This month is April, and April is Autism Awareness Month. I haven't been posting in a while but thought it would be best to post again for Autism Awareness Month. For this post I wanted to talk about my view of Autism. I know there can be a stigma attached to it for some people and that there is a certan idea about it from people. It is classified as a Disorder, and in fact the D in ASD stands for Disorder. There has even been talk about it being a disease, a disease that people hope can be a cure. Autism is not a disease, it is not a disorder and the D in ASD should not stand for any of those things. The D really should just stand for Difference which is really all that it is, a difference. A different way of viewing the world, a different et of likes and dislikes, even a different set of skills. I have even heard Autism be viewed as a Super Power, which I like as many people have used what they are passionate about and great at to lead successful lives.
I used to buy in to the idea that Autism was a disorder, and that something was wrong with me because I had it. I even got mad as to why I had it and be ashamed of it. However, starting in high school, I learned to see it as a difference, not a disorder, thanks to some Autism conferences that I went to. I started viewing my Autism in a more positive light and realizing that it isn't a bad thing that I have this and it is not something I should be ashamed of. Now I realize that my Autism is part of who I am, it is part of what makes me me. I managed to complete graduate school and get a Masters degree while having it, and I have lived the last 9 months independently, working and paying bills while having it. It hasn't hindered me or stopped me. Additionally, the story of my successes has been used to inspire hope into others who have children on the Autism Spectrum. I have Autism, and it is nothing for me to be ashamed of, and it has not stopped me at all.
