We need to talk about the reality of autism
As uncomfortable as it is, we need to talk about what reality is actually like for many autistic people: aggression, destruction, poop smearing, self-harm. We need to talk about the autism struggles almost no one talks about, fearing the inevitable shaming and ridicule from strangers online. Why don’t we hear more about some of these struggles? Because the thirty-ish percent of autistic adults who experience it don’t have the luxury of a voice to share them and advocate for themselves — not on social media, not with their family, not with anyone.
Autism isn’t a quirky guy on TV, nor a woman solving impossible math problems. The former is a cliche that, at best, partially applies to some of us, and the latter is as uncommon as it is in neurotypical people.
The truth is, autism can be hard for the entire family, not just the autistic person.
It’s hard for the dad who spends hours every week scrubbing poop off the wall. Who tries to connect with his child but can’t figure out how.
It’s hard for the mom, whose black eye shows how outmatched she’s become, physically, by the child she cares for. Who constantly worries about what happens after she’s gone.
It’s hard for the caregiver who has to spend a few hundred dollars, again, to replace another TV smashed during a meltdown.
It’s even harder on the autistic person experiencing these feelings they can’t express, who often end up banging their head against the wall out of sheer frustration, maybe even sporting matching black eyes with mom.
So yes, autism is a disability.
This shouldn’t be controversial. I fully admit that, for the highest functioning among us, one’s personal definition of “disability” can be stretched to the point they don’t consider themselves disabled. But how does one measure what they don’t have, that’s second nature to others? We need more help and support for autistic people and their families. We don’t need anti-ABA advocacy by ill-informed people trying to limit strangers’ opportunities. And it all starts with awareness.
1 Comment
Will
2023-11-09 at 10:20 PMAny tips to prevent “poop smearing”,
First off “autism parents” get the life-threatening bowel issue treated. Get a full body MRI and colonoscopy to find the Crohn’s disease related inflammation or the more dangerous Tuberous Sclerosis and rarely Neurofibromatosis related tumor that is causing the bowel issue. self injury could be a suicide attempt related to pain from those above or any other medical condition. Use ECT as a last resort with a court order only the treatment has serious risk.
This autistic person writing the response is honest about their health issues, I have bowel problems caused by inflammation and tumors. Proof of this was found when a doctor did an MRI of my abdominal area. You have no idea the extend of a so-called Asperger’s syndrome person other disabilities so do not make light of a rare condition like NF or TSC. I have the latter condition NF. look up on google NF and TSC and the tragic death from Sarcoma cancer and deformities. ADHD and Asperger’s syndrome is the least of our worries.