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Busting the Autism Stereotypes
from: Maxx Family LifeAutistic individuals deal with a wide range of reactions from others, from full support to uncaring ignorance. Unfortunately, even those who support autistic family members, co-workers, and friends probably don't understand autism, which can lead to stereotypes resulting in hatred, embarrassment or other unhappy situations. Educating yourself about autism will help others in your community cope with this disorder.
It's most important to note that not all autistic people are the same. Other diseases and disorders have their own specific sets of rules, but autism is such a complex medical condition, most people reacts to it in different ways. Autistic people are usually rated on a functional scale, with high-functioning people being able to hold jobs and low-functioning people needing 24-hour-a-day care. Their symptoms include behavioral challenges, uncontrollable movements, speech and communication difficulties and emotional inadequacies. Some people show all symptoms, while others show only a few, and still others have most symptoms under control to the point where you'd never guess they had autism.
Since every person is different, nothing can be state about autism and be completely true overall. However, most autistic people do have difficulties communicating their emotions. This doesn't mean an autistic person doesn't feel, it's just that he or she simply can't express their feelings. It also doesn't mean strong relationship bonds aren't possible. On the contrary, many autistic people are happily married and in love. Developing relationships is more difficult for most, but can be accomplished over time.
Many people believe that being autistic coincides with being a genius in some way. Though it's true that some autistic individuals have extraordinary math, music, and art skills, this number is nowhere near the majority -- in fact, relatively few autistic people function outside of the normal range in any skill. This stereotype is perpetuated in the movies and on television, because the story of a talented person fighting disadvantages (such as autism) makes a good plot. However, this isn't the norm, so nothing more than the best they can personally do should be expected from an autistic person. However, it should be noted that autism isn't a form of mental retardation. Some autistic people are mentally retarded as well, but most aren't and shouldn't be treated as such.
However, the most important lesson you should understand from your studies on autism is one of tolerance. You'll likely need to be patient when dealing with autistic people, but by understanding a little more about the disorder, it should make this easier. Learn what you can and spread the knowledge which will help create a more tolerant setting for autistic individuals in your community.
Autism News
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