09/05/2024
Ten Stigmas About Autism We Need to Shatter
1. Autism is one size fits all.
No two people with autism will be the same, not even siblings or family members. I have multiple children with autism and they couldn’t be more opposite. Their strengths and abilities are different as well as their challenges. Many autistic people display what I call “splinter skills”.
2. Autism is sad.
Tell that to the happiest eight year old I know. One of my children isn’t even aware he has a brain that works differently. He sees and experiences the world in his own unique, beautiful way. It’s a gift when he shows us. It brings us so much joy.
3. Autistic people don’t want friends.
My children want and need friends. They long for socialization they are just unsure of how to go about it. Social cues and rules can be distressing and confusing. Many kids imitate and mask because they want to fit in with their peers.
4. All communication must be verbal.
Love needs no words. It’s true. Many people with autism can be fully or partially verbal. An average of 40 percent of autistic people are not. Many autistic people use AAC devices and IPADS, sign language and picture cards to communicate their wants and needs. A person does not need to be verbal nor should ever be forced to be.
5. Autistic people don’t have empathy.
Let’s just say I probably should have bought stock in the band-aid company. Every time one of us is hurt, we get one. Each of my children show love, affection and remorse. They all have BIG emotions. Studies actually show that many autistic people are empaths..that they sense and feel others emotions so deeply that it’s sometimes too overwhelming to process.
6. Autism is only found in boys.
Girls are autistic too. Research shows that girls are generally diagnosed later than boys because they learn at a young age how to fit in socially and mask better than boys do. Some girls with autism can be overlooked well into their teens and adulthood. Many believe this i
