The Journey of Autism Awareness: Cheryl Pankhurst's Insights on Spectrum Disorders

In an episode of the MindShift Power Podcast, we had the privilege of diving into the impactful insights of Cheryl Pankhurst, a special education specialist with over twenty-five years of experience from Toronto, Canada. Hosted by the dynamic Fatima Bey and joined by Janiyah, a 17-year-old from Amsterdam, New York, this episode explores the importance of recognizing and supporting individuals on the autism spectrum.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders

Cheryl Pankhurst emphasizes the importance of understanding and supporting individuals on the autism spectrum. She explains that creating an inclusive environment and focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses are key to helping these individuals thrive. "We need to give them a voice and create as much of an inclusive environment as possible," she shares.

Addressing Offensive Terminology

The conversation tackles the issue of outdated and offensive terminology, such as the word "retarded." Cheryl explains that terms like this are no longer acceptable and should be canceled. "Once we know that we're offending somebody, we're done. There shouldn't even be a discussion," she asserts. It's essential to use respectful and accurate language when referring to individuals with disabilities.

Recognizing Social Cues

Fatima shares a personal story about learning to recognize social cues in individuals with Asperger's syndrome. Cheryl explains that people on the autism spectrum often struggle with understanding social cues, sarcasm, and nonverbal communication. "They do not see anything in a gray area. They would not understand anything other than something literal," she elaborates.

Navigating Friendships

Janiyah asks if it's possible for individuals on the autism spectrum to have close friends who are not on the spectrum. Cheryl affirms that it is possible and emphasizes the importance of understanding and accommodating their unique communication styles. "If you verbalize what normally we could say to our friends sitting in a room, they could be comfortable and understand there's no offense to you," she advises.

Dealing with Sensory Issues

The episode highlights the sensory issues often experienced by individuals on the autism spectrum. Cheryl explains that sensory sensitivities, such as being bothered by loud noises or bright lights, are common. It's important to recognize these sensitivities and make necessary accommodations. "Sensory issues are incredibly characteristic of someone on the autism spectrum," she notes.

Creating a Supportive Environment

Cheryl shares practical tips for creating a supportive environment for individuals on the autism spectrum. She suggests asking specific questions to understand their needs and providing a safe space for them to self-regulate. "If you start recognizing those signs, you can catch someone before they get to the point where they can't communicate," she advises.

Encouraging Open Communication

The conversation underscores the importance of open communication and understanding. Fatima and Cheryl encourage listeners to ask questions and seek to understand the experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum. "You can ask a person with autism anything you want as long as you're asking them yes or no questions, black and white questions," Cheryl explains.

Final Thoughts

Cheryl's insights highlight the importance of awareness and understanding when it comes to supporting individuals on the autism spectrum. By creating inclusive environments, using respectful language, and fostering open communication, we can help these individuals thrive and achieve their full potential.