When Jonah was diagnosed, the only real examples of autism I had were what I saw on TV.

And all those neurotypical actors portraying an “autistic person” were combining attributes of “stereotypical autism” to create their character. And each example was basically the same ‘classically autistic’ person.

So it took a long time to realize that my perception of autism (TV autism) had no bearing on Jonah and HIS autism at all.

Autism in ‘real life’ does not “look” the same from one individual to another.

Jonah’s autism is not something you would see on TV as an “autistic boy.”

So “autism” (TV Autism) doesn’t define Jonah… HE defines autism for us.

Like a snowflake, every individual with autism is unique.

Thanks to Autism Awareness Shop for sharing!

Original Facebook Post.