Autism is a developmental condition characterized by differences in communication, social interaction, and behavior. The common features among autistic children are repetitive behavior, sensory sensitivities, and others. It is often noticeable in the first few years of life, but in many cases, it may not be diagnosed until adolescence or adulthood. The exact cause of autism is not fully understood. It is mostly a combination of genetic and environmental factors. 

How does income impact the lives of autistic children?

Most parents of autistic children often feel that their child is a burden and that their lives are ruined. However, this situation is handled differently based on the family’s financial status:

  • In upper-class families, parents may feel sad at first, but they eventually try to provide the best care for their children. They might even take their child abroad for treatment and hire someone to help care for them.
  • In middle-class families, parents also feel upset in the beginning but try to find good treatment options within their budget. Family members usually support the child, though they may not be able to afford treatment abroad.
  • In lower-class families, the child is often ignored. They grow up without much care or support. In some cases, the child may even get lost or abandoned.

Although autism is not curable, proper treatment and therapies can help individuals develop or manage skills. However, these treatments and therapies are often quite expensive. While upper-class families can afford them more easily, this is not always possible for lower-class families. Autistic children are often gifted with unique and extraordinary skills. With proper guidance and care, they can discover and develop their full potential. 

Many families with good incomes can easily afford all the necessary services. Many famous people who are known worldwide have autism, but with the right care and support, they are doing really well. However, families with low incomes can’t always afford these services. Many autistic children in rural areas don’t have access to special schools or support. Without the right care, they may struggle to develop their skills. This lack of support can make it harder for them to succeed in life. Most schools for autistic children are in cities, so people from villages miss out on these opportunities. As a result, they sometimes end up doing low-paying jobs in small shops. This small income doesn’t help the family, so they just become a burden to the other family members. The people in the village don’t know about autism, and sometimes the mothers are blamed for it. In many cases, the mothers are left alone with the child, and they feel frustrated.

We can see how a family’s income makes a big difference in how children are raised. A higher income can provide better opportunities like a good education, extracurricular activities, and a stable home environment. On the other hand, families with less income might struggle to afford these things. This can affect a child’s development, opportunities, and even their future. It’s clear that financial stability plays an important role. 

To read more blogs, click here.

Writer

Sadia Noor Orpita

Intern,

Content Writing Department

YSSE.