Dispelling The Autism Myths

There are just so many things to dispel.

And not only that, I could write all day long about the ‘actual things’ that we now know are untrue but that wouldn’t even scratch the surface of the underlying foundational contexts - the medical, socio-political, capitalist frameworks.

So where do we even begin when it comes to changing out perception of autism? I guess we start with drips, bit by bit dismantling, acknowledging that these are but specks of dust in the bigger storm of reality...

Autism is not a boy thing. Autism is not a childhood thing. Autism is not a developmental delay. Autism is not a behavioural thing. Autism is not a disorder. Autism is not something you can see. We are not all a little bit autistic. Autism is not a super power. You can not grow out of autism. Autism is not caused by (insert any word here). Autism is not pathological. Autism does not always require therapy. Autism does not require early intervention. Autism does not mean savantism. The ‘rainman’ stereotype only represents a small percent of autistics. Autism is not a negative word. ‘The spectrum’ is not linear. Autistics don’t have ‘special needs’. Autism is not seperate from trauma. Seeking sensory input and avoiding sensory input can happen at the same time. Autism does not require you to parent more rigidly. Autistic capacity is not fixed. Autism is not caused by parenting. Autism can not be cured. Autism does not denote empathy. Non-speaking autistics are not low functioning. Autistic communication style is not lesser than. Autism does not require diagnoses. It’s not always safe for autistics to unmask. Autistics should not be less accountable for their choices. Autistic children shouldn’t have to ‘prepare for the real world’. Autistic people shouldn’t have to fit in. Autism should not be learnt about from text books or university. Accommodating support needs isn’t too hard. Autistic people don’t automatically require structure. Autism isn’t trendy or a fad. Autism is not overdiagnosed. There are not higher numbers of autism now than ever before. Autism impacts physical health and immune responses. Autism and ADHD are more likely to co-exist than not. Diagnosis is not pointless for older people. Autism is not a negative. If your child is autistic you probably are too.

Drip, drip, drip.

Each of these facts is a tiny drip that accumulatively fills up your knowledge bowl, and this makes a big difference in the whole scheme of things.

In fact, understanding and truly believing these points listed above changes our understanding of the foundational contexts, the systems and structures that have led to the othering of those who don’t easily exist within neuro-normative structures. So maybe it’s these individual drips that we need to focus on.

If you’re keen to delve deeper into the impact of these myths and the nuance of the knowledge that has replaced them, if you’ve already immersed in ‘autism 101’ - the strategies, the mainstream approaches, the brain, and you’re ready for more, please join me for Autism: Dispelling the Myths and Understanding the Culture. This 6 week program goes beyond what the mainstream memes, courses, seminars, posts and PD’s share. This program, which you’ll have lifetime access to will fill the gaps that we are feeling in our heart but haven’t put words to yet.

We begin this Monday Sept 15th. Each Monday you’ll receive pre-recorded videos, each Thursday you’ll be able to join me for a one hour live QandA. Everything will be recorded so you can set your own pace.

This is the obvious next step.

Come and join me for heart filling truths and explorations into the ideal.

INFO AND REGISTRATION HERE