Psych2Go - 5 Things You Shouldn’t Say to Someone on the Autism Spectrum by Brian Cham
The video highlights five phrases that are often said to autistic individuals, which can be ignorant and hurtful despite good intentions. These include denying someone's autism based on their achievements, assuming all autistic people excel in math, commenting on someone's appearance as not looking autistic, asking generic questions about what it's like to be autistic, and suggesting everyone is on the autism spectrum. Each point emphasizes the diversity and individuality of autistic experiences, challenging stereotypes and encouraging a more open-minded understanding of autism.
Key Points:
- Avoid denying someone's autism based on their achievements or lifestyle.
- Don't assume all autistic individuals have the same skills, like being good at math.
- Refrain from commenting on someone's appearance as not looking autistic.
- Understand that asking what it's like to be autistic is too generic and unhelpful.
- Recognize that not everyone is on the autism spectrum; respect unique autistic experiences.
Details:
1. Raising Awareness on Autism 🧩
1.1. Increasing Public Understanding of Autism
1.2. Addressing Common Misconceptions
1.3. Strategies for Effective Communication
2. Misconceptions About Autism: "You Can't Possibly Be Autistic" ❌
- It is prejudiced to assume that autistic individuals cannot succeed in life, as each person with autism is different and capable of achieving success in relationships, careers, and education.
- Comments like "You can't possibly be autistic" often come from misconceptions when autistic individuals demonstrate achievements or independence, challenging stereotypes that all autistic people are unable to succeed.
- Even those familiar with autism can hold misconceptions, assuming that all autistic individuals face the same challenges, such as being unable to live independently like some children with autism.
- Diagnosis of autism is not a definitive predictor of life outcomes; autistic individuals can be successful and independent contrary to common stereotypes.
3. Misconceptions About Autism: "You Must Be Good at Math" ➗
- Autistic individuals show a wide variety of abilities, similar to non-autistic individuals, and their skills do not always conform to media stereotypes.
- Some autistic individuals excel in math and technology, while others may not have these strengths, reflecting the diversity in the autism spectrum.
- Emphasizing certain abilities as superior can lead to feelings of exclusion and inferiority among autistic individuals who do not possess those abilities.
4. Misconceptions About Autism: "You Don’t Look Autistic" 👀
- There is no physical appearance that defines someone as autistic, indicating that autism cannot be identified through looks alone.
- The statement 'you look normal' implies a harmful stereotype that being autistic is abnormal and undesirable, which can perpetuate stigma.
- The idea of 'normal' versus 'autistic' suggests a value judgment that considers non-autistic traits as superior, highlighting the need for greater acceptance of neurodiversity.
5. Misconceptions About Autism: "What's It Like to Be Autistic?" 🤔
- The question 'What’s it like to be autistic?' is considered strange and generic, highlighting a lack of understanding.
- Autistic individuals find it difficult to answer as being autistic encompasses everything they know, influencing all their experiences.
- There is no single autistic life experience; every autistic person has a unique life with different experiences.
- Common experiences among autistic people include frequently being asked generic questions about their condition.
6. Misconceptions About Autism: "Everyone's on the Autism Spectrum" 🌈
- The statement 'everyone's on the autism spectrum' is incorrect and dismissive.
- This misconception undermines the unique experiences and struggles of autistic individuals.
- Such comments do not provide comfort but rather invalidate the challenges faced by autistic people.
- Suggesting universal understanding of autism is misleading and does not reflect reality.