Do you think Autism has a negative image?

One thought keeps cropping up and would like to get your views on this topic. Do you think Autism has a negative image in a general sense? Until recently I knew very little about it and from the little I did know I thought of TV programmes like the A word. More recently, now I am a bit more attuned to things, I've noticed on the media/TV that autism is portrayed as a mental health condition. Patience seems a more positive view and a bit of an exception. I watched unforgotten recently on ITV and there was a lad on that they clearly had problems but all they talked about was his autism. Then I was watching the news earlier on and there was a young girl who sounded like she took her own life but had previously been arrested as suspected far right terrorist. Again they mentioned she was autistic.

Maybe I am just seeing more negative cases?

Would be interested to understand what you think?

It seems like a real barrier to me in terms of being open about being autistic when its potentially perceived in negative way? 

Parents
  • Oh definitely. Whenever I tell people about my diagnosis (which is all the time) they look at me like that's a bad thing, which I should be sad about ... I'm actually happy about it, as it provides such clarity and understanding - This to me is completely indicative that there is a negative stereotype out there.

    It doesn't bother me, as I just gleefully explain that I'm happy about it (cue the bewildered look on their face)

    As with anything in this life, Autism isn't the cause of badness in people - A terrorist who's autistic does not mean every autistic person is a terrorist, anymore than a drug smuggling Columbian makes every Columbian a drug smuggler !!

Reply
  • Oh definitely. Whenever I tell people about my diagnosis (which is all the time) they look at me like that's a bad thing, which I should be sad about ... I'm actually happy about it, as it provides such clarity and understanding - This to me is completely indicative that there is a negative stereotype out there.

    It doesn't bother me, as I just gleefully explain that I'm happy about it (cue the bewildered look on their face)

    As with anything in this life, Autism isn't the cause of badness in people - A terrorist who's autistic does not mean every autistic person is a terrorist, anymore than a drug smuggling Columbian makes every Columbian a drug smuggler !!

Children
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