Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Autism? | Justin Robbins | TEDxTufts

From the TEDxTufts stage, Justin Robbins shares his experiences with the autism community, and where the dominant narrative emerges when it comes to policy, social interaction, and identity politics. As an autistic individual himself, Justin tells his side of a story that is not often heard.
Justin Robbins is a senior double majoring in biology and history. He is the co-founder and president of the Coalition for Autism Support at Tufts (CAST), a support and advocacy group by and for autistic students.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@marialeon6765]

I'm autistic, and I have noticed that the parents of other autistic children often disregard on high-functioning autistics because "we don't suffer what their children suffer". They don't even try to understand them, it's sad.

[@wandah9468]

I'm late to this comment, but that's exactly right.

[@emmilytheengineer]

My cousin was diagnosed with autism and her my aunt were at a psychologist. My aunt and the psychologist were talking and then my cousin spoke up she said "can I say something" psychologist went over and said "of course what you want to say" to which my cousin replied "I'm not broken don't try to fix me."

[@canndydrivegaming9831]

Ben Hackett and I agreed with you The so call normal is judging All Autistic people

[@eddiesid1149]

Haha love this.

[@otaku5869]

Emmily The Engineer that’s awesome

[@existentialconundrum6720]

Yay for her!!!!

[@rachelwright627]

I feel the same. I have Autism and people always say, "Oh I am so sorry!", "You don't look sick/Autistic?", or "Oh my (random person they know) also has it. I know exactly how you feel."

[@nothingbutnothing1483]

Autism is not a sickness

[@JustHowItIs]

Rachel Wright Same for me, as well.

[@lisasalinas1054]

@@nothingbutnothing1483 Unless they have severe inflammation in their GI system which interferes with development of the brain, less-verbal, to head-banger! They have increased exponecially

[@bcharlieee]

God forbid someone accidentally makes the assumption that you would want to know they don't look at you any differently by saying some reassuring words and even an attempt to relate as best they can in that awkward situation. It's always a little awkward when someone tells you something personal about themselves (sometimes a lot awkward lol)... It's a common, natural reaction to try and make the person doing the sharing feel like they're not the only one (even if the delivery is terrible).

[@teaartist6455]

I suppose it's coming from a good place, though not from a terribly educated and aware one.

[@cherokeepurple4480]

When I found out my 5yo son has autism, I was actually quite relieved. I could finally put a name to the behavior that professionals told me was developmentally not up to speed. My mission now is to understand my sweet boy as best as I can and nurture his interests. It helps that I was a misfit as a child and I suspect I’m autistic as well. He gets OT and PT in school which has helped him gain confidence in his abilities but I in no way want him to change who he is. Autism therapies are very lucrative industries and I blame the sudden surge in autism diagnoses for this. I think having a diagnosis is comforting to better understand yourself or a loved one but I can’t help but feel that some of these therapists are just taking advantage of innocent children for their own personal gain.

[@danielmoore4024]

Cherokee, Don't take for granted all the doctors have said or have to say for things like social deficits have been proven scientifically true that that's a flawed assumption. When learning the best route is; Experience > Medical > See if you can find someone autistic to confirm. Put experience before the teachings of the medical model. Listen to autistic people, the more you listen to the more common factors you'll see, the autistic adults may be able to explain many things. Regarding special interests, that's part of our wellbeing, talking about interests reduces the additional stimulation in an autistic mind.

[@urseliusurgel4365]

I started my education by being selectively mute for 3 months, I ended it with a PhD in molecular biology. I was autistic from the day I was born, but had no diagnosis during my education. Some autistic people can do well with no treatment whatsoever, It is not easy and targeted support can help a lot. Try to help your child, but do not try to change who and what he is.

[@wolfiethehedgehog3900]

I am so thankful you are so supportive and loving to your son! =)

[@raqueljackson6299]

Almost a week ago my son, 4 years old, was diagnosed with autism. At first I cried, mainly because I didn't understand exactly what it was and what it meant for my son. Well, after researching it more, I've learned to embrace the beauty of my son being himself. I feel like I understand him more now. My son is autistic and I love everything about him! He's amazing and charming.

[@Cheesus-Sliced]

Realistically, all it means is that he needs more effort from others to communicate clearly with him. Everything else is him.

[@BeepBoopBopBap]

That’s beautiful! You’re a wonderful parent :) you should be proud of yourself and your son.

[@ravkaur3826]

My son is 4 and autistic as well.

[@jesamima]

absolutely brilliant, couldn't thank him enough for this and that fire nation reference at the beginning killed me 😂 don't think the audience got it though unfortunately

[@emryswalton1802]

Yeah, ATLA is more popular with us aspies hehe

[@notme6966]

Had to go back and start over cuz than I started thi king about Avatar

[@doriangrayapologist]

Flameo, fellow people of taste!

[@fludderkiddie]

Grateful for this as a mom of a six yr old self harming nom verbal son. Hes the smartest, kindest souls I know and he teaches me more everyday than i could ever teach him.

[@angel_godislovegarcia7573]

I agree fully with you my friend, organizations like Autism speaks wants a cure, it breaks my heart, frist of all why would you want to cure a neurological condition, I was diagnosed with a mild form of Autism last year and has changed my life but also has made me realize who I really am, don't try to cure people with Autism rather accept them for who they are, remember Jesus Christ loves you all very much!

[@zeolitequeen]

Angel_God is love Garcia the people who are looking for s cure have children that bash their heads, scream and yell and bash other people. Who sit in the car after asking permission to scream with the windows up as they can’t take another minute of stress and noise. And more 😢

[@zanelelong9912]

Some of us don't want autism

[@emmarose4234]

Sunny Day, I scream and yell too. I hit my head too. I’ve hurt other people while having meltdowns. I do know what it’s like. I do not want a cure. Thank you.

[@sabserab]

@Eli Mar Holy fuu what a horrible thing to say!

[@wandah9468]

I've spent most of my life without the label. I sure dont need it now. That ship sailed long, long ago. 🤣🤣🤣🌴🌴😎🏝🌴

[@sillysadly3433]

wonderful talk, thank you for sharing this. people really do treat anyone who they find out as being autistic as if they have some kind of communicable disease and it's one of the meanest things they can do. thank you for sharing the different perspectives and how they come across. this means a lot for me and my research.

[@-belue-6697]

"WHEN I TELL PEOPLE I'M AUTISTIC...OH, BY THE WAY, I'M AUTISTIC!"... HAHA! ME! 😂...Then they respond in one of the ways he described! 😒

[@-belue-6697]

P.S...1:45...And this is the "charity" non Autistics see as helpful and kind and understanding? 🤨... AUTISM SPEAKS DOESN'T SPEAK FOR ME! 😒

[@theresecoppola3385]

Outstanding insights to help all understand about autistic people. Thank you for your articulate message.

[@gregh7457]

i always thought i had a cognitive dysfunction or was just extremely shy. i think had i known that i was autistic in high school it would have been a relief

[@PianoSree2012]

My lifelong dedication and cause of my life: empower empathy liberty justice and healing for all born with autism along with eliminating barriers and biases.

[@tractorgang1115]

By eliminating the reason for the biases and barriers? As an autistic person I use barriers to protect myself from those who verbally abuse and physically bully me. Now they see me as a monster for defending myself through erratic behaviour and loud noises.

[@Bozewani]

i had to heal from institutional ableism from the healthcare and educational system TOOK A LON GTIME

[@Aiken47]

The amount of discounting gaslighting from NTs is astronomical. They’re so condescending and stereotype individuals like it is it’s own disease. Maybe that should be studied

[@wolfiethehedgehog3900]

Thank the heavens for people like you who are understanding about our discrimination and social needs. We could always use a helping hand. =)

[@moodybassist]

*bless your whole face for this talk I love it*

[@thatwiseoldbitchchannel]

So well laid out... Love it... Pls do more talks on Autism... The world needs to hear these truths...

[@sbsman4998]

Lovely presentation Justin, thanks

[@emilywebster6623]

Brilliant talk. Thank you! :)

[@bonnieshirley4391]

What a gifted speaker you are Justin. The most informative and enjoyable to listen to. I could clearly understand you. Thank you for speaking to us. I know this takes courage. God bless you.

[@danimcdonald6785]

Perfect, so eloquent. Thank you.

[@autisticcryptid9211]

I found out about my autism in highschool and reacted the same way. Cuz for awhile i didn't know until highschool and during that time i felt defective. Whe. I discovered i had Aspergers I for once in my life was happy. Cuz I knew nothing was wrong with me.

[@syabilaazri7834]

I understand that feeling,dude...being a girl with aspie was really hard to me since is really hard to see a girl with autism. Back when i was 10, my parent take me to a docter and we talk all afternoon. From my problem with loud noise and school problem to my passion that i want to make cartoon in the future. After that, the docter have a talk with my parent and give them a small box of pills and told me that i should take one pill every morning. At first, i thought that that pills just extra vitamint for me because i can easily got sick back when was a kid but then, when i got into high school and learn biology, i understand what those pills are and start to crying because i never thought my parent think see me as sick mentel person...

[@valentinelove9463]

Syabila Azri I am so sorry😞

[@wolfiethehedgehog3900]

I am so sorry you had to go through this.. as an autistic female finishing up high school (diagnosed with Asperger's), it is horrible to think that parents like yours thought of "curing" you. It's wrong. You are a wonderful indivdual the way you are; don't let anyone, not even yourself, forget that. Stay strong.

[@syabilaazri7834]

@@wolfiethehedgehog3900 thank you,dude....speaking of talk, which lesson of "Sonic Sez" that you like the most?

[@billwong6077]

I am autistic myself. But I am also an occupational therapist by trade and have been on the TED stage a couple times. I am actually the first in the occupational therapy profession to be on the TED stage more than once. I learned about person first language when I started occupational therapy school. Then, I learned about my autism diagnosis a year into my occupational therapy program. It was a pretty difficult time for me because not only I had to cope with the demands of graduate school, but also quickly figure out how to help myself in my quest to become an occupational therapist. In 2012, I was able to obtain my occupational therapy license via passing my boards exam. But before this, I decided that I would openly share about my experiences while being mindful of professionalism. So, I would pick my spots to share about my lived experiences on social media as well as coming up with presentation proposals in occupational therapy regularly on different subjects in autism. Meanwhile... speaking of stereotyping, my latest TEDx Talk actually defies the stereotype of autism advocates. Most of the time, many autism advocates (including myself) have spoken up about autism on the TED stage. However, this latest TEDx Talk I did... I spoke about ageing in place and my reflection working as an occupational therapist in the nursing home setting. I think some people will be really shocked because I can imagine some people would be like (including some people in the autism community), "You said you are an autism self-advocate. Why are you talking about ageing? Why are you going away from a subject you proclaim you know well?" My response will be, "I work in the nursing home setting every day for almost 3 years now. At the end of the day, I think it is about the right time for me to challenge myself in my own career as an occupational therapist. The autism self-advocate me is still important. But, I believe in doing a TEDx topic away from autism will show societies that there are autism advocates out there who are really smart people and can go away from their comfort zones to speak about things outside of autism if they have the courage to." Overall, your presentation sounded like my viewpoints when I first found out my diagnosis. I only believed what I believed was right and applied to me at the time. But as I researched more about autism related issues through trying to come up with presentation proposals at occupational therapy conferences, it is important to have a greater worldview of autism when sharing what you know- whether it's from research or your personal experiences. You can blend research and your personal experiences together when sharing such. But it takes a lot of practice and self consciousness to improve on such when sharing to public. It is a great attempt. But, I believe there is room for improvement.

[@sbsman4998]

I found your reply fascinating Bill because although a senior now I worked 20 years in P.T. acute care settings. Challenging indeed with all the team work, chatting, social expectations, crowded classrooms, breaks in routine were the worst and documentation! As with everything I just put up with the challenges of always being the outsider, eating alone, greatly misunderstood, not invited to parties and politely excluded. My saving grace was my easy going professionalism combined with absolute adherence to routine and perfection the nurses found most irritating. My patients love me and being autistic I am very comfortable with the short periods of time with each patient, get to know them then good bye having helped them get better, perfect!! The moral of my story is simple ~~> if your autistic or anyone for that matter, then tough it out, show up!, study complete and pursue your obsessions, especially those that make you a descent living. Good luck with your O.T. Bill, great field

[@billwong6077]

When I shared with other autistics about my experiences in OT, they were wide eyed. At national OT conferences, I will have 250-300 people wanting to talk to me. At much smaller international OT conferences, I would have at least 50. I am also serving in leadership positions that have many of my autistic peers' jaws dropped... as I will be serving in a couple of those at the national level (one appointed and one elected). On one hand, I know I am setting the bar high for other autistic OT's. On the other hand, I slowly begin to feel like I am a poster child to this population of OT's... as many people have been asking me, "How can we untap the potential of these people?" For me, my interests in challenging myself professionally comes from within. I have many peers who do awesome work and I want to challenge myself to be at the same levels as they are. My parents have told me recently, "You sure like to arm wrestle with these motivated people. No wonder you are doing all these things." However, because of what I accomplished, I now become a go-to person whenever an OT student or practitioner with autism or other disabilities ask me for advice. Overall, my advice to autistics who have potential to have careers is- know what you want and give it 110%. If you need guidance, you should ask for some. However, don't let others sway you into things you don't want to do. Sometimes, though, you have to challenge yourself in order to get what you ultimately want.

[@RikiSmiley]

Thank you for the video. I read the article, bit am not able to see the video where I am at the moment. I think one of the reasons why the term 'with autism' has been used is not only because people wanted to 'fix' you. When I studied Special Ed more than 20 years ago, this 'with...' was used for many other disabilities because then, otherwise, disabled people were seen as only in the negative way. For example, we would not say 'That person is blind', but 'that person has a visual disability'. This was because, otherwise, they were seen for what they could not do instead of the whole of the person. First and overall, they were a person. You cannot also cure blindness nor deafness, although technology has advanced to a point where certain degrees can be improved (e.g. Cochlear implants). Yet, possibly it's different with autism as it's not something you can 'measure'. With visual or hearing difficulties you can see the degree or extent. Autism is totally different and that is what we have missed. I looking forward to seeing this video later today as listening to autistic people is what helps us understand better from 1st hand source.

[@phxf]

Actually some deaf communities were rejecting person-first language earlier than the autistic self advocacy community I think! Imagine someone who communicates mainly through a sign language. Their culture and community are distinct from a verbal communicator's. Deafness can be a core part of their identity, and some deaf people don't want treatments that could give them hearing, because their community and identity are important to them. Of course it's not universal and it's important to listen to people and respect individually how they see themselves and how they want to be respected

[@-belue-6697]

I love this dude! He knows what is up!...EVERYTHING he said was spot on! 😎😎😎

[@rmemon3131]

I loved every second of this video

[@PenelopeRose238]

Fantastic and well done!

[@patrickmcdonough7008]

Keep them coming!!

[@ringostarrs3rdwifeyxoxo869]

Beautiful.

[@peteracton2246]

We have been called "dead souls in living bodies", Fragile Buddhas, Holy Fools, Little Professors, Empty Fortresses, Robots, Broken Mirrors etc. etc. Great examples of "empathy" demonstrated to us by neurotypicals for sure.

[@JustHowItIs]

Asperger's was added to the DSM as ASD as of 2013.*

[@KennethHuntington1]

Awesome talk!

[@funnysillyclown]

I completely agree everything this man says, as I am autistic as well but... AHHH HAMILTON IS ONE OF MY SPECIAL INTERESTS THATS PERFECT

[@johannadelaney5384]

Brillant! I want to cry because I have High- Functioning Autism as well. I'm turning 35 soon. Short story short I feel nobody can and will understand who I am. They talk down on me like I'm worthless and my parents have dismissed any concerns I show because they didn't want me to be seen as a problem. They are saying how worried and scared for me, but then don't do anything to support that. They tell me how I should change. I always try and improve, but it doesn't help. It makes me demoralized and abandoned. I often felt at times that I should just off myself because the people who 'raised' me see me as a disease. They told me I would be a coward if I killed myself. So, then demeaning my-self worth and telling me to get over it is better?

[@silicon212]

This was excellent, well done Justin.

[@Meghan3]

Like that. Thank you. 😎👍🏼

[@IIoveasl10]

Brillant talk. I am physically handicapped since 1969 (age 5). I couldn't agree more with you. Thanks for the talk.

[@nahlahaddad4207]

My son is autistic too. I hope that he will be brave as you are.

[@virment2032]

If all kids with autism are like this speaker, then all he says, is true. Being on the autism spectrum, one is far different from the other. If parents with autism look or search for a solution or cure, it means, they want to help the kid with autism. Autism is not a disease. It is a disorder. If kids with autism are accepted as they are, that is a world of peace. No, they are not accepted for who they are. They are ridiculed by their peers at school, they are stared at by the other people around them, the school personnel would like to get rid of them - just like what they are doing to my son who has an autism. We fight the school to get something that he needs. The school personnel only wants someone who is peaceful and they can control, they also do not want fights with the parents. Do the parents want to fight the school all the time? No. The kids with autism can not speak for themselves so parents fight for them. This creates a lot of bad feelings. The school personnel create an IEP that is copy-pasted. I could write a lot more but if there is a cure or solution, I would go for it in a heartbeat.

[@The_Guy_G]

This makes me happy =)

[@billlyoliveman]

OH.MY.DARWIN!! I love this talk!

[@wolfiethehedgehog3900]

As in Charles Darwin?? Awesome! I enjoyed this too; thinking of sharing it!

[@rangodeldiablo]

YOU GO DUDE!!! I am an out of proud autistic man, I don't hide my autism from anyone, I TELL PEOPLE I'M AUTISTIC WITH PRIDE!!!!

[@robyncoad3909]

Love the last airbender reference 😂

[@v8wr253]

This guy's hilarious! I was surprised that no one else was laughing at his humor throughout but the mic might've just been picking up him and not the crowd

[@delilahhart4398]

I was diagnosed with ASD last fall. This guy can speak for himself, but as far as I'm concerned, my autism doesn't determine my personhood or identity. Screw that!

[@Cheesus-Sliced]

No, it doesn't. But it is a very important part of who you are, and is an easy way to explain some of your differences to other people

[@jackboyd8952]

Delilah Hart, I'm not super religious or anything, but Ay men to that. Not that I know how to spell the word.

[@jackboyd8952]

@@Cheesus-Sliced It also sucks. Why does it have to exist.

[@Cheesus-Sliced]

@@jackboyd8952 what's so bad about it? We have a huge number of advantages over neurotypicals, the only problem is these strengths are underutilized

[@jackboyd8952]

@@Cheesus-Sliced A: Read your comment again, and you'll notice how that's creepy(no offense). B: You can't tell when your blending in with others, or when your doing something freakish. It hurts people around me, and gives people the ability to make fun of me without knowing it. It also makes you go into an existential crises everytime you think. I have to prove to myself the earth is round, because the question of could it not, bothers me too damn much.

[@nataliegist2014]

Wow.

[@canndydrivegaming9831]

I am autistic and I am very sensitive

[@alysfreeman11]

Finding out at 60 I have aspergers was a relief...but not to those around me...

[@WebCreations88]

Loads of faults remain in the nerotypicals, autism isn’t without issues but analysis of nerotypicals faults would drop their arrogance.

[@canndydrivegaming9831]

We’ll I can learn from younger People

[@sbsman4998]

Autistics are perfectly suited for many tasks involving complex organizing, repeated long intricate movements like engraving, able to be alone content, intelligent focused, great warriors craftsman lovers. Now, society is wanting failing the best of us, while producing hyper-unfocused drug addicted robots wanting quick fixes.

[@petr-im2hk]

Nobody out there really can tell I’m autistic

[@strangeangel235]

Fire Nation 😂

[@thomaspotterdotexe]

If it was simple as that, I won't bother to suffer from studying all the social human behaviour and acts.

[@leeow3n]

Let's focus on effect please not grammar

[@meiganuvola]

I don´t agree with the meaning of "I wish my child did not have autism" that you have said. It´s really hard for us the fact that our kid had autism, it´s worst when we don´t have enough money to pay more therapys, and we have had so suffering knowing that our kid needed help and don´t be able to pay more help. And for he is very difficult in his daily life. Of course I wish my child did not have autism, I wish my family did not have all this suffering. I love my son, therefore all days I try to understand him, be more patient to him, help him, and believe me, it is so hard...

[@danielmoore4024]

meiganuvola, A majority of the problems don't stem from the Autism itself, they stem from how the world reacts and perceives Autism. As said in the video about forcing us to conform, that's one of the problems, the society not accepting differences. Have you ever considered that what the society forces on us autistics is not safe for us? that the society actually hurts us by doing so? For example, the society demands loud noises and bright lights in shopping centers for a sense of artificial excitement. Now, is an environment with loud noises and bright lights safe for people who are hypersensitive to sound and light? No, it's actually dangerous. I have a friend who works in a residential home for autistic adults and I've always been a guide for him. He contacted me asking why a resident won't stop banging his head on the wall. I asked my friend what happened beforehand and he told me they turned the television on. I told my friend to reduce the brightness and volume, he did so and everything was solved. So who's got the problem there? Is it the autistic resident, or is it the rest of them desiring additional light and sound that is not needed just for their pleasure? I've heard children tell doctors they bite and hurt themselves because it makes the pain go away. How much emotional pain must someone be in in order to prefer physically hurting themselves or others? So when people with Autism are being hurt by something that NTs perceive as little, how do you think they feel when the society says not to take it seriously? Have you ever considered the society are the problem? The majority is the prideful model that looks down on others. The majority is the source of racism and discrimination. It's clear to me after everyone I've listened to that autistic people desire a world of liberty and freedom where everyone has the right to live in authenticity instead of pretending to be someone they're not.

[@quadpad_music]

THEN FIGHT TO BE ABLE TO GET MORE THERAPIES!!! You said it yourself... Just don't try to change who your child is to fit your expectations.

[@Michael-it6gb]

"might not be able to love anyone..." Sadly, that one is pretty dang true. 😐

[@ridgeracer7136]

You can save over 20% on car insurance with gieco

[@jackboyd8952]

8:35, in response, I say cure me. I am not autistic. I have autism. If it's gone, Jack is still here. No one should be forced to be cured, but so many of us want to be. I wouldn't rather be dead, but trading an arm and a leg would be of no consequence if I could just have three full decades of peace.

[@nataliewright4164]

As a parent of an autistic child , I will fight for my son. As of now, we don’t know if he will talk, if he will learn to use the restroom on his own, if he will learn to not hit himself. They say early intervention is key and so I will do it. Parents don’t want to change their child just because. I can imagine how much pain my child is in when he’s banging his little head against the floor or slapping himself. I want to see him be successful and be able to function like the speaker. So yes I will try to “change” him. I want him to be the best version of himself.

[@emmarose4234]

You’re not trying to cure him, are you? 😨 Have you tried to figure out why he’s, for instance, banging his head (he might have a headache)?

[@nataliewright4164]

Emma Rose lol yes I’m trying to “cure” him. I’m not gonna sit around and not provide the early intervention he needs. So far the head banging has stopped , he’s starting to talk , he’s making eye contact, he’s responding to his name and he’s much happier .

[@emmarose4234]

Therapy is a good thing (as long as it’s not ABA or anything abusive like that). Cure is not.

[@sarazoom1353]

@@nataliewright4164 GOOD FOR YOU! Be strong.

[@nataliewright4164]

sara zoom thank you 😊 we are still making good progress

[@athulya4147]

"Every autistic person is capable of living a normal independent life"? When you make a claim like that, you need to follow it up with solid evidence.

[@threepoint14159265]

You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

[@danielmoore4024]

Athulya Sivanandan, It is possible, but only if neurotypicals are willing to stop being selfish and start being mindful about how autistic people experience the world. If the society was more mindful about how autistic people experience the world they'd be far fewer problems. Who's to say that an autistic perspective is not better than than a neurotypical perspective? Neurotypical people forcing everyone in the society to be the same is the disease. The majority or normality is the cause of discrimination, racism, divisions in our communities, unacceptance, rejection, loneliness, suicide, bullying etc. I've put autistic people including myself together and we seem to have one desire in common. We desire a world of freedom and liberty where everyone has the right to be who they actually are, it is normal to be different but the society won't accept that.

[@happypiano4810]

I’m assuming they mean Autism with no comorbidities.

[@kaboomjed]

First

[@amandaweiss9664]

Autism is not who they are, therefore autism needs to be separated from them.

[@blessedmyself4486]

Second

[@zeolitequeen]

I appreciate your talk but the reality is that I’ve seen autism in my nephew and there is a massive chasm between him and you. The struggle that families with children with “ real “ autism have is likening bricks to cheese. There are degrees of autism and you young man are lucky.

[@marymurphy1429]

He litterally debunked that argument in the video you just watched! We're you actually listening to anything he just said, or did you just rush to the comment section to complain as soon as he started speaking?

[@loesopdeterugweg563]

third

[@jackboyd8952]

In response to the question, the people who have it, hate it, not just fear it.

[@ThirtytwoJ]

i think he forgets hes speaking as the exception rather than the rule, and hasnt thought that he could have been the same person, THE EXACT SAME PERSON.. with much less struggle getting there on his and his parents behalf. i hope my kid is lucky enough to be so normal, but going through the pain and not knowing just to get your child to adulthood with a high chance of never functioning in society; never going a day without it being an uncontrollable nightmare to manage. It is exhausting and permanently damaging to the parents in all aspects. I understand the fight hes fighting, Speaking as the parent of a special needs kid,i just dont agree with not treating it like something that can be cured or prevented in the future.

[@streamofawareness]

Then you learned nothing.

[@emmarose4234]

natalie wright, what about the pain Autistics go through? Especially the ones who need lots of daily help, and hurt themselves and others because they can’t make their communications understood?

[@nataliewright4164]

FDRpi i agree with that... one does not negate the other .

[@sarazoom1353]

@@streamofawareness oh for GOD sake. You dont know anything about ThirtytwoJ. DO you know anythijng about his/her child? DO YOU? Stop making assumptions.

[@Lyrawolfbane]

I got diagnosed at 26 and I’m in my 30s now. I masked my autism at school but now I’m living somewhere else where I’m more accepted.