We are all unique individuals, and at Labor Solutions we celebrate the differences that make us who we are. April is Autism Acceptance Month and World Autism Month, we’d like to take a moment to shed a light on the incredibly diverse population among us that live on the spectrum. People on the spectrum have made some major contributions to our modern lives while highlighting the fact that being “different” doesn’t make a person incompetent or otherwise undeserving of the care and respect that we all deserve.
History of Autism
The CDC reported that one in 54 American children is living with an autism diagnosis in 2020, a marked increase from the one in 125 that was reported in 2010. While autism has only been recognized as a discernible condition for a little over a century, there have certainly been people throughout history that have been affected by it.
The term “autism” was first coined in 1908 by a psychiatrist named Eugen Bleuler who was describing a schizophrenic patient who had withdrawn into his own world. While there are some biological and clinical links between schizophrenia and autism, the two conditions are not the same and are not treated in the same ways.
For decades, autism was not well understood, and many researchers thought that the condition was the result of parental detachment. It wasn’t until the 1980s that autism research really gained traction, and the roles of genetics, metabolism, and neurological disturbances were explored as possible causes.
These days, the autistic community has a great deal more support and understanding than in previous decades. The majority of Americans, including us here at Labor Solutions, are in favor of companies making employment opportunities available to those on the spectrum. A few simple adjustments to certain processes can make the world greatly more accessible for individuals who are recognized as autistic.
Supporting Each Other
Like most Americans, we at Labor Solutions find it unacceptable that 85 percent of college-educated autistic adults are unable to find employment. If you or someone you care about is struggling to find work with an autism diagnosis, please contact Labor Solutions. We are happy to help anyone willing to work in a position that is right for them!
