Before I received an
autism diagnosis, certain members of my NT family were
fine with making fun of me and calling me names.
When I was 19, I was
diagnosed with autism. Finally, there was an answer to why I covered my ears
during loud noises and rocked almost constantly as well as my lack of
eye-contact and slightly strange gait.
People treated me
differently post diagnosis. I hadn't changed since the diagnosis. I couldn't figure out why I
was being shut out. Even people who were neutral toward me who would say
"hello" did not. Some people didn't speak to me at all when I made
the effort; and minimal socialization is an
effort for me.
This still happens.
It happened at my
mom's funeral two and a half years ago when I had to see my NT family members.
It happened the
other day when the NT neighbor came by to speak to my sister with me in the
car.
I am there, but not
there.
This might be an
autistic point of view, but these people are very rude and their silence speaks
clearly about how they feel in the presence of a disabled person.
Uncomfortable.
I can promise you
that doing life in a NT world on a daily basis is nothing short of
uncomfortable for me, either. In ways you can not possibly imagine.
I will spare you the
details and say this:
Don't give autistic,
mentally ill or otherwise people you know are disabled the "deaf and
dumb" treatment.
God's view is to treat others the way you would like to be treated. We reap what we sow.
God's view also says that if you judge others, you will be judged
by God (Romans 2:1, Matthew 7:1).
God's view also says that we all must forgive (Matthew 6:14).
That goes for me and
for you. Whether or not you believe the Bible doesn't change
its absolute truths. Even atheists show manners. God has given them to all of us.
Kindness is simple
and free. Smile, even if I don't make eye contact I will probably see it out of
the corner of my eye.
Wave. I'm not completely blind to body language.
Say "hi".
I can promise you that I'm not interested in much dialogue.
Even if someone who
you know is disabled and non-verbal, say hello. Let them know you see them as a person, though their worth isn't dependent on your action or lack for
thereof.
Unless you happen to
be autistic and struggle in this area or are a heartless arse, you can make the effort.
