One in 36. This is the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding the number of children who have been identified as being on the autism spectrum disorder. Autism affects boys and girls and its causes are not well-understood, per information from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

As stated on the Autism Society of South Carolina website, it is a complex, lifelong developmental condition that most commonly appears during early childhood. It may impact one’s social skills, communication, relationships and self-regulation.

“People have varying versions so people may experience autism in varying ways,” said Mary Alex Kopp, vice president and chief public relations officer with ABLE South Carolina, a disability led organization in the midlands. “Some may have multiple disabilities. ... People with disabilities are experts in their own lives.”

There are multiple characteristics common to autism defined in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5); it is a wide spectrum.

“We hear many stories from people who are autistic. Some are diagnosed in school and some in adulthood. There are variations because of medical ableism where a doctor is not considering a diagnosis because of stereotypes or maybe a rural area where a doctor isn’t aware,” Kopp said. “There’s also masking. A lot of people are diagnosed as adults with autism who internalize or mask.”

Malachi Johnson

Malachi Johnson, 21, of West Columbia attends Midlands Technical College, works for AmeriCorps and has dreams of being an author. 

Johnson was diagnosed with autism at 10 years old thanks to his mom who researched and advocated for him. 

“My mom was trying to figure out what was going on. She researched and looked up and she found autism,” he said.

They went from doctor to doctor waiting for someone to listen and provide an answer instead of brushing them off. He says that he’s had a few close friends who share similar interests or hobbies but for the most part, he describes himself as anti-social.

“I noticed I had problems relating and understanding others around me. Due to that, I didn’t fit in,” he said.

As for school, Johnson says there were certain subjects he was good in and then there were other subjects he had trouble with.

“School was a struggle. The schools weren’t necessarily with us. They did the bare minimum,” Johnson said.

He went on to graduate high school with a diploma. He was never in special education classes; he was in general education classes alongside his classmates. 

He said he’s thankful for his mom’s advocacy and his diagnosis as it has helped him understand himself better. 

“It helped my own self-confidence and find my strength in self. I’m alright,” Johnson said. “There were lots of setbacks but I made it to my current goal. I’m currently making more friends and thankful for ABLE for helping me socially. There’s more acceptance in myself.”

“It’s easier said than done. That’s my one true advice. I’ve always believed no matter where you are, everyone can make it to where they want to,” he said. “[Autism] is not a limitation. It’s an advantage because it gives you an advantage on life. It gives you a way to look at life and things and peers around you differently. Go at your own pace.”