Atypical Take on Autism: A Netflix Original Show on an Autistic Kid

Atypical Take on Autism: A Netflix original show on an Autistic kid.

Ryan Tillman-French

Bunker Hill Community College

Abstract

Autism or the Autistic Spectrum refers to the multiple conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. It is the fastest growing developmental disorder with more than 3.5 million americans living on the spectrum. In this Essay I will cover the 3 major types of Autism and the Netflix Original show: Atypical and it’s representation of the disorder. The first is Autistic Disorder also called classic autism, it is the most common thought when people hear autism. The people suffering from classic autism have significant language delays, social and communication challenges, and unusual behaviors and interests. Many of these people have intellectual disorders also. Secondly is Asperger Syndrome, more of a milder autistic disorder, these sufferers don't have intellectual or language disabilities but, they usually have weird behaviors or interest along with social challenges. Lastly is Pervasive Development Disorder also known as atypical autism. This is the form of autism that protagonist of the show suffers from hence its title. Most with atypical autism have even milder problems, and they usually fall in this category when they lack enough symptoms to be considered classic autism or asperger syndrome. Atypicals usually only have social and/or communication challenges. In conclusion after giving detail of the disorder I will agree or disagree with its representation of the disorder.

        Keywords: ASD(autism spectrum disorder), neurotypicals,

Imagine your child born healthy and beautiful but later you learn your beautiful baby has autism. Most parents would be fearful because of some autistic social and/or behavioral challenges and any combined mental disabilities. Also any stereotypes, many being true but  most “problems” with autism can be helped to either prevent from happening altogether, or at least far less often than usual if caught early enough in the life of someone on the spectrum. ASD or autism spectrum disorder is a social and behavioral disorder with a multitude of symptoms and causes. Many have the same symptoms but to think that everyone on the spectrum are the same is wrong in so many ways.

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder with a many causes ranging from infections during pregnancy like rubella, drinking alcohol, older parents having children particularly an older father, drugs like cocaine, and even simply genetics. There are no known cures for autism but it has advanced culturally, many believe that ASD should be treated as a difference instead of a disorder. Growing in diagnosis in the last ten years it is speculated in America it is around 1 in 45 children, previously 1 in 68, and 1 in 88 two years before then. Scientist don't believe that it's not because of more people becoming autistic but more that since there is now a more general diagnosis and its actually taking more serious, and more people are being tested and get treatment instead of being shoveled off as just a shy or aloof personality.

Signs typically start to show between 18-24 months but can be overlooked for years before being diagnosed. These signs are characterized as impaired social interaction, impaired verbal, and nonverbal communication, also restricted and repetitive behavior. A clear indicator of autism is a regression in communication or behavioral skills, also eye contact at a young age is also an indicator according to new studies. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends testing at every child's wellness visit to their primary care physician. Autism speaks give a general three step process to be aware of before testing or while awaiting test results (https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/from-first-concern-to-action/learn-signs):

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