I was impressed Anne Hegerty from 'The Chase' chose to star on ‘I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here,' reality t.v. show, because anyone with autism will know it's not an easy decision to make.
Autism and our Struggle to Adapt
Anne was clearly upset with her new surroundings, daunted by the challenge she’d set herself. But anyone with autism knows that new circumstances in a new environment, can leave them with trepidation, a nervousness, foreboding, an apprehension and anxiety that can make them feel afraid, worried and upset.
Anne Hegerty
When I heard Anne talk about her symptoms, she was talking about me. Watching Anne struggle reminded me of my own. Talking about our symptoms gives us courage and hope, but opening up isn’t always easy. It's not because we’re afraid to speak out, it’s often because we’re afraid of what may come back.
Autistic People Should have the Support
Putting ourselves out there can meet with reprisal from others. But we all have a choice to do things differently. Like the other contestants on the show who have been warm, supportive and encouraging towards her, others need to do the same. Away from the show she’s not been without her critics. There is a lack of tolerance out there for people like Anne, and myself with autism.
Conclusion
With autism, I know just how intolerant others are. The irony is others may never admit their intolerance, which stems from their intolerance of themselves. In those circumstances, what happens is we become the scapegoat for their intolerance.
Yes, it would be great if people were more tolerant and accepting, but that doesn't always happen.
I'll have to look it up, seeing as I don't watch a lot of reality t.v. They tend to intentionally put people together who they know will clash, so it's more like a lab experiment with people, instead of rats.
Let's just call it a pet peeve of mine, seeing as it's nothing at all like the reality that I have been through, and I don't like watching people get bullied and harassed, because they are considered different just for entertainment.
I do understand your point, seeing as a person with autism has chosen to go on the show. Under the circumstances, it would bring to light a lot of the issues that people with autism have to deal with.
The reality is that most of the time, like you said, the people who are the most intolerant are the ones who have very similar issues, but just choose to ignore the signs, since they don't want to be labelled as different or special.
People can often pretend to be kind, caring and compassionate when the camera is on them, but can be totally different behind closed doors, like televangelists.
I have dealt with far too many people like this, which is why I have such a hard time trusting people at face value because far too often they have ended up being wolves in sheep's clothing.
People often become afraid to talk about their issues due to the stigmas that are out there and the fear of reprisals that come from those who don't have to deal with the same issues.
It would be fantastic if we could all just get along, but I'm not going to hold my breath for that to happen anytime soon.
Thanks Randy. Yes, it would be good for you to see it. This particular series has worked. All the celebrities competing this year are supporting each other beautifully.
They are tolerant, each working as a team player. Personalities don't always mix, but regardless of whether someone is in the public eye or not, we must all come and work together.
In a world that can be divisive, it is important we come together, accept and help each other unconditionally.