Wisconsin

Many of us know someone who is very smart but socially awkward. They may be long winded and have one-sided conversations about narrow topics. Perhaps they have poor eye contact.

Even though they have been employed, and are considered a good worker, they have problems maintaining a job and supporting themselves.

Sometimes they may even be intellectually gifted yet they have difficulties in traditional education and drop out of school because of those difficulties.

These symptoms are indicative of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) — including what was formerly known as Asperger's Syndrome.

With early diagnosis and intervention, those with ASD learn to manage their symptoms and lead ordinary lives. Unfortunately, children and young adults with ASD are often misdiagnosed, and many go years without receiving proper resources. As a result, these children and young adults are often labeled as odd or different and can suffer from teasing and poor self-esteem.

Nancy Dalrymple, a behaviorist with the Indiana Resource Center for Autism, suggests, "Teach rather than judge. Model rather than criticize. Provide supports rather than labels."

As one of the counselors at American Foundation of Counseling Services, I take this suggestion seriously and have been teaching, modeling and providing social skills training to children and adults in therapy groups for many years.

The need is what keeps this longtime group going.

So I challenge you to think about how you can teach, model or provide support to someone — child or adult — with ASD.

What If ... adults with ASD felt support in the workplace?

What If ... you mentored them?

What If ... children and adults with ASD were recognized for what they can offer — not for how they are different?

To not be judged, to be validated and to have a place to be themselves. That's why I do this work and I invite you to think about what you can do.

— Marilyn Brennan is a licensed clinical social worker with American Foundation of Counseling Services.

What If ...

American Foundation of Counseling Services' 50th anniversary celebration encourages acts of kindness in the community through the What If ... initiative. Learn more and share your act of kindness — or a kindness that was given to you — at whatif@afcscounseling.org or at afcscounseling.org.

For help

The American Foundation of Counseling Services offers group therapy for young adults affected by Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

The focus of the group is to identify challenges and strengths and build skills to problem solve everyday situations as a group. Individuals learn skills like improving listening and developing the ability to take another person's perspective into account.

AFCS's clinical psychologist also offers testing to help diagnose and treat ASD. To learn more, call (920) 437-8256.