Written by: Emily Singh
Edited by: Jonathan Cina
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that is prevalent today with 1 in 36 children being a part of the community. Typical symptoms of ASD can include difficulty communicating with others, difficulty learning, and discomfort during social interactions. With this being said, there are a lot of misconceptions about how these symptoms can present in people with ASD. which has led to negative stereotypes about those in the community. Some of the most common stereotypes, for example, are thinking that people with ASD are antisocial or unintelligent. However, these generalizations are inaccurate and harmful. ASD encompasses a wide spectrum of all mental and physical capabilities.
Autism spectrum disorder impacts all aspects of life. However, one aspect that is most notably impacted is social situations. People with ASD may be uncomfortable in large social scenes due to many variables, such as loud noises, large crowds, and societal expectations. In many cases, people within this community have issues fitting into what society deems as “normal” and thus feel the need to “mask” their emotions. This term is used to describe the act of adjusting one’s behavior to the normal standard. People with ASD typically emote their emotions differently than most; for example, they are not always as expressive and may not understand or reciprocate social cues (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023). In a social setting this can mean that they might talk for long periods of time about their own interests without listening to other people as much.
Additionally, school and learning environments are heavily impacted by ASD for many people. About 60% of children with ASD also have a learning disability, which can, much like ASD, present itself in many different ways (Yacoub, 2024). These learning disabilities can vary but they are typically speech related. Some children are non-verbal, while others have a harder time understanding language. The aforementioned discomfort in social settings can make school difficult as well. Children with ASD typically have a reduced attention span, which compounds with the fact that children already have a difficult time learning new concepts. Furthermore, children with ASD often find planning more difficult, which can impact learning.
It is important for all kids to feel comfortable in their learning environment as well as have the opportunity to thrive. The classic classroom is not beneficial for most children with ASD. The rigid structure, loud noises and fast-pace is not suitable for everyone. Children with ASD may find this environment overstimulating, and can hinder their work performance. However, there are alternatives. Most schools offer individualized education plans (IEPs) to help accommodate everyone (Psychology Today). These plans include adjustments such as more visual aids, extensions and out-of-classroom help. Professionals such as personal aides alr therapists can help children regulate emotions in school better as well as complete school assignments. Extensions can be used to accommodate for the fact some children need more time to understand material. IEPs allow children with ASD to practice and promote positive behavioral skills with their peers, but also acknowledge that their pace might differ.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is an incredibly complex and versatile disorder. As with any developmental disorder, there is no “one-size fits all”. Individualized plans and additional support are great ways to ensure children with ASD have as many opportunities as possible. Reinforcing positive affirmations that ASD is not a limit is a crucial factor in a world full of stereotypes. A child can accomplish only what they are told they can, so it’s important to make the sky the limit.
References
"Autism at School." Psychology Today, 9 Mar. 2025,
Forbrain. "Autism & Learning." Forbrain, 9 Mar. 2025,
National Institute of Mental Health. "Autism Spectrum Disorder." National Institute of Mental
Health, 9 Mar. 2025, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/autism-spectrum-disorder
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