Think this whole commentary on autism and using disability labels as insults or jabs at people is really important, as it’s a massive issue in society. Whilst I don’t think anyone on here is using it to specifically cause insult, that doesn’t make it acceptable.
I was once part of that issue as a young man. I’d casually call an idiot friend a “spastic” or a “genius”. Maturity has taught me that’s not right and being ignorant of how words hurt others isn’t an excuse.
It took me having a son born with Downs Syndrome and the associate heart conditions that often come with that for me to wake up. I wouldn’t wish that lesson on anyone, so I try to educate my mates. And yeah it falls on deaf ears at times, but they know not to say that shit around me. And if I hear someone in public even a stranger using those words I tell them to pull their head in.
Neuro-diverse people, disabled people, don’t choose their condition, but we can choose the language we use.
Well said - I think society needs to understand that people are born different, and we should accept them for who they are.
A friend of mine the other day was talking about his son (4 years old, same age as my son) at a BBQ, and how his son is struggling to learn to toilet train.
He, and his wife, have suspected that their son is on the spectrum, but they're not totally sure, as he does not tick all the usual boxes, so to speak.
My friend's brother - a nice guy, but he doesn't always think, before he speaks - blurted out, "I mean, how hard is it? Pull ya daks down, sit on the toilet, and off you go."
He brought my mate's wife to tears.
This guy, like I said, is a good bloke - he just wasn't thinking.
Luckily, he realised that he upset his sister-in-law, and quickly apologised, but it is indicative of societal norms when it comes to neuro typicality.
But the best thing to do, I think, is to educate people on how to help those who are different.
Anyway - bring on 29265!
