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A tale of strengths and struggles … autistic living in my own words
Autistic living means navigating daily challenges and it requires resilience, clear communication, and embracing both personal boundaries and unique strengths.
Living with autism is a true adventure. Some of my days are full of triumphs, others are full of challenges that may not be immediately obvious to the people around me.
The way people see autism is often shaped by stereotypes
While we’ve come a long way as a society in terms of understanding and inclusion, there’s still a lot to be learned about the everyday realities of life on the spectrum. I’ve learned to navigate the obstacles, embrace the misunderstandings, and, most importantly, recognize the unique strengths that come with living with autism.
For starters, the way people see autism is often shaped by stereotypes. The media doesn’t always help us.
Autism is frequently portrayed through extremes:
- The “Genius” or “Savant” — Media often highlight characters with extraordinary talents, such as advanced mathematical or artistic abilities, which only a small portion of autistic individuals possess.
- The “Socially Awkward Outcast” — Autistic individuals are frequently shown as completely…
