Published on 12, July, 2020
From BBC Ideas: ''There's no one way to be autistic'' https://www.bbc.co.uk/ideas/videos/theres-no-one-way-to-be-autistic/p0fqdsrd?playlist=amazing-animations
… although the masking bit is slightly reductive (that old problem of making it sound entirely wilful and not reflexive) but given it’s 4 minutes it’s not a bad job on the broad brushstrokes.
Thanks for posting this. I have found that shorter clips are helpful to people wanting to learn a bit about autism, both for concentration/commitment but also due to them allowing further research if a chord is struck, rather than forcing someone to commit to hours on end.
This was an interesting watch with lots to reflect on. I see your point about masking, but also appreciate the challenge raised about stereotypes. This would be a good watch for people who say that they ‘get it’ because they saw an autistic person once.
A couple of the points that really stood out to me, but annoyingly, not in order of appearance, are:
Thanks for sharing!
Always love your writing Oakling, and this is no exception. The way you’ve dissected that clip and articulated/opened up key points is thought provoking and beautifully expressed.
Well, thank you. That is a very kind response. I think each person’s experiences can provide a point of reflection for other people in a similar position. It’s why I appreciate places like this, the books that have been published and the various media representations that have been created. It just makes me feel a lot less alone, whilst also offering the chance for real learning and understanding (if that’s what someone is genuinely looking for).