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Do you think Autism has a negative image?

White_Dragon

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? 

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  • in reply to White_Dragon

    I guess I've always had to stand up for myself, I've never really had anyone to stand up for me or even with me, I suppose it's why I may come across as a bit confrontational or over emphatic. But I really can't be doing with having to expalin myself, or excuse myself anymore, I'm nobodies punch bag or door mat, never again, so I try and make sure to give people as little ammunition against me as possible, I take the things that some would see as a weakness and turn it into a strenght.

  • in reply to TheCatWoman

    I think you are right we should be more open and stand up for ourselves. Maybe in time, at least for me I a maybe able to talk about it more. Right now I am still getting my head around things but do take your point.

  • in reply to White_Dragon

    I'm open about being autistic, I don't see why I should have to hide it anymore than I should a broken leg. It does cause some strange and hurtful reactions with some people, like the woman who said 'but you are normal aren't you?' But then I guess I can do this because I'm well able to stand up for myself, both verbally and physically if the need should arise.

    I think us older ones should be more open about it, I think we do a disservice to ourselves and those younger than us. The wider world needs to know we exist and in large numbers, as we age we are going to face different challenges and people who diagnose and look after people with dementia need to know our needs as will care home workers. Younger people need us to advocate for them and for them to advocate for us too for that matter, young people and thir parents need to see us, that we're mostly ordinary people, with ordinary jobs, ordinary live's and relationships. I think many people need that sort of reassurance that a diagnosis isn't the end of the world, we just have different need and challenges, I mean is it really so unreasonable to want a quiet workplace and have our physical space respected?

    I do respect and understand why some people feel unable to be out with their autism though, people can be so ignorant and cruel and if you have to be around people like all the time then coming out, will feel  like a dangerous option.