… says everyone from parents to the psychology community, hoping to discredit every word we say in self-advocacy.
It began decades ago with “autism is characterized by an inability to communicate properly” or some dated nonsense from the DSM. Now it’s led to…
Autistic people: *turn to Twitter, FB, YouTube, etc. to share our stories*
Martyr parents: “People with REAL autism can’t use social media!”
Autistic people: *sigh*
NTs: “People with autism can’t communicate!”
Buddy, autistic people are trying to tell you something you don’t want to hear but still have to. Autistic people who are nonverbal — temporarily or otherwise — will explain to you in their own good time why they’re unable to express themselves in a manner more to your liking. True, a lot of autistic people have trouble with speech processing and articulation and need to write or type their thoughts to express them completely — thus it was that we rejoiced when texting became a suitable alternative to talking on the phone, my friend.
“People with autism can’t communicate!”
Maybe if you would shut up and let autistic people get a word in edgewise without interrupting every thought they try to express, their communication skills would amaze you. Autistic people can communicate just fine; you, Señor NT, are the one who won’t listen. That’s a you problem. You’d be surprised how much better autistic people are at communicating when YOU DON’T INTERRUPT.
“People with autism can’t communicate!”
Autistic people don’t do boring small talk. Fold your cards, shuffle the deck and deal with it. Autistic people are too busy thinking deep, far-reaching thoughts to become mired in irrelevant conversation.
“People with autism can’t communicate!”
Listen, buster…
…And that’s it.
Just shut up and LISTEN, as we communicate in our own way.
“People with autism can’t communicate!”
Okay, you want communication, how’s this? 🖕
The Autyssey 