From my perspective, there are several ways to change Autism stereotypes, and to get society to treat those with this condition better, and not just one. As great as Maddiexo’s video is, sharing that truth is only part of the solution. As many with Autism will not or cannot create videos, or as they fear doing such could increase Autism stereotypes if things cannot be presented like Maddiexo’s in a very great way, the Autistic and other communities can contribute in other ways as well, by sharing one’s talent, whether unique or not, writing through forums like this, writing positive stories or books about the subject, from an Autism or loving caregiver’s perspective, retraining doctors and related service personnel to understand, accept, appreciate and respect Autism better, and not focusing on differences as being bad, and punishing better those who mistreat those with conditions, too, as we are deserving of protection and those others to be held accountable too.
In Maddiexo’s attempt, yes her video can help a lot, as she describes her feelings and difficulties well, and the harms against her too, and this could cause more people on the Spectrum to want to share in some way too. As well, again, other ways to reduce stereotypes is to show or express your other abilities, too, to offset media or other stereotypes that often focus just on either negativity or core signs and symptoms. But, my concern is all of these efforts mentioned often become buried, and I feel more members of the Autistic community needs to do a better job there, too, and focus their energies more into combatting stereotypes and showing strengths by being more proactive in these ways. There are members here who have done that, through video, sharing links, and sharing positive or helpful news stories, or talents about themselves or others, and often this is their hyperfocus, or extended or caring effort to help. This helps a lot. But, these become soon hidden often or as these threads dry up, or seem less appreciated here, or others here could be so focused on their own lives or issues, or unable to contribute more, and I understand that. But, how many here take the time to either look at those videos, reply, or spread those videos, links, or attempt to buy or read those other books from those who forth the courage, caring effort or who tried to really help? If able, that is how real positive change is made.
I as an Autistic parent have many times attempted to make a difference to help not only our sons, but everyone on the Spectrum, through being positive, supportive, and taking each of your situations very seriously and putting my efforts here with long posts, despite a busy and hectic life here, too, and on occasion sharing some self-help tips, or videos of our son’s talent, writing a truthful book about the medical community and how not only how they could being doing much more or better, but how everyone, including parents, school, government, media, insurance companies, celebrities, etc., could be more involved in a positive way too. Truthfully, I have felt disappointed in the lack of response in society to such efforts, including lack of interest in such by those with Autism. Truth is, until more outsiders or those with any condition want to help others with similar conditions to highlight their strengths, to support them for their efforts or to be their best, or to give more effort to fight against and combat those wrongs against them, you may be treated as less than equals or in a less positive light, as too many negative stories are pushed to the forefront instead. Life is unfair in that way, but it is often the survival of the fittest that is true, and the stories that sell best, to be true, or the marketers who win out. Let’s start spreading positive stories, and stories about how others in society can do better by sharing our pains and needs for those others to do better. You all here express through writing well, and can be very supportive, but at times I feel all the energies sometimes are being put to one or two things, for self preservation, but when some of those energies, if able, in many cases, could be diverted better to making a positive difference for all Autistics.
Yes, I hear lots in the Autistic society loving Temple Grandin and her efforts. In my mind, she is just one successful Autistic person, and she is great for all she has done for the Autistic community, but she does not reflect the views I have of what success means, to me, nor will I tell our children she has all the answers for those with Autism, as she is just one successful person with Autism, when I see many more just as successful as her, but just not known, or not as known. Perhaps in many cases, those with Autism do not want to be known, or to change any, so that is why any discomfort or lack of support they have for those others with Autism trying to be positive or be noticed. Or maybe their idea of success is just surviving or trying one’s best daily to be happy, or enjoying their interests, or something career related, but we need more on the Spectrum with different views, different talents, different strengths being seen besides the Temple Grandin’s, John Robison’s, Kodi Lee’s, and Kerry Magro’s, Susan Boyle,s, Tim Burton, etc. We need everyday ordinary person’s with Autism, including boys, girls, men and women, of all ages and race, showing their extraordinary positive and advocacy side, too, to, help change negative perceptions. Let’s not let the media and medical community and certain charities define who we are or should be. Let’s balance out the perceived negative, by showing the good, like in Maddiexo’s case, where she shows courage and strength, and others who equally have did the same on this forum.
Again, I have seen several here who because of ability or interest have attempted to make that difference for the lives of those with Autism, through sharing regular links, sharing helpful news stories, sharing their experiences, being supportive to other members, through videos, creating helpful websites, through great helpful tips or analysis, etc, but unfortunately, until more here will support those who have putting forth those great efforts to help not only themselves, but to help the others being seen in a better light, or to help cause more positive societal change, then there will be less progress and less erasing of those untruths about those with Autism. In other words, yes, media and society is mostly to blame, for their prejudices and lack of attempt to understand and highlight the positives, but with focus on the negative, but I feel Autistics also have empathy and also can be trying better to bring that out by helping other Autistics better in either joining the effort, spreading those messages that will help, coming up with their own unique way to help, instead of ignoring, not sharing, or showing some disinterest, through lack of response, support or effort shown, or other, to those people who try to help after sharing their books, tips, links, videos of personal experiences or talent , etc.
