it manifest socially, affecting my ability to healthily maintain community. In a season of life where change has been a constant, these manifestations have been compounded.

The National Institute of Mental Health has estimated that more than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness. Furthermore, the World Health Organization estimated that between 2012 and 2021, 1 in 100 children had autism.

These disorders can be crippling and feed into others; for example, my autism only exacerbates struggles with anxiety and depression, creating a vicious cycle of instability.

However, I believe it is time to shift the narrative when it comes to neurological or behavioral disorders. I do not want to minimize how debilitating these disorders can be, but rather view them from a different perspective.

It is extremely hard living with autism from a social context, but I have only seen it enrich my vocation. Autism, while presenting challenges, has offered a unique perspective and strengths that I would not have access to if I was not on the spectrum.

Autism can create a hyperfixation and an intense concentration on a certain interest or task. This can lead to those on the spectrum performing exceptionally well in their fields.

While I am by no means a great writer, I tend to intensely concentrate on my craft, and have since high school. Without this hyperfixation, it is plausible to believe I wouldn’t have landed a gig at the Shelby County Reporter.

So, yes, disorders like autism can be extremely debilitating and cause unparalleled sorrow. But, to those reading dealing with their own disorders or ailments, find that silver lining. The beauty of life and creation is that we are all uniquely made. Viewing my autism as a gift rather than an ailment, despite its negatives, is a worldview I hope those with mental illnesses also adopt.