Autism needs to be explored by others, so they understand how people like me present with autism. With autism, we may get a bad press because others don’t understand us, and because they find us intense.
Being diagnosed with autism in January 2019, means I have spent my life trying to be and normal to fit into others norms. It's not up to us to fit in, it is up to others to make sure we are included.
It is important others are mindful of what autism is and how we are able to interact. Because we struggle to fit in, it's even more important others understand and want to help us. Others should want to know what we deal with and to help us adapt into what is already a difficult life. The world is able-bodied and for those with a disability we are a minority.
Autism presents differently, but it's not difficult to understand. The more others choose to learn about what we deal with, the more they will understand. Once they become adept at understanding, they will be better equipped to help us.
It is important others help us to focus on what they know we can do, rather than what they know we may struggle with.
Yes, it would be very helpful if people at least made an attempt to try to understand what autism is and how to help those with autism deal with it.
People aren't compassionate or understanding about others they label as different. The stigmas that come with Autism and even cerebral palsy are due to a lack of understanding, assuming people with these conditions are mentally retarded, which is not always the case.
People who haven't had to deal with any of these issues can't be blamed for their ignorance, but there isn't any reason why they couldn't try to learn about what others might deal with.
It would be great if they could focus on getting to know the person first before slapping any labels on them.
Thanks Randy. Yes, there is no reason or excuse for labels. Your last paragraph sums up your response beautifully.
Where you say, 'It would be great if they could focus on getting to know the person first before slapping any labels on them.' I would just add it's important we get to know others and what they may bring to the relationship.
Truthfully, if we did, there wouldn't be a need for labels.
Understanding that Autism is a developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, and how they experience the world around them, is so important and there is no excuse for ignorance.
It annoys me that people make it an issue for the person not themselves. It is much also more common than people think, and yet we are only just beginning to attempt to overcome the prejudice around this and other mental illnesses.
This seems a good place for me to say that I have been reading your blogs for a number of years now and you continue to amaze me with your clarity of thinking and positivity. We can all learn so much from you.
Thank you! Yes, it's wrong that others make an issue for people like me when I am only doing the best that I can given my neurological difficulties.
Having a disability has given me a gift which I am grateful for, but I never take my life or what I have for granted, I merely seek to understand my unique set of circumstances and experiences, through my blog.
Although I have emotionally struggled in my life and there's no getting away from that, I simply choose to stand back and do and see things differently.
Where I was angry, I have chosen not to be angry, where I was bitter I have chosen to change my thinking and expectations and find acceptance.
Where we have independence, we do get to choose the life we live.