Always presume competence.

When some people find out Jonah is autistic, they immediately lower their expectations of his intelligence.

They are genuinely surprised when he problem-solves on his own or when he actually plays with others.

When they say “he’s smarter than he looks,” the implication is that those with autism are not very intelligent. (And he is the exception. High five! 😒🙄)

Autism effects neurology. Not intelligence.

He looks smart because he IS smart.

#ausome

Original Facebook Post.