When people hear the word “autism,” they have a hard time comprehending the implications it has on a person. This leads to the unfair notion that autistic people aren’t valued.
The word autism is used in jokes where words like “awkward,” “quiet” and “individuals with behavioral issues” are tossed into the mix.
This heinous reputation attached to autistic people is anything but true. Not everyone with autism functions the same, including myself.
For years, I’ve dealt with Asperger’s Syndrome and kept it secret from everyone until I graduated from high school. Only a few people knew about my Asperger’s Syndrome and I hid it from others because I wasn’t going to let my hard-earned reputation fall down the toilet just because I’m autistic. It was a burden I couldn’t keep any longer and I have since accepted my disability.
Autism is part of my life, but it doesn’t define me as an individual.
We tend to have a hard time accepting other people’s flaws, but that’s what makes human beings unique. I don’t need to enroll in special education and I don’t need any assistance because I made it this far without any. While I’ve been fortunate, it does irritate me when people think someone is autistic without knowing if he or she has autism.
Everyone with autism has a different story — we’re not just shy people or individuals with bad attitudes. Instead of judging people or thinking they’re autistic, take the time to get to know the person.
I’m sick of the notion that we’re awkward or have behavioral issues because other people don’t know what it’s like to live every day with autism. Labeling or assuming only makes matters worse.
People are still searching for answers when it comes to autism, and the media doesn’t do justice to what we go through.
The film “Rain Man” is an example where the media exposes people with autism in a realistic light. I couldn’t bare the scenes where Dustin Hoffman rages in fear. Those scenes are cringe-worthy because they hit home — not so much for me, but for others who have similar behaviors. This Academy Award-winning film serves as a starting point for people who don’t understand how autism impacts a person.
However, “Rain Man” is a bit out of date because it came out in 1988. Also, Hoffman’s portrayal isn’t the only way autistic people behave.
The result is that autistic people are misrepresented in media. There are films that have done a poor job representing them, like the 1999 film “Molly.”
Elisabeth Shue portrayed a 28-year-old woman with autism who was recommended by a neurologist to have her brain cells genetically modified to be “normal.” The film tanked in the box office and the depiction was inaccurate.
All of us want to be accepted. The best way to reduce the stigma is to recognize a person for who they are. People take the time to know others with all kinds of disabilities — why not autism?
I’m aware there are several awareness programs out there, but there is still room for improvement. Think of the countless stories that have yet to be told. There are some cool things out in this world that autistic people have done to better society. We are simply misunderstood.
Autism is a part of my life, but it’s not how I let society define me.
Luis Torres
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