Don't Diss Ability: Redefining Autism Awareness

No doubt, unity is something to be desired, to be striven for, but it cannot be willed by mere declarations. – Theodore Bikel

The Autism Society of the Philippines works tirelessly towards the protection of the rights of and the enrichment of the benefits available to persons with autism and their families. The following are the laws and implementing guidelines in effect in the Philippines, which champion the cause of persons with autism, and other disabilities. More Philippine disability laws can be found at the NCDA website.

Reference: http://www.autismsocietyphilippines.org/p/disability-laws-autism-society-of.html?m=1

Thinking about the positive aspects of autism can change the opinion of a potential employer, open doors to new opportunities, make the community more inclusive, and change how we support people with autism at home, school, and in the community. Teach to the strength and talk to parents about their children in terms of those strengths. A positive approach will build strong relationships, which is the base for good development and quality of life. Celebrate a different way of thinking and what that can add to the world we live in.
Here’s the 8 awesome and admirable "autism traits" anyone on the spectrum will tell you are pretty awesome about the unique way they see the world.

References:
https://hes-extraordinary.com/positive-aspects-of-autism

Besides from the challenges you face with due to autism, you may have noticed that there are also some other aspects that you can list as strengths or skills of your child. You must know that your child is a unique being. Even the autism case he or she has is unique. Determining what your child with autism is good at may come in handy in terms of providing him/her with the sense of achievement. You can blend these abilities into their everyday activities. They will get the joy and satisfaction while learning more. The more they practice their skills or build upon their strengths, the happier and more successful they will become in their upcoming life. These strengths may be the points they will determine what they will be taking up as a job in the future. Determining the abilities and working on the challenges can greatly improve both your and your child’s life in general. Here are some Strengths and Abilities in Autism.

Reference:
https://www.altogetherautism.org.nz/strengths-and-abilities-in-autism/

Quote of the day:

Different isn't bad. It's just different, and that can be extraordinary. Our world is better for our differences; after all, it would be pretty boring if we were all exactly the same.
Here is a quote from Haley Moss an attorney, contemporary American pop art artist, author and advocate for people with disabilities.

Quote of the day:

Everyone in this world has a unique experience. We all see life a bit differently, and take on the world in different ways. For people with autism, some of these differences may be a bit more pronounced, and a bit less understood. Just as we can never completely walk in someone else’s shoes, we will never fully be able to experience the world through the eyes of someone with autism.
What we can and should try to understand is that although people with autism may experience the world differently than us, this does not mean they need to be “fixed.” This does not imply that they are “broken.”
Rather, these differences do imply that we need a world that is more accepting of all kinds of people. A world that focuses on individuality and uniqueness. A world that understands that although we are all different and extraordinary, we are all part of the greater good. We are all members of humanity, and we all deserve love and respect.
Yes, people with autism do experience the world differently than many of us do, but this does not make them any less. We are all capable of love and compassion, we all deserve the right to be fully included in society.

Things you should never say to an Autistic person are any of the general invalidating things that people tend to say on a daily basis. Things like “don't worry everyone's a little autistic,” Or “you must be like rainman or something,” it shouldn’t really need explaining why these comments are distressing to an Autistic person. Sometimes people who say these things are well-meaning, which can make the impact even worse. Especially in those cases, people might not understand why these can be so offensive and hurtful, and occasionally insist that what they’re saying is a compliment, even when it’s not.

Reference:
https://researchautism.org/what-to-say-what-not-to-say-to-someone-with-autism/

Quote of the day:

If there is one thing people with ASD want and need, it is greater awareness. They want people to understand them and to accept them as they are. They do not want cures or medical interventions, just understanding.

Here is a quote from Seth Godin an American author, businessman, marketer, and public speaker where:

One of the best things you can do to someone with autism is to give them the space to talk and to be a good listener in response. People often say: “This is an opportunity: You just didn't land where you expected, but landed. You thought you were going one place, but just ended up in another place. The key is to smile, look the person in the eye, and be interested in what the other person has to say.

Reference:
https://researchautism.org/what-to-say-what-not-to-say-to-someone-with-autism/

Quote of the day:

Dr Stephen Shore, an Autism advocate who is on the spectrum, said, "If you've met one person with Autism, you've met one person with Autism. The one's who were diagnosed with ASD are capable with their unique strengths, difficulties and experience characteristics of their disability in different ways. The quote meant that just because you've met one person with Autism, does NOT mean EVERYONE with Autism is the same. He meant each one of us are different. We are all different, don't judge, understand instead.