A Dual Pronged Approach to Autism

I believe a dual pronged approach is needed for autism and both approaches can & needs to co-exist for many autistics. I have a leg in both groups and I need help on both. Its not an either-or. 

One is enabling Strengths-based Opportunities that is necessary for societal inclusion. We need to look at possibilities and open opportunities. We need ALL autistics to move towards belonging. We need this in areas like education (school/higher-ed), employment, relationships, friendships and more, so that autistics across the spectrum can experience success and improved self-worth. This is a big deal. We have to work on overcoming societal misconceptions so that there is better acceptance and inclusion. This has to accompanied by appropriate accommodations, interventions, policy changes and other supports such as in mental health (more in another post on this last bit).

The other is Challenge-based Solutions that enable a dignified quality of life, especially for the more significantly-impacted marginalized autistics. For many like me, without solutions on this second front as well, the other prong becomes hard to realize and the dream of belonging and inclusion slips further and further away especially as we age.

- Current research primarily utilizes "testable autistics;" but these solutions may not apply to all. So we needed improved technology & methodology so that this population can be part of "testable autistics' and can participate in research so that we can get to solutions. In addition, there needs to be research into helping the thousands growing into adulthood everyday. Research also needs to be translatable and not sit as "exciting theory" in published research.

- Translational biomedical research that looks deeper at physiology, brain biology, precision-med interventions. A healthier body is better able to navigate the environment. Why did we experience childhood regression (i lost the ability to speak at 18 months, why are we not looking at what happened), will be be another massive regression in sometime in adulthood. The biology part is IMPORTANT. Why are there so many underlying health issues like gut, sleep, seizures, autoimmune & more for many autistics from childhood itself. Why are we more prone to debilitating SIB and meltdowns. We need precision-pharma & therapeutics than the current guesses which are just sedating meds and which cause to brain fog. And these issues are not on a steady curve, with seeming improvements then huge relapses, so what's going on. What's going to happen as we age. I feel my movement-disorder-like-body-movements have worsened with age and I feel less healthy overall. Am I going to end up with Parkinson's and Alzheimers in another decade? That's going to impact my communication even more.

- Affordable & accessible communication technology & streamlined methodologies. Technology needs to be easier to use and more intuitive. Use of AI/ML, BCI etc. (in another post). Has to be across the lifespan and not just education-years focus. Education comes to an ed at some point.

- Policy support, services and healthcare for daily living across the lifespan. (more in a later post on this).