Just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate your insight. My son is 6 and autistic, and I really value what adult autist have to say - no matter where they may be on the spectrum. I really don't get where people come from when they put down or ignore adult autist because they're "not autistic enough" if they are verbal, etc.
I actually ended a friendship recently because my friend (who also has an autistic son - same age as my son) called me stupid for not wanting to "cure" or "fix" my son. He said that I really have no reason to say anything about the topic because my son is "as normal as you can get". GRRRRRR! For one, I don't refer to people as normal or abnormal anyway, but he has no idea how hard my son has worked to become verbal and communicate, to deal with his anxiety, etc. I totally schooled him them promptly told him where he could go.
Basically, I just wanted to let you know (as well as other ASAN members) that I really appreciate all that you do. I encourage my son to advocate for himself - even if right now that is just telling his teacher that he needs a break. When my son is able to, I will completely stand beside him to advocate along with him for other things as well - a voice in a things related to autism, be it job opportunities, health insurance, whatever is needed. All of you helped me to see things in a new perspective (I used to support That Organization Of Which We Shall Not Speak, until that god-awful "I Am Autism" video, ugh!). So, thank you for educating me!
I really don't get where people come from when they put down or ignore adult autist because they're "not autistic enough" if they are verbal, etc.
Because it makes them feel that their struggles are more legit and harder than the other person. They feel that their child's issues are more valid than your sons.
There is not point in it, and it's rather silly.
I will say that kudos to you teaching your son how to self-advocate. Those skills are invaluable and will serve him in the long run. Hope he keeps up the good work :)
Just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate your insight. My son is 6 and autistic, and I really value what adult autist have to say - no matter where they may be on the spectrum. I really don't get where people come from when they put down or ignore adult autist because they're "not autistic enough" if they are verbal, etc.
ReplyDeleteI actually ended a friendship recently because my friend (who also has an autistic son - same age as my son) called me stupid for not wanting to "cure" or "fix" my son. He said that I really have no reason to say anything about the topic because my son is "as normal as you can get". GRRRRRR! For one, I don't refer to people as normal or abnormal anyway, but he has no idea how hard my son has worked to become verbal and communicate, to deal with his anxiety, etc. I totally schooled him them promptly told him where he could go.
Basically, I just wanted to let you know (as well as other ASAN members) that I really appreciate all that you do. I encourage my son to advocate for himself - even if right now that is just telling his teacher that he needs a break. When my son is able to, I will completely stand beside him to advocate along with him for other things as well - a voice in a things related to autism, be it job opportunities, health insurance, whatever is needed. All of you helped me to see things in a new perspective (I used to support That Organization Of Which We Shall Not Speak, until that god-awful "I Am Autism" video, ugh!). So, thank you for educating me!
I really don't get where people come from when they put down or ignore adult autist because they're "not autistic enough" if they are verbal, etc.
ReplyDeleteBecause it makes them feel that their struggles are more legit and harder than the other person. They feel that their child's issues are more valid than your sons.
There is not point in it, and it's rather silly.
I will say that kudos to you teaching your son how to self-advocate. Those skills are invaluable and will serve him in the long run. Hope he keeps up the good work :)