Hi there.
It has come to my attention recently that there's a growing use of the word 'autism' by people in a derogatory manner across the internet. Although this increasing (or fluctuating) trend can mostly be found among gaming, fandom or imageboard communities where you're bound to encounter people with varying opinions of the neurological condition; usage of this meme is not necessarily limited to those areas of the net.
And I fear this could present a potential problem in the near future.
For those who don't know a meme is an idea or notion that spreads from person to person within a culture. Internet memes are no exception and unfortunately autism-as-an-insult is one of them. Now in this day and age where the mainstream and the internet have merged together in terms of business or culture the very thought of the autism meme being used in real life among people is both infuriating and heart-breaking for me at the same time.
If said meme was set in full motion then social situations for those on the spectrum would become much more awkward they should be; leading to possible ostracisation and social isolation.
To quote Geroge Bernard Shaw: "Beware of false knowldge; it is more dangerous than ignorance."
I'd like to read your thoughts and opinions on all of this and whether or not any of you have been effected by this.