MYTHBUSTERS: AUTISM EDITION

MYTH 2: AUTISM IS JUSTIFICATION FOR BAD BEHAVIOUR

Welcome back to Mythbusters: Autism Edition! Today our segment is a myth that

is also found in the media, but needs a little bit of context behind it.

MYTH: Autism is justification for bad behaviour.

This means that there are people out there that do rude or bad things, but then

they say they’re Autistic- whether it’s true or not- to try to justify their bad behaviour.

They use it as a scapegoat without really knowing what Autism entails, to try to get

people off their back.

WHY IT’S PROBLEMATIC: This thinking is problematic on so many levels. It can

give people the wrong definition of what Autism is, undervalue Autistic people, portray

the wrong message about Autism, and make Autistic people come off as incapable and

aggressive, among many other problems.

THE TRUTH: There are Autistic people out there that are the nicest people you

could meet. Sometimes they can be overly honest or say the wrong thing, but it’s not

out of malice, it’s because they’re trying to communicate when communication is very

difficult for them. Also, many Autistic people are very keen on following the rules.

WHAT ASPIRE DOES TO HELP: Aspire offers social skills training and helps

with communication to help neurodivergent people navigate the confusing social scenes

around them. They also help with regulating and recognizing emotions so that they can

better manage those emotions when things get too much for them. Aspire can help with

confidence and self-advocacy to help Autistic people combat these hurtful stereotypes.

3 AFFIRMATIONS:

1. I am a good person.

2. I am trying my hardest, which is definitely good enough.

3. Nobody can define me but me.

Stay tuned for the next Mythbuster: Autism Edition segment! 

By Cristina Morriello