What our society gets wrong about autism and learning

In my years of teaching within my community, I have met children who were labelled as “difficult to handle.” They were often viewed as a burden, and many people, including parents, seemed frustrated by their behaviours. Little did they know that these behaviours were often a child’s way of communicating a need. ALSO READ: Autism and humanity: Every life has value As human beings, we often do not experience the world in the same way, and that difference is beautiful. The same applies to autism. It is time we shift our understanding of autism from seeing it as a tragedy to recognizing it as a different way some people experience and interact with the world around them. ALSO READ: The hidden struggle of autism in Rwanda Autism is a developmental condition that affects the way a person communicates and responds to their environment. Some autistic individuals may react differently to textures, lighting, noise, crowds, or even calm environments. Autism is called a spectrum because no two autistic individuals are exactly the same. They do not all behave alike, show the same signs, or respond to support in the same way. ALSO READ: Early signs of Autism: Stories of parents with Autistic children Every child has unique strengths and needs. There are many myths surrounding autism. One common misconception is that children with autism cannot learn. In reality, many autistic children have high intelligence quotients, and when given supportive environments and proper learning tools, they often excel in their areas of interest. Another myth is that all autistic children are nonverbal. Some autistic children experience speech delays, which can improve with support, including speech therapy. Others may be completely nonverbal but can still learn to communicate effectively through sign language, gestures, or assistive communication tools. There is also a misunderstanding that autism is caused by poor parenting. The truth is that autism is a condition a child is born with. It is not caused by parenting style, nor is it something a child simply outgrows. The brain of an autistic child is wired differently, and the best thing our society can do is to understand these children rather than trying to “fix” them. Across many African communities, families raising autistic children often face painful challenges. Some parents feel ashamed because of how society treats them. Others are judged unfairly by neighbours, relatives, or friends. Unfortunately, many people still associate autism with witchcraft, curses, demonic possession, or spiritual punishment. These harmful beliefs create fear, stigma, and unnecessary conflict within families and communities. As Rwandans striving to build a society where every child feels seen, valued, and loved, we must begin by changing our mindset about autism. We must stop viewing autistic children as helpless or hopeless and instead practice inclusion, patience, and compassion. The best thing we can do is accept autistic children, love them like any other child, and provide the support they need early enough. With understanding, encouragement, and access to support services, autistic children can thrive and build meaningful futures. Today, let us choose to understand children with autism rather than forcing them to understand us. The writer is an educator, early childhood development practitioner, and neurodiversity and parenting advocate.

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What our society gets wrong about autism and learning