From the moment a child or an individual is diagnosed with autism, they start to be labelled by many people. Teachers at school, neighbours, people at the supermarket, mothers in the park and sometimes even parents. This situation, which I have encountered very often in my professional life for many years, negatively affects the development of children.
My student goes to school, while playing with his friends, sometimes he does not share his toys, sometimes he does not want to play, sometimes he tries to hit his friend, etc. he can exhibit many behaviours. In the evening, the teacher can talk to the mother or father and complain that these behaviours are due to autism and disrupt the class order without providing a solution. In this case, parents are in a dilemma. Because they do not know what to do and are not guided.
In another example, my student, who does not play like his friends while playing in the park, sometimes wants to touch them, sometimes rolls on the ground to attract attention, is labelled by other mothers in the park, and the mother is told that he does this because he has autism.
In another example; my student, who throws a tantrum and throws himself on the ground because his mother does not buy a toy or food he wants in the market, other people in the market show with their looks or words that he behaves like this because he has autism.
Yes, some of their behaviours may be different, outside what we call ‘normal’. Most of the time, my students were complained to their parents many times because they were labelled with autism, even though their peers were doing the same behaviours. Of course, this situation is not valid for every teacher. I exempt many of my teacher friends who strive for the development of their students with whom we cooperate. However; many of my parents were very upset and cried a lot because of this situation.
There is a situation that is forgotten. They are still children. Just a child who does not know where and how to behave, who acts as he/she feels. As long as we continue labelling at school, in the park, in the market, we can be of no use to either families or children.
The life of parents who do not know what to do in the face of this situation becomes more difficult every day. Every day we say let’s recognise autism. We write articles and share posts on social media. However, awareness does not only come from writing. Teachers need to be more aware of autism. The family, the child’s special teachers and the class teacher should hold regular meetings and speak the same language to support the child’s development.
In the park, mothers should encourage their children to play more and support the family by telling the mothers of children affected by autism about the positive developments of their children.
Do not look at the mother with condemning eyes when a child throws himself/herself on the floor in the supermarket. You don’t know why their child threw themselves on the floor. However, you may ask if you need help.
Autism is a difference, but if we are aware of it, families can cope with this difference and their lives can be easier. Yes, be aware of autism and start by not labelling children.