I wrote this last year, but still rings true.
Around April, you start to see a lot of promotion for “autism awareness.”
People start wearing “puzzle piece” pins or apparel. You will see commercials and fundraising for various autism organizations. It is literally everywhere.
And it’s strangely ironic.
Most people are aware of autism, but are not AWARE… of autism.
What do I mean?
When you say “autism” to most people, what they think of is either a viral video about an autistic savant or something they saw on a movie or TV series, usually an autistic “character” played by a neuro-typical actor who portrays a person with “stereotypical” autism.
What they DON’T see is the HUGE spectrum of real-life individuals affected by autism.
They could be wearing their “autism awareness pin” and yet when they see a kid acting up in the store, they immediately see a bratty kid with poor parenting. Autism would never even enter their frame of mind.
When someone is able to talk and communicate well verbally, people automatically dismiss the possibility of autism and will “jump on them” for social miscues.
You see, “Autism Awareness” is not the acknowledgement of the existence of autism, rather, it is understanding that autism comes in all different forms and can affect people in MANY different ways.
So when you see that “unruly child” or that “antisocial loner,” don’t be so quick to judge.
Because with true AWARENESS comes an understanding that each person with autism is unique in their own right.
And as you start to understand what autism actually IS, and that it doesn’t have a “look,” you learn to be more accepting and accommodating of those around you who may be just a bit “different.”
THAT is “Autism Awareness” to me.