Counselor Advocacy Exploration (Blog) ~ Children Diagnosed With Autism
Explore the counselor role of client advocacy. The student will research the following topics and post their responses in a blog: help seeking behaviors, the marginalization of a specific population, and the characteristics of a specific population. The student is required to utilize and list at least 4 sources in constructing their responses to pre-set questions in a blog.
1) What are the characteristics of this population?
2) What factors impact the marginalization of this population?
3) What are the help seeking needs of this population?
4) What areas of advocacy are needed for this population and why are these necessary?
5). What plan would you implement to address client advocacy needs in this population
Sample Solution
The characteristics of individuals diagnosed with autism can vary from person to person. Generally, certain key traits and behaviors or core challenges are shared by most people on the spectrum. These include difficulties with communication and social interaction, restricted interests and repetitive behavior, sensory sensitivity as well as challenges with executive functioning skills such as cognitive flexibility. People on the autism spectrum may also display more severe symptoms such as self-injurious behavior, aggression towards others, and extreme anxiety. Additionally there is often a wide range in individual abilities across areas such as language development, cognition skills and motor coordination that require tailored strategies to promote progress in these areas while supporting overall well-being for each individual. The marginalization of individuals with autism can be impacted by a number of factors such as societal attitudes and misconceptions, lack of awareness or understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), inadequate services or supports, and limited access to resources. Additionally, the impact of autism on an individual’s daily life can range from mild to severe depending upon his/her level of functioning in various areas and circumstances. This can lead to difficulties with social interactions that may further contribute to the perception of being different from others which may lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Finally, systemic barriers such as education systems not adequately prepared for meeting the needs unique autistic children also serve to marginalize this population further.
1. Socioeconomic status: Marginalized populations tend to have lower socioeconomic statuses and thus are more likely to face economic insecurity, limited access to resources and other forms of social exclusion.
2. Education: Inadequate access to education can be a significant factor in marginalizing people, as educational attainment is often a pre-requisite for many job opportunities and interpersonal relationships that are necessary for full participation in society.
3. Race/Ethnicity: Members of minority racial or ethnic groups may be disproportionately affected by marginalization due to institutional racism, discrimination, inequality, poverty and lack of representation within institutions such as the government or media.
