Autism is not a superpower

Autism is not a superpower for everyone

Read it again. Autism is not a superpower for everyone. I’m going to do something that’s frowned upon in the autism community. I’m going to say something on behalf of my nonverbal son.

If Charlie could communicate beyond basic needs, I believe he’d tell us that for him, autism is not a superpower.

Because I witness firsthand his distress when he can’t make himself understood.

Because I see the scratches on his body from the resulting frustration.

Because I see the confusion in his eyes when I stop him from eating inedible items. Or running into the street.

I know it because he’s my son. Not because I’m also autistic. Because I love him. Because I care for him every day and will likely do so for the rest of my life. I know it because I’m his mommy.

Autism isn’t a superpower for Charlie. Charlie is a superhero because of how hard he fights to do the easy stuff, to which most don’t give a second thought.