Children with level 1 autism: a plea for understanding and inclusion
How does a parent deal with not only the stigma, but misconceptions attached to high-functioning autism? Social worker Mariette Cawood candidly speaks about how this affects a child and its parents, facilitating the child’s relationship with teachers and other individuals, dealing with specific challenges, and the 3 phases of autism. She voices the grief many parents experience and urges other adults to educate themselves and promote a more supportive, inclusive environment.
If you are new to podcasts, simply click on the arrow to listen to the two Mariettes, or on the download button to download the conversation onto your device.
In ep. 221 of the weekly podcast series Calm, Clear & Helpful, social worker and mom Mariette Cawood touches on:
her 9-year-old son, West, the youngest in ‘a very neurodiverse house’
an eventual diagnosis of level 1 or high-functioning autism
3 main levels of autism
how West reflects level 1 autism
the role of routine, predictability and emotional safety
challenges West experiences, including at times being perceived as rude, blunt or disruptive
overwhelm, shutdown, hyperfocus, and difficulty in reading body language
how West’s parents help him address challenges at home, including reflecting on situations that didn’t go as planned
how his parents help him address challenges in other situations, e.g. sharing his diagnosis with others and inviting them to discuss questions or difficulties
liaising with teachers and other parents (and carefully prepping and planning) to make it easier for all concerned
misconceptions Mariette comes across
her words to other parents raising children with high-functioning autism.
In this episode, Mariette mentions Autism South Africa: https://www.aut2know.co.za/
West at play
Also read Mariette’s moving piece: “The grief no one talks about: parenting, perception, and a different kind of loss.”
Feel free to click on Home and browse this website for articles and podcasts on more fulfilling love relationships, easier parenting, and upping your emotional well-being. Subscribe to my monthly newsletter to get a gentle nudge when new content is alive!
More about Mariette Cawood
Mariette Cawood is a social worker working in the medical field, based in Cape Town. She has practised for 20 years, active in several locations in South Africa as well as abroad and in several fields of social work.
The free podcast series Calm, Clear & Helpful is available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Player FM and Iono.fm – I hope you’ll subscribe!
Original music by Mart-Marie Snyman
Thumbnail image: Unsplash. Models used
Photographs of Mariette and West: supplied