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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? 

Parents

  • I'm not sure it has a negative image as such. I just think it's still very poorly understood. Some people are just negative about it. Other people go the other way and think they're being understanding when actually they are just being annoying. There are still a lot of stereotypes and assumptions that people fall into.

    I think there is also an issue where some people feel it's been "shoved down their throats" and this becomes negative as then every time autism is mentioned they have oh not more autism reaction.

    There's still a long way to go before it could be said there is acceptance but I don't think everybody sees it as negative. I know a lot of people here have had negative experiences and I include myself in that but in my new workplace I had a much better experience.

  • in reply to Expecto_Patronum

    I think there are some people who don't like hearing anything that's out of their particular orbit and there are things that get pushed at you regardless, so I guess this can feel the same about autism.

    At least with those who don't understand you have a chance of changinf thier minds and educating them, but those who think they already know all about it are often the most irritating because they're convinced they know everything already and aren't prepared to deviate from what they think they know.

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  • in reply to Expecto_Patronum

    I think there are some people who don't like hearing anything that's out of their particular orbit and there are things that get pushed at you regardless, so I guess this can feel the same about autism.

    At least with those who don't understand you have a chance of changinf thier minds and educating them, but those who think they already know all about it are often the most irritating because they're convinced they know everything already and aren't prepared to deviate from what they think they know.

Children