role models

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?

Parents
  • I'm not sure whether I'd call him a "role model", but the famous person I admire most who has aspergers is Dan Aykroyd. His view is very positive, as he explained that his obsessions with ghosts and the police were what gave him the inspiration for the ghosbusters movie, which is one of my favourite films. I love his humour and energy. 

    I also admire Daryl Hannah, particularly for her role as a "replicant" (a type of Android) in Blade Runner. She also played a mermaid in splash, so she seems to fit well into roles where the character is different to other people she interacts with. 

    I understand Hope's concerns and I think that this forum is brilliant for sharing our problems and giving each other support, but I think we also need to think more about the positive side of being on the spectrum. Of course we can't all be highly successful , but not all NT'S can be either and I'd find it depressing if I was told that all famous people were NT, there was no way that anyone on the autism spectrum could be a singer, actor, successful novelist, etc. Let's celebrate the successes (big and small)  of people on the spectrum! 

Reply
  • I'm not sure whether I'd call him a "role model", but the famous person I admire most who has aspergers is Dan Aykroyd. His view is very positive, as he explained that his obsessions with ghosts and the police were what gave him the inspiration for the ghosbusters movie, which is one of my favourite films. I love his humour and energy. 

    I also admire Daryl Hannah, particularly for her role as a "replicant" (a type of Android) in Blade Runner. She also played a mermaid in splash, so she seems to fit well into roles where the character is different to other people she interacts with. 

    I understand Hope's concerns and I think that this forum is brilliant for sharing our problems and giving each other support, but I think we also need to think more about the positive side of being on the spectrum. Of course we can't all be highly successful , but not all NT'S can be either and I'd find it depressing if I was told that all famous people were NT, there was no way that anyone on the autism spectrum could be a singer, actor, successful novelist, etc. Let's celebrate the successes (big and small)  of people on the spectrum! 

Children
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