People with dyslexia are frequently presented with role models especially from sport and the arts, people who have succeeded in spite of their having dyslexia. It helps morale, and confidence.
I am puzzled about the nature of autistic spectrum role models. Ioan James's book brought us possible role models in history - Michelangelo, Jonathan Swift, Bertrand Russell, Albert Einstein......
In terms of nowadays there are a few leading lights witrh autism, most people seem to go for Temple Grandin as prime example.
What is lacking is a bigger list. Of course the complexity of the atistic spectrum makes comprability of experience difficult, and famous people may be more "closet" about their autism.
But I do get the feeling, generally, that if you've achieved with autism it spells out that your autism was mild or manageable, or somehow not real autism. That undermines the sense of achievement for the successful individuals.
But far worse, it seems to say - unless your mild you've got no chance mate -
Now there might be scientific evidence around that shows little prospect of a successful life with most forms of autism - the number who don't get long term employment being a clear enough indicator.
But how far is that simply a product of lack of understanding and lack of addressing the issues of adults with autism?
What can be done to create role models and give people on the spectrum hope and confidence and purpose?
Is there something that can actively be done to create positive images?
