People living with autism generally experience challenges in everyday life. External factors such as where they lives play a vital role in their quality of life. see3-d `According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 54 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Living with autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder; it has effects on emotional regulations which often results in limited relationship skills present throughout the lifetime of autistic individuals. People living with autism are individually unique; the support and care they need vary and tend to change as they grow. Autistic individuals are part of a fast-growing population. Hence, programs and policies must be matched appropriately to accommodate a smooth transition of the evolving needs of people on the autism spectrum. More Autism research is needed.
How Autistic People Living In Low-Income Neighborhoods Are Affected.
Keeping up with rent, food, and other expenses can be quite a hassle for most families; it incurs significant strain and stress. People living in low-income neighborhoods are likely to suffer an elevated risk of autism and a high rate of unemployment compared to those in high-income areas. Now let’s picture a struggling family with a child or two living with autism. In the absence of early intervention or external support, the pressure can make the family fall apart, leaving the autistic child emotionally traumatized and negatively impacting their chances of independence as an adult, not to mention the increasing likelihood of debilitating behavioral issues. It is surprising to find out that most low-income families with autistic children do not have a complete picture of what it means to be autistic, how to handle it, or even where to go for help –autism abounds in deprived neighborhoods.
In most cases, parents tend to be too ashamed of the behavior of their children; they are too embarrassed to seek out help, so they end up handling things their own way. African American, Asian Pacific Islanders, and Hispanic communities with autistic children or individuals are most likely to go through the most difficult of scenarios when they try to access services, and this is mainly as a result of documented disparities for their communities. Since it is mostly considered the pediatrician’s responsibility to run a diagnosis for signs of autism in children, it is vital to go with your children for early screening. The truth is that, in a lot of low-income neighborhoods, one-on-one meetings with pediatricians are usually very short. Their cases are often handled by a nurse practitioner, which eventually leads to a missed chance for a proper screening diagnosis.
Although autism does not occur in only a specific group of people, the impacts are not felt equally across all groups. People from low-income neighborhoods have fewer opportunities for work experience acquisitions, fewer choices for services, and the worst of outcomes, among other indicators. Autistic people in low-income neighborhoods, therefore, find it more so challenging to access the care they need. According to a recent national data report, youth between the ages 12 and 23, nearly half of youth living with autism come from neighborhoods below 85% of the federal poverty level. Out of four families, one family receives at least a form of public assistance. Many families that are raising youth on the autism spectrum struggle every day to make ends meet while navigating complex care systems to get help care for their children.
African American youth living with autism in low-income neighborhoods are most likely to face some difficulties in comparison with their peers in privileged areas when it comes to self-care, communication as well as getting to places outside their homes independently. 26% of youth living with autism are non-white, while 15% are Hispanic. Inadequate preparation can hinder them from achieving success in many areas like mental and physical health, continued education, employment, integration into community life, and friendships. This is why I believe more Autism research is needed. People living with autism in low-income neighborhoods, with the many challenges leveled against them, find it hard to navigate their way successfully through life.
by: Me
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