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The good and the bad kind of autism

mycatcat

Does anyone else get frustrated at the perception of autism, and how it's only 'acceptable' to the general public if you have low support needs, and/or you have photographic memory, or can solve complex math problems or whatever else. I often apply the public's standards for autism to myself, and internally describe myself as having the 'bad kind' of autism. Being autistic didn't give me a unique and valuable perspective on life, nor did it give me a special talent. Sometimes I feel like I'm missing out, like I'm the outlier for having regular degular autism but I know that's not true haheaha. Undeniably though, it still hurts to know that while autism is currently being discussed and showcased in mainstream media, the type of autism that is displayed is often the 'good kind' of autism, where the autistic person does not inconvenience the neurotypicals around them, and provides some service, whether that's their intelligence, or some kind of unique skill. None of the autistic person's struggles are ever shown and they are essentially portrayed as a neurotypical person with a few quirks. Overall, I guess what I'm trying to say is that the media's conditional representation of autism tends to annoy me, and I'd like to see more representation of the average, non-ultra smart, non-ultra skilled autistic person and their experience. If anyone has any recommendations of autism representation they personally like, please let me know.

  • I think what people don't understand is low support needs can still be a lot higher than a nt support needs 

    But even medium support needs are often seen as "fine"

  • I'm the same as you, I don't have any special skills, I can't recite lists of numbers, I'm terrible at maths and tech is a mystery to me, I don't do social media either. 

    This whole things about "autistic superpowers" really bugs me, maybe I should try wearing my nickers on the outside of my trousers and see if that makes any difference!

  • I wholeheartedly agree, and after racking my burnt out brain, I could only think of the TV programme "Patience"  Channel 4 drama based on French Drama.  But even that has some bits that makes me squirm.  

    The lead actress is herself autistic, so hooray. 

    But nope can't think of anyone else.................although I guess maybe lots of actresses and actors could easily be on the Spectrum by default. 

    Oh there is Christine McGuiness and her 3 children, but anything with rug rats puts me right off, so not actually watched any TV devoted to this family, but read a few highbrow news articles.  

    Even a basic Google search for famous autistic people is a bit hit and miss

    For example

    https://www.getinflow.io/post/autistic-celebrities-adhd

    https://library.sheffieldchildrens.nhs.uk/famous-people-with-adhd-or-autism/

    Maybe we should start our own thread, the best bits of being an average autistic alien in the wrong universe.

    I start;

    I can write proper sentences following grammar rules.  No text speak and horrible non caps for me, even on post-it notes.   I appreciate a wide variety of words. I use a wide variety of words. I appreciate reading lots and lots and lots of different and often difficult materials. Favourite pastime spotting errors in text or grammar in public spaces, places and publications. 

    I think deeply. I feel deeply.  I am unique. 

    I think that is what stuck me the most joining this forum, the correctness of posts. Hence why I do not do any social media, too many errors..............  

    However I am now overwhelmed and need a nap. 

  • Dear mycatcat, 

    Thank you for your articulate post. I agree it is very difficult to find representation in the media and it can be very disheartening when we feel we are not properly represented. I hope other members will be able to suggest programmes, films and books to you that do show a wider spectrum.

    With best wishes, 

    Anna Mod