Wisconsin Autism Empowerment

Saturday May 18^th we had a panel presentation called ‘What I Wish My Parents Knew’.  There were four autistic adults who spoke about the things others did that helped them and those that caused harm.  The goal was to make the path smoother for others going forward.  To share information with parents, teachers, therapists and providers so they can do better for autistics.

Our panelists shared deep personal experiences.  It was clear that with holding their diagnosis was damaging.  Those who were diagnosed at a young age and told they were autistic grew up with that as part of their identity.  Those who were diagnosed at a young age but not told grew up feeling like an outcast, treated differently and not knowing why.  Finding out later was a relief that could have made their earlier years smoother. 

The how told is crucial too.  Those who were told they were autistic, unique, some things harder, some things same, some things easier.  We help you be your best you.  Autism is part of you but not all of you.  This perspective made the diagnosis a self-advocacy tool.  A strong foundation for life challenges.  Contrary to what some may think, it didn’t provide an excuse for problematic behavior or giving up on challenges.  These individuals felt secure in who they are and their label, striving for growth in spite of bumps. 

Some were told they were broken, damaged, needing to be fixed.  We have a group member who was told she could only read simple children’s books and that was all she was ever given.  She was told she wouldn’t graduate from high school, just get a special diploma.  But she was capable of so much more.  Yet, this messaging derailed her whole life.  Another group member has spent years rebuilding her sense of self after this messaging in her youth.  Now she’s college educated with a professional position, friends, independence.  Parents, teachers, therapists, providers be careful that you don’t devalue autistic people. 

There is so much more we’ll cover in future posts.  For the best source for how to do better by others is always, always, always first person.