Don’t Assume Anything: Breaking Through The Autism Sterotypes
When my kids were diagnosed many years ago, I went into this new world of autism somewhat naive. I was unprepared. All I would have to say is autism, and everyone would understand, but the world isn’t like that.
Like with everything else, people have their stereotypes and preconceived notions. Autism is not an election to this. Unlike other disabilities, Autism is not a physical challenge, and since it is a broad spectrum, there is no one-size-fits-all classification.
In many of these stereotypes, most will think that those with autism share the same characteristics, such as a lack of empathy, and anti-social tendencies, and they have genius abilities in one particular subject.
This couldn’t be further from the truth.8; anything I would be compelled to say they are close to being downright lies.
On numerous occasions, I have seen an enormous amount of empathy and affection from both of my boys. If anything, they might be more empathetic than most.
The anti-social stereotype is nothing more than a gross extraction. My two boys want to be included in group settings, and my youngest son has a lot of extroverted characteristics.
Finally, while I do resonate, my two boys do have a lot of talents in key areas, but I wouldn’t say they have genius abilities. That is nothing more than Hollywood getting into the minds of American Society through movies like Rain Man and TV shows like The Good Doctor.
Remember, most of the time, movies and TV shows are fictional. They are not real life.
Do not believe the typical stereotypes, and while I understand those who might be knowledgeable on the subject of autism might unintelltcally fall into the trap of stereotyping, it is up to advocates like myself and others involved in the autism community to provide awareness, acceptance, and action to put an end to these assumptions and stereotypes.