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Why Success Stories Are Problematic
Success stories are everywhere in our society. Think of figures like Temple Grandin, a highly accomplished autistic woman who revolutionized livestock farming and autism advocacy. While her achievements are certainly impressive, the focus on such success stories raises questions about the message this sends to other neurodivergent people. These stories often highlight exceptional accomplishments, but what does this mean for neurodivergent individuals who may not reach such heights?
There are some issues with success stories that make them problematic for neurodivergent individuals. Sometimes they set unrealistic expectations, and sometimes they reinforce harmful stereotypes. Through concrete examples, I will try to present alternatives that offer a more realistic view of daily life and the diversity within the neurodivergent community.
A One-Sided Focus on Exceptions: The Case of Elon Musk
When public figures like Elon Musk, who has suggested he may be on the autism spectrum (even if a lot of people don’t agree with him), appear in the media, the spotlight is often on his remarkable achievements as the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. Of course, these stories forget to mention that Elon has a lot of personality issues that…
