A Journey with Autism
Every April, Calvin’s mom takes a moment to remember Calvin’s autism journey when she learned about his first diagnosis, their life covered with fears. Many questions hit her mind. Could my son go to school? Would he have friends? Would her marriage survive? But over the years, she has formed a different image. Her son Calvin hugged with mercy, an inclusive community that believed in him. His teachers stand with care and intention. Without any hesitation, his classmates welcome him. Therapists and doctors took care of him to find his voice and place in the world. Then the worries gradually faded away, replaced by strength and confidence.
Understanding Autism
The ethical perspective of autism is very important. As Calvin’s mother explained in her son’s story, success should be measured by well-being, inclusion, and opportunity, not only by economic productivity. Measuring the value of autistic individuals based on tax contributions can reinforce stigma and harm human dignity. She also emphasized that autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition, not an epidemic. Instead, there should be real support through services, care, education, and full integration into society. Society should work to improve the way people with autism spectrum disorder are viewed by recognizing their strengths and helping them develop their abilities from a young age. This can benefit both individuals with autism and the wider community. Rather than focusing on their productivity compared to non-autistic people, the focus should be on improving their quality of life and creating policies that respect and support all individuals with autism.
