to start a positive autism thread

[smoothy]

To counter the dehumanising and ignorant attitudes i’ve seen expressed on here lately?

And I don’t mean “some genius eccentric scientists are autistic!”. You don’t have to believe that autism is some kind of superpower.

I mean, if you are autistic, what are you proud of? If your child is autistic, what makes you proud of them?

For all my many weaknesses I am kind, creative, and brave. And I want all autistic people are able to feel good about themselves in a world which, for the most part, tells us that we are a problem unless we have some kind of savant ability.

He also shows interest and wonder at things around him. Sunlight, flowers, trees and the sea. He helps you to appreciate them.

My brother is recently diagnosed autistic in his 30s. It's massively challenged my perceptions (for the better) as he is very sensitive, empathetic and emotional and I just didn't know that someone with autism would be like that. If anything he is TOO sensitive to things and feelings around him which completely overwhelm him. He's functioned for a long time with difficulty which makes me realise he must have a lot of learned behaviours. I'm glad I've learned better from what I knew before, I was ignorant about autism. I did always find it offensive that people wouldn't vaccinate in case their child got autism because why is autism worse than eg. Measles?!

Spikeyball that's a very good point. Finding wonder in things and being shown a new way of perceiving the world is a wonderful thing!

This thread is bloody lovely!

My autistic 6 year old has a brilliant sense of humour, is a fast learner and a good judge of character. He also gives the best cuddles

I’ve just begun teaching children with severe autism all non verbal, they are teaching me so much. I love in the morning they will ask for their favourite songs and we will all dance along and that a laugh and a cuddle means so much.

We are also going through the diagnosis process with my 15 year old Ds. At the appointments it does feel that everything is negative because they are obviously looking for the areas that he struggling with. Ds is also a very unhappy young man at the moment and I'm scared for what the future might hold for him.

It's great to hear so many positives. I'm hoping an actual diagnosis for Ds might be what he needs to move forward and understand himself and see his potential.

My DS1 has autism. He is 6. He has low self-esteem because he knows he is different and wants to be the best at everything but as there is no grey area for him emotionally it's either 'amazing' or 'rubbish'.

He is so clever and kind. He knows when to take himself off for some time alone after something that has been hard for him. He can read and write and enjoys maths. This year at school he has met all his milestones academically, and was above average in DT. We are lucky to have a great primary school and he has an excellent 1:1 in the mornings which has made so much difference to his school life. This summer holiday we are working on that esteem.

I am immensely proud of how my ds has overcome the prejudice, discrimination, illegal exclusion and victimisation he suffered while in mainstream primary education. I had a 9 year old child with Autism who was suicidal.

I am proud of the fact that he has achieved so much since he began at a specialist independent school, the national awards that he has won, the friendships that he has forged, the expeditions that he has been on, the swimming gala's that he has been able to take part in to name but a few. I now have a young adult with Autism who is looking forward to life albeit with some limitations.

I love seeing him happy and comfortable around people who he knows well, doing the things that he loves even though that means limited contact with strangers, being able to push aside his fears to do things out of his comfort zone. I am so proud of him for choosing to do a C&G course that will hopefully lead to a career that he will enjoy.

I am currently in a house with several young adults with Autism and other disabilities and all of them have different strengths and weaknesses, all have a different view of life (mine and theirs) all of them are amazing in different ways. I am proud to be associated with them all.

We're just starting down the road to a diagnosis with DD. I expect she'll get one as I'm autistic and she's exactly like me at the same age.

She has a really strong sense of justice and will always stand up for anyone being treated unfairly, human or animal. She thinks very deeply about things and is quite sensitive but is always trying to find ways to "help the world". I'm proud of how much she thinks of others, despite her own difficulties.

I don't think I have any particular superpowers, but I'm good with small children who ask a lot of questions. I have a habit of explaining things I'm far too much detail, which is boring for adults but great for toddlers/pre-schoolers who ask "but why?"

Loved reading through these. From the word go, parents who seek out information if they suspect their child may have autism are met with terms such as 'red flags' and 'concerns'. This sets the tone but it really shouldn't because autism is a way of being. Autism can be everything and more that isnt autism. Enjoy your child for everything they are, not what social norms tell you they should be. From my experience, we are the lucky ones to have autism in our lives, the perspective we get is invaluable and it teaches us the true meaning of life. Patience, resilience, determination, hope, courage and humility. Autism has taught me tolerance and love in a much deeper way than any thing else could. For those who are scared, please dont be...the journey will be what you make it...just like without autism x

My daughter is only 2 but we have been advised that at 2 years and 5 months they will begin to pursue a diagnosis.

Although we do know that it is definitely autism, this is what her health visitor has suggested.

One of my best friends at high school was autistic and he was brilliant. I still look back fondly on those years. My husband on the other hand has only heard of autistic people being unable to function/hold a job/fall in love and thr 'stereo-typical' tv depictions.

He was terrified of what the future holds for our little girl. We read through this thread this morning and not only did it put a smile on our faces, it further deepened our love for our daughters unique personality, we wouldn't have her any other way.

Thank you for this x

My best friend is autistic. She is very black and white in her thinking but this makes her very moral, and extremely loyal. She’s incredibly smart and goal-orientated (I realise this sounds like a job reference! ) and also absolutely hilarious. She’s the most generous person I’ve ever met and I love her to bits.

I’m autistic. Retired, was part of an autism assessment team. Proud of my volunteer work helping families with Autistic people fill in Pip forms.
DS, doing a masters in lit.
Dd 2:1 in Lit, Office Manager, they love her hyper organised approach.
Dd.2. Plays guitar and sings beautifully. Does volunteer work.

I am kind, loyal, intelligent and a fun mum / Aunty. My niece is gorgeous, funny, interesting and great to play board games with!

We are both autistic and struggle a bit with interpersonal communication. She is 10 and still learning. I am 43 and have friends (a few good ones who can look past my occasional faux pas and see the real me), a great job, a house, a beautiful daughter, an ex husband and a new boyfriend who likes all of me - even the spikey bits. My life is good!