Autism awareness isn't about spreading knowledge that autism exists (most people already know)... it's about EDUCATING people on what autism IS. Because most people who think they know what autism is... are wrong. #AutismAwarenessMonth
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One place we can start is to correct people when they say we “have” autism to we “are” autistic. I feel that linguistic difference is important to how people see autism and in turn us.
To what degree do you think people need hold in their heads an accurate definition of what autism is? I feel like I've got a reasonable idea what it is but, if/when it becomes necessary to be sure, I can look it up.
The rest of the time, I can just try to treat all people with respect, no?
Sometimes respect includes listening when people want to share information, especially autistic people who may bond with others by sharing about their special interests.
I agree with you, Nicole. There especially seems to be an issue of conflating autism with commonly co-occurring conditions such that someone without those co-occurring conditions may be routinely gaslit about their lived experiences as an autistic person.
Many people accept difference simply because it’s the right thing to do. Deep understanding of what makes one different is not prerequisite to acceptance of difference.
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We're Linux when everyone else is Windows...except for ADHD...I'm pretty sure they're Mac. /s
Linux requires deep understanding to use & is highly customizable.
Windows requires minimal effort to use with standardized features.
Mac is related to Linux but does its own thing regardless of the user.
The rest of the time, I can just try to treat all people with respect, no?
Likewise, for others, awareness can come before acceptance.
Empathy and understanding need not be linear.
We can agree to disagree on it, though. It’s not exactly an objective/measurable situation off the top of my head.