Rant time :D

Autism is defined as a developmental disorder. It is often characterised by differences in communication and socialisation, as well as rigid routine and 'obsessions'. And yep, I experience all of these. All the time. Help me-

Right now, I'm going to try to address the societal attitude towards autism and why the attitude is the real problem.

Autism is not a bad thing, as many people perceive it. We learn and act differently because our brains are literally wired differently! Autistic individuals develop differently to 'Neurotypicals'. We are not lesser; less intelligent, less strong, less able, we are (at least from my point of view) our own amazing culture.

Our struggles in society come from society, for the most part. Over my lifetime I have been to therapy and things like it to learn how to fit in with the world. I've learnt how to behave around those not in the autistic community, I've learnt how to talk, to walk, to regulate myself and even learnt how to flip a switch to think differently. I know by now that I am not supposed to be quiet. Not supposed to be shy - but I am, because that is how I've had to fit in.

The world still follows the medical model of disability - meaning we look only at what is 'wrong' with the person, not what they need. This leads to the loss of independence and control of a person's own life, when if given the right supports they would be perfectly capable.

What the hell do you think ramps are for? XD

The social model of disability is equity. It says that people are only disabled by barriers in society - not by personal impairment or differences. Barriers are non-accessible buildings, websites, activities, barriers are aggressive, demeaning, 'oh, poor you' attitudes. If we followed the social model, each and every person in this world would have the support they need to be happy and healthy.

Because of the old-fashioned attitudes surrounding disabilities, we do have to work in overdrive to fit in. We hear autism tossed around as a joke, as an insult, as a derogatory term - and often, those saying these things no nothing of what they speak. I hate the fact that there have been times where I grin and bear it, because I'm afraid that if others realise that I am autistic, they will think lesser of me. I'm afraid they will turn their bullying to me.

But that's stupid. To everyone here, ask yourselves - how does someone being a little different change your perspective of who they really are? This does not just apply to the autistic community, but to everyone who is different to yourself.

How does your perception of someone change when you discover their gender, their race, their religion? Do you start to think they need protecting, even if they were the strongest person you knew before? Do you suddenly think they are stupid? Do you think something is wrong with them, even if they were 'perfectly normal' before? In your eyes, perhaps they are now a hero.

But why?

Because they - we - are different. And that concept of thinking and acting so differently is foreign to many. What makes Autism a 'disability' is not the difference in how we develop, but the way the world perceives us, even if they know nothing.

Accept each other. No matter what. Everyone deserves an equal place in this world, and equitable support to reach that goal. Love each other.