How to Treat Schizophrenia and Autism

Saks (2009) displayed symptoms of schizophrenia while Kirtland (n.d.) displayed symptoms of autism. Saks would have auditory and visual hallucinations, have thoughts that were completely disconnected from reality, exhibit confused thinking, and sometimes completely breakdown and be unable to function in any capacity. Kirtland lacked the ability to effectively socialize or connect in a typical “human” way: he did not want attention, to be held, to cuddle as a child, and lacked social understanding to be able to make friends outside his immediate circle or to hold a long-term job. Saks’ (2009) case was different from Kirtland’s (n.d.) in that hers was much more immersed in having a mental illness whereas Kirtland was experiencing a developmental disorder. Saks had to cope with her thoughts being outside of her control, while Kirtland had to cope with not having developed the typical sense of self that enables people to adjust in society effectively.

Society tends to stigmatize mental illness because it does not understand it and as a result it fears it. People do tend to fear what they do not understand, and mental illness is often associated with dangerous outbursts—though as Saks (2009) points out, people who abuse drugs are typically far more dangerous and lethal to others than are individuals who suffer from a mental illness. The stigma is different for those who have mental illness versus those who have developmental disabilities: for example, Saks was forcibly restrained but went on to show that she could still work, while Kirtland was never forcibly restrained but was socially restrained in that he could never get a full-time job—so the stigmas operate differently in terms of how people approach individuals who have mental illness of developmental disorders.

The stigma that Saks felt caused her to want to avoid treatment. She felt shamed by her loss of privacy, her forcible detainment, and of her own condition. Kirtland felt socially isolated and tried hard to make new friends but failed because he was not really understanding his own self. The same happened with Saks: there was a moment when both had to just accept themselves for who they were and then they could begin to live their lives and not feel so constrained by their respective illness or disorder.

Saks found that her ability to keep active and to use her mind to study and teach has always helped to be overcome her personal challenges. She showed resilience by not allowing her illness to handicap her. She never demonstrated apathy or withdrawal and wanted to immerse herself in her work and even communicate some of her own personal feelings and experiences on the rights of patients with mental illness. Her biggest quality was her ability to keep working.

For Kirtland, his biggest personal quality was his ability to stay positive and not be discouraged by his challenges. He is appreciative of the small circle of friends he has and always tells them of his appreciation. He does not let discouragement set him back. He was told he would never be able to drive, and yet now he is taking driving lessons. He has showed resilience by never letting others’ negativity impact his own positive outlook.

The strategy that has enabled Saks to cope has been to keep focusing on work and stay busy with doing what she loves. She has also enlisted the help of friends and family as part of her support system. And she has accepted her condition and allowed the use of medicine and therapy to positively impact her life.

Kirtland’s main strategy has been to keep plugging away at personal successes. He has accepted his disorder and embraced it instead of trying to change it. He is entering into special education so that he can be part of the solution instead of part of the problem of autism, and his determination to keep trying till he finally succeeds is part of a positive behavioral strategy that keeps him from becoming defeated.