To really appreciate role models like this

[Shitfuckcommaetc]

I have a 12 year old DS who got diagnosed with autism 5 years ago, at the time I found it really difficult knowing my child was different and worrying about his future, if he is going to struggle to get a job & form relationships, I just want him to be happy and successful.

At the time there wasn't many people in the public eye I could look to, role models as such.

Ive been a follower of worlds strongest man for a long time, my son has always enjoyed watching with me, seeing them live at home events.

Tom stoltman, the world's current strongest man who lifted the trophy this week is a 27yo autistic man from scotland.
We've followed his social media for years, and he talks alot about his journey with autism after being diagnosed at 5, and wanting to be an ambassador for others, to show that you can achieve amazing things.

I'm so happy he's now being shown on more mainstream media, and I think it will do wonders for the autistic community.
Its great that he shares as much as he does and genuinely wants to help others like himself by talking about his struggles and showing how has overcome so many hurdles.

Hopefully in years to come we will be seeing alot more people in the public eye with autism, so it becomes more "normalised" and there's more understanding all round

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-57553017.amp

That’s good to hear. Does your ds enjoy watching the competitions too?

Would you not include Chris Packham? Aspergers not Autism but he has written about 'My autism and me'. I think he's great.

Oh yea, he's amazing!

I think the point I'm trying to make is that there needs to be more representation across the board.
Especially as its thought that 1 in 160 children worldwide have ASD

Yes, I think there does need to be much more representation. It would be good to see some more women in the spectrum too - and not just the "nerdy, doesn't care about her appearance" stereotype. Also, I'd love to see more non-white representation in the autism community. That is severely lacking. Not all autistics are white.

It's also good that a person in something other than art or science - in this case a physical strength - is representing autism. Again, there is too little of that and it can lead to stereotypes.

I was diagnosed at the age of 26. I'm glad that your DS has had intervention and hopefully support from a much younger age. I'm very lucky in that I'm happily married to another autistic adult, but I can confirm that getting employment as an autistic adult certainly isn't easy.

I saw him on the news and was completely Impressed with him, fantastic role model. 😊

YANBU.

Representation matters.

My only issue with this is as fantastic as it is for one section of the autistic community it also leads to a lot of “but they can so why can’t your child” type attitudes.

Aspergers not Autism

Aspergers is autism, in fact aspergers isn't given as a diagnosis now.

Greta Thunberg is autistic too. She calls it her "superpower" by which I think she means that she simply won't put up with nonsense when thereare important things at stake,