Autism Awareness: The Missing Piece
"No! Don't say that! I don't wanna talk about it!" Trevor was having a fit. He defiantly plugged his ears and shut his eyes as I told him about the kids at Awesome Club who also had Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I sat next to him on his bed, trying to explain that having Asperger's Syndrome was nothing to be ashamed of. All I accomplished was an increase in his fury because I had wrinkled his sheets. Towering over me with his six-foot-two frame, he clumsily pushed me out of his room and slammed the door, grumbling that he now needed to fix his bed. As I stood behind the closed door of his room, I knew he was engrossed in the detailed process of remaking his bed one layer at a time. This kind of behavior was not out of the ordinary for my brother Trevor.
Trevor has a mild form of autism, a complex neurological disorder that affects one’s ability to communicate. This condition also includes difficulties coping with sensory overload, social interaction, changes in routine, and obsessive compulsions such as Trevor’s need to keep his bedroom "just so." He used to be uncomfortable talking about his disorder, but he has gradually become more open as he has learned that he is not alone.
According to the Autism Society of America, over 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with some form of autism. This does not include the number of family members, school systems and work places that are also affected by the disorder. As the fastest growing developmental disability, it is expected to increase at a rate of 10 to 17 percent annually. This has enormous implications for our society as these individuals reach the age of employment; they can either become employed, tax-paying citizens or unemployed, tax-receiving citizens. As Miss Minnesota, I will address these alarming statistics in order to help people with Autism Spectrum Disorder become contributing members of society. I plan to focus on three “missing pieces” related to autism:
I. Social Skills Programs: In 2008, I developed and implemented Awesome Club, a weekly, after-school social skills program for students with ASD. By providing a supportive environment in which these children could build friendships, Awesome Club improved the quality of their lives. The development of critical social skills boosts the self-esteem of individuals with ASD and prepares them for life after high school when communication is key to success. Awesome Club serves as a template I will use to educate churches, schools, and civic organizations about how to implement these vital programs across the nation.
II. Employment: Obtaining gainful employment is a significant challenge facing the growing autism community. The lack of social skills associated with ASD makes it difficult to get past the job interview. This is compounded by the lack of understanding among employers. By collaborating with the Autism Society of Minnesota and the Autism Society of America, I will educate employers about the untapped resource of this population and help pass legislation that provides benefits to businesses that employ people with disabilities.
III. Awareness: During my year as Miss Minnesota, I will make a lasting impact on society’s perception of people with ASD by increasing awareness of the challenges these individuals face as well as the many gifts they have to offer our community. I will continue to be an advocate and a resource that people can turn to concerning this fascinating cerebral difference. I will use the crown as a powerful tool to educate the public through the media, school systems, civic organizations, and community events in order to create a culture of acceptance.
The growing incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorder must be addressed in order to help individuals with ASD become contributing members of society. The Miss America Organization has demonstrated its dedication to helping people succeed through its scholarship assistance and ongoing affiliation with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, which helps children and their families address serious physical illnesses and disabilities. My work within the ASD community over the past 6 years has uniquely qualified me to promote these two similar and complimentary endeavors. I welcome the opportunity to promote both the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and my personal platform during my year of service.
Special note:
Trevor is currently pursuing his dream of becoming a best selling children’s book author. In fact, the first book of his series, The Adventures of Charley McChooChoo, will be released very soon! Check out his new website, www.CharleyMcChooChoo.weebly.com and follow MissMN2011 on Twitter to receive updates about when his first book, Danny and the Whistling Engine, will be available for purchase!
