Analysis Of ‘Running With Walker’: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

Analysis

Autism spectrum disorder has been characterised by a variation in how a person’s brain evolves. Individuals with ASD are conceived with it, therefore their issues generally begin in their early childhood. Walker was having difficulty connecting with and connecting to others. When comparing children of the identical age, education standards differ significantly between Walker at six including those at twelve (Chiarotti, and Venerosi, 2020). In addition, considering the issues discussed in the article, literacy levels differ significantly depending on the intensity of the issue as well as the existence or absence of variety of cognitive problems. In this study the critical analysis of a piece written by Robert Hughes has been done. The name of the piece is, “Running with Walker”. Walker’s dad, Robert Hughes, shares a heart-warming and uplifting tale of how Walker discovered that his son had a mental health condition (Hughes, 2003). The book describes how a family copes as well as maintains optimism in the face of the enormous challenges that autism provides. It is written with startling honesty as well as humour.

Walker’s parents were worried that much about his growth retardation by the moment he was three years old that Walker sought the advice of a paediatric neurologist. Specialists diagnosed the boy with autism as well as gave him a bleak prognosis, saying, ‘I have no prospects for this Walker.’ Walker’s intellect, love, and warm personality, on the other hand, were completely unexpected – as were the wonderful ties that developed within his parents. Walker was diagnosed with autism. It is a developmental disorder that impacts a person’s view of and connection with others, resulting in difficulty with social engagement as well as communication skills. Restricted and repetitive routines of conduct are other characteristics of the disorder. ASD is classified as a spectrum disorder because of the vast collection of problems as well as severity that was seen. Autism spectrum disorder has no one known aetiology (Prelock, 2021). Considering the condition’s complexities, as well as the notion that kind and severity vary, a multitude of contributing causes are plausible. Both genetics and environment was playing a role in the development process.

The process of figuring out how to connect with a Walker upon that autism spectrum was demanding since it requires a great deal of energy and ingenuity. When Walker’s parents, who have greater patience and therefore are better able to connect with their son, were given the opportunity to take on most of the duty, Walker relished the opportunity. Parents who might have been working like a “team” were occasionally drifting apart, especially the more engaged Walker’s parents, who had become angrier over time.

Living with ASD

Life transitions, such as the shift from infancy to adulthood, provide unique difficulties and problems for persons with autism. However, it is crucial to note that each person with ASD is unique not just in regards of their symptoms as well as what usually works to regulate their disability, however also in regards of how Walker are capable of living in adulthood. It was quite stressful for these individuals with autism, who might have been comfortable with the physical requirements of a job stacking shelves at a grocery store, however who could find it virtually hard to connect with a customer that asks where these are located. The stress and worry of being in this type of setting was dissuade a person from looking for work in the first place.

Living with ASD was emotionally draining for families and individuals affected by the illness. Walker require as much emotional assistance as possible. Anxiety affects a large number of persons with ASD. This is usually caused by dissatisfaction with how the condition’s complications impair their day-to-day existence (Habib, et al., 2019). Walker’s parents had greater levels of sadness, anxiety, and other mental health–related disorders than the general population. It was possible that the mix of stresses and family adjustment challenges would result in discomfort that might progress to crisis. When it comes to mental health practise, understanding crises in the family is critical because it may serve as a guide when providing services to families that are at risk.

Walker was displaying anxiety symptoms, it might be due to transitory frustration rather than the development of an anxiety condition. Instead, it might be that Walker are overstimulated by specific stimuli or that their typical patterns have been disrupted. Their anxiety was also be caused by a sense of being misunderstood while attempting to interact with people (Kojovic, et al., 2019). All of this is more frequent among nonverbal children with ASD. Walker was susceptible to meltdowns. However, when individuals acclimate to life with the disease and start a treatment plan, the intensity and regularity of their meltdowns decrease. When autistic persons go to the doctor, the disorder tends to stay at the forefront of their minds. However, it is critical to maintain other regular medical examinations, such as yearly physicals as well as monthly appointments (Zhou, et al., 2021).

The person with ASD must maintain physical activity in order to be healthy. Eating a well-balanced diet, exercising frequently, and getting adequate sleep are just as vital as any pharmaceutical and psychotherapist medication regimen. Since Walker are picky eaters, some persons with ASD struggle to maintain a nutritious diet. It is fairly unusual to hear how an autistic person declines to consume particular foods due to their colour, flavour, or texture (Landa, 2018). 

Social Implications of Autism

Some persons with ASD also have difficulty sleeping: This waswas be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from agitation to sensory overload. Stick to a firm bedtime and establish a night routine to assist your autistic Walker in getting enough sleep. Walker’s younger brother, Davy, was a loving, sensitive, independent, forgiving, and receptive to the needs of those around him. However, Davy waswas have felt unhappy, nervous, or bewildered at times as a result of Walker’s behaviour or even the impact it was having on their family life.

The Social Implications of Autism: Autistic persons often struggle with socialisation. However, it is critical for a person with ASD to receive adequate support networks. Relatives, friends, as well as local support network gatherings in their region might provide social support (Tromans, et al., 2018). 

During Walker’s childhood in Chicago, Illinois, and until he was sixteen years old, this book covers his family’s existence in the city. Throughout the book, his parents detail their recognition that anything was different with Walker, as well as the difficulties Walker had when trying to locate the therapeutic treatments he required at various stages of his life. It describes his educational journey, beginning with day-care and progressing via home education and towards a specialised programme (Lau, et al., 2019). Starting in early infancy, autism spectrum disorder ultimately creates difficulties in interacting with others, as well as difficulties in school and in the workplace. In the first year, Walkers with autism are quite often diagnosed.

Walker or grownup with autism disorder waswas have difficulty interacting with others and communicating effectively with others (Ng, et al., 2019). Aside from the hurdles, there was something compelling and heartening about Walker’s narrative on one aspect. Walker’s father was an English lecturer who has written a book that is extremely simple to understand. As Walker get older, several children with autism disorder are becoming more socially engaged and exhibit less behavioural difficulties, according to research (Kang, et al., 2018). Some people, generally those who have the least serious difficulties, was able to lead normal or almost normal lives in the long run.

Conclusion

Getting through the subsequent levels of the book was much more challenging. Throughout the book, Walker’s father describes in detail the sacrifices that Walker made around their own life in order to maintain Walker at home. It should come as no surprise that many other parents of Walker with severe impairments separate and eventually divorce. While there might be a correlation between babies born to elderly couples and autistic spectrum disorder, additional study is needed to confirm or deny this association. Walker’s parents and brother’s emotional responses are eloquently depicted in the novel. Davy was fortunate to have parents that were willing to devote time to their son’s interests. It served as a timely warning that all of the Walker within a household with a handicapped Walker need extra care. My favourite part of the book was the depiction of the specialists’ indifference to Walker’s genuine queries, which I found both intriguing and unsettling.

References

Chiarotti, F. and Venerosi, A., 2020. Epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders: a review of worldwide prevalence estimates since 2014. Brain sciences, 10(5), p.274.

Habib, A., Harris, L., Pollick, F. and Melville, C., 2019. A meta-analysis of working memory in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. PloS one, 14(4), p.e0216198.

Hughes, R., 2003. Running with Walker: A memoir. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Kang, D.W., Ilhan, Z.E., Isern, N.G., Hoyt, D.W., Howsmon, D.P., Shaffer, M., Lozupone, C.A., Hahn, J., Adams, J.B. and Krajmalnik-Brown, R., 2018. Differences in fecal microbial metabolites and microbiota of children with autism spectrum disorders. Anaerobe, 49, pp.121-131.

Kojovic, N., Ben Hadid, L., Franchini, M. and Schaer, M., 2019. Sensory processing issues and their association with social difficulties in children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of clinical medicine, 8(10), p.1508.

Landa, R.J., 2018. Efficacy of early interventions for infants and young children with, and at risk for, autism spectrum disorders. International Review of Psychiatry, 30(1), pp.25-39.

Lau, W.K., Leung, M.K. and Lau, B.W., 2019. Resting-state abnormalities in autism spectrum disorders: a meta-analysis. Scientific reports, 9(1), pp.1-8.

Ng, Q.X., Loke, W., Venkatanarayanan, N., Lim, D.Y., Soh, A.Y.S. and Yeo, W.S., 2019. A systematic review of the role of prebiotics and probiotics in autism spectrum disorders. Medicina, 55(5), p.129.

Prelock, P.A., 2021. Autism spectrum disorders. The Handbook of Language and Speech Disorders, pp.129-151.

Tromans, S., Chester, V., Kiani, R., Alexander, R. and Brugha, T., 2018. The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in adult psychiatric inpatients: a systematic review. Clinical practice and epidemiology in mental health: CP & EMH, 14, p.177.

Zhou, M.S., Nasir, M., Farhat, L.C., Kook, M., Artukoglu, B.B. and Bloch, M.H., 2021. Meta-analysis: pharmacologic treatment of restricted and repetitive behaviors in autism spectrum disorders. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 60(1), pp.35-45.