Each of us is simply ourselves
There is no need to convince anyone that we are different. Even though we live next to each other, we like different things, we spend our free time differently, we come from different environments, we have different experiences. We are also different mentally – we are neurodiverse. Although this concept applies to all people (after all, we all experience the world in many different ways), it is often used in the context of autism spectrum disorder or other mental health difficulties.
People often have a tendency to divide things into “typical” and “atypical”, this is – apparently – to help put reality in order. However, the concept of neurodiversity is to emphasize that differences are not a pathology but a norm – they make us complement each other. And paying attention to different perceptions of reality will allow us to get to know and understand each other better.
We say “stop” to stereotypes and stigmatization!
There are many stereotypes associated with autism. People on the spectrum are perceived as those with whom there is no contact, who cannot cooperate, who have their own obsessions and incomprehensible needs. We don’t think about the fact that they perceive the world differently, we focus on the fact that they do it differently than most. But does that mean they are doing the wrong thing? Fear often comes from ignorance. Therefore, let’s get to know people on the autism spectrum, let’s learn about them… from them, let’s not draw information from repeated, erroneous beliefs. And unfortunately, there are plenty of stereotypes.
- Vaccines cause autism – this is probably one of the most frequently repeated myths. There is no evidence of a link between the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism. Also, other childhood vaccines do not increase the risk of autism. [1]
- People with autism have no emotions. This is another myth – being on the spectrum does not mean a lack of emotions. They may be shown in a different way, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. We must also remember that emotional intelligence is not a feature that is given to us naturally, we often improve it throughout our lives – and it does not matter whether we are on the spectrum or not.
- This is related to another stereotype, i.e. autism = lack of empathy. People on the autism spectrum feel and understand the emotions of others, often much more strongly than people who are perceived as “neurotypical”. However, they often have difficulty expressing their feelings, which is why they are perceived as “cold”.
- People with autism are aggressive – another harmful stereotype. Outbursts of people on the autism spectrum are not associated with aggression or the desire to harm themselves or others. They are related to the number of stimuli, which can be overwhelming, lead to excessive stimulation and problems with processing excess information.
- People on the autism spectrum are above average intelligent – this is not the norm. Many people have exceptional skills in certain areas, but this is not a universal feature and depends on the individual’s predispositions.
- Autism can be cured – no, the spectrum is lifelong. We can influence various aspects, minimize their harmful impact, learn to cope with difficulties, but autism will not disappear.
We must remember one more thing – autism is often not visible, people on the spectrum do not have a sign with the name of the disorder. Instead of accusing others of lacking empathy, let’s ourselves become more attentive to the needs of others.
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Autism is not one-dimensional
How many people, so many different behaviors, emotions, needs… It is similar with people on the autism spectrum – there are many faces, dimensions, no rigid framework in which everyone could fit. Thanks to the program, we will learn about the diverse perception of reality by people on the autism spectrum. The premiere episodes will be shown on November 1 and 2 at 20/05 on TVN. Maciej Stuhr will act as moderator, and the guests of the first meetings will be Robert Makłowicz and Natalia Kukulska.
What is the program about? “Autentyczni” are unique meetings and conversations that will allow us all to better understand people on the autism spectrum. Nearly 50 participants – under the supervision of professionals and after substantive preparation – will conduct interviews with valued and widely known figures from the world of media and art. Each participant perceives the world in his or her own unique way. Thanks to this diversity, we will learn many points of view, the importance of various factors, and different perceptions of issues and situations. We will learn seemingly obvious things that we have not thought about before.
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It is worth remembering that the knowledge and support of society have a huge impact on the functioning of people on the autism spectrum in social life. Instead of repeating harmful stereotypes, let’s get to know people on the spectrum better. We will never reach all cases, because each person has a different story, but each meeting is a valuable lesson. We can not only understand people on the spectrum, but also learn a lot from them, including: exceptional sensitivity that will be useful to everyone.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/autism-spectrum-disorders
https://szkolenia.pzh.gov.pl/ksiazki-o-grafieniach/poradniki-o-grafieniach/
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Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
