Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder that affects the way people communicate with others. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), “There is often nothing about how people with ASD look that sets them apart from other people.”

So, why are people with ASD treated differently?

ASD is a spectrum, meaning people with the disorder can fall into different levels of severity. Some people with ASD need support from friends and family but can live totally normal lives, by society’s standards.

Some on the spectrum may need more support and care, but nothing says they too can’t accomplish their goals.

It comes down to a person’s ability to care for another human being. Something can be learned from people with ASD. They desire connection. Where is our ability to sympathize, even if we cannot necessarily empathize with people with ASD?

People with ASD may need a little more time to get the words out, but they are words that want to be said. They may not always understand emotional cues, but we can all miss the message at times.

ASD isn’t given the importance it deserves when one in 68 people are born with the disorder. Our understanding of this complex disorder must grow and evolve so that people with ASD feel more comfortable in their skin.

We are all human. We have all experienced pain and struggle at some point in our lives. But for some, communication is a natural experience. For others, communication is a mountain to climb.

It’s time to bridge the gap to better understand people with ASD.