Autism Stereotypes - Break Free Of The Stereotypes

[Christian Hanks]

Stereotypes unfortunately are a major part of our society. Whether
based on race, gender or worse disability they are prevalent in all
areas of society. Worse yet is the fact that even those who are meant
to be support structures to those with autism often fall for the
stereotypes for a lack of education or understanding. Stereotyping can
have a very negative effect on an autistic child as their world
already has enough confusion and frustration without the hatred,
embarrassment and painful situations that may arise as a result of
stereotypes.
It is vital to remember that as any disorder or disability not all
people with autism are the same. There are different levels of autism,
not to mention different symptoms. Being that it is a spectrum
disorder you will as the name suggests find affected individuals that
fit all ends of the spectrum and everything in between. It is a very
complex disorder, where an autistic child may be high functioning and
barely show any symptoms to a low functioning child who may need
constant care in order to live and sustain daily life.
Because everyone is different stereotypes should be avoided. In the
case of disabilities and autism it can be very detrimental to a
persons well being to be stereotyped as they are already dealing with
enough issues in their daily life that they do not need the negative
perceptions of the outside world making it that much worse. Autistic
people are still just that, people and like every person on the planet
they are unique and individual, each with their own personalities and
likes and dislikes. View them for who they are and not who you expect
them to be.