Autism is not a fucking superpower !!

[lollipoprainbow]

Sorry but it's really not. I'm currently doing an online autism course with a lovely bunch of parents and the teacher of the course is sweet but she will keep referring to autism as a superpower and everyone chuckles and agrees!! If they could see how distressed my dd10 is every day, having massive meltdowns about her looks etc they'd have a different view.

Anyone else agree with me ??

Yes, I hear you. I think it's well-meant, and intends to focus on strengths, and empower autistic children (and their families). But it's not as simple as that.

Pisses me off no end. It really belittles the massive struggles that many people with Autism have on a daily basis.

I agree, it's just bollocks. It makes me really annoyed. I think you can be positive about autism, but the superpower thing is taking it too far.

Absolutely! My DS with asd is just 3 years old, so still grieving, but I've just joined some local asd facebook groups and I've already got too much of #autismsuperpower quotes.
I don't see why I'm supposed to fake this, for me it's still a disability with a very huge impact on all our family. Is there really anybody who can truly believe this superpower thing?
But I'm getting my autism glasses, it's zoloft brand.

❤️

Honestly, I would message the course leader and tell her how you feel.
I'm a retired teacher of autistic children in a specialist schoool, and the parents I worked with hated this phrase beyond all other. It's extremely insensitive of someone leading autism training for parents, to use it.

I know it's hard to lead courses with parents whose children cover the whole spectrum, but this kind of toxic positivity is extremely painful and totally inaccurate for those dealing with the most severely affected children.

To be honest, in your positition I'd be tempted to challenge her on it publically during the session, but I quite understand if you don't feel able to.

I agree that you should tell them. My child is only 3 and already we suspect that she will never be independent and live the life of her choosing. It's patronising bollocks frankly. I'm sure for some people it can be seen that way but it sure isn't in this house!