My Dream for a Better Tomorrow

I dream of a world where Autistic is put in the special skills and strengths section of a CV and not the medical section.

The knowledge should already exist that we have additional needs, we shouldn’t have to specify it on a form as a disability or disorder.

Here is why the word Autistic should be respected, admired and in some cases envied. I cannot emphasize enough how much autistic people have shaped this world and provided global changing technology, medicine, knowledge, understanding of the unknown, detailed analysis of countless subjects, art, music, movies, literature and many more amazing things that non autistic people often take for granted.

The problem is not enough attention is brought to the achievements of autistic people and most of the time, it seems to me, that if it is, they have achieved it “despite” their autism not “because” of being autistic.

A huge issue that causes misconceptions about autism is people not listening to us, they speak for us and most of the time the autistic adults are dismissed or even attacked for having an opinion or a thought on the subject of autism.

The reason it’s not getting better is many autistics are fed this idea that they have a disorder (it’s in the diagnoses) but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

What we “have” is a super powered brain that far surpasses the capability of thinking than an average brain (this is not an insult, it is a fact) in some cases this super brain can overload, overheat, malfunction, crash and cause problems.

There is a saying that goes “the more technical something is, the more likely it is to go wrong” well often our brains go wrong. This is not to say that we are wrong, it just means that we need help in situations that non autistic people may find easy.

Nature gives with one hand and inevitably takes away with the other. So from the outside it may seem like we are “not all there” but in fact we are more “there” than anyone, we are just not “there” with you.

The harm that is being caused is down to language and the way Autism is defined.

So when you tell someone they “have” a thing that means they are not like most other people, but they forget to mention how great that is and how many people like them have changed the world. They are going to grow up thinking negatively and most likely, will never reach their full autistic potential.

If we had a world where being autistic was revered, then we would have a much better world, full of mentally healthy autistic innovators that can benefit mankind.

Six ways we achieve this?

1. Well first of all share this post. I want to see a share for every like. If you like, then you agree, therefore you should help teach others. The more people that understand why being autistic can be great, the better for everyone.

2. Stand up for yourself if you are autistic and tell people how amazing you are (not easy, I know, but I believe in you and you should believe in yourself) or stand up for an autistic person in the same way.

3. Do not dismiss this or forget this. My words do not come easily and my thoughts are not to be taken for granted. I believe in what I am saying because I know my brain and have a vast understanding of how it and other autistic brains work.

4. Stop listening to the so called professionals or the media who continue to make us into an oddity or freak show. Listen to autistic people or those non autistics who actually see the autistic brain as a positive and not a thing to be pitied.

5. Teach an autistic child to be proud of who they are, treat them like a beautiful tree that needs care and time to grow, so one day they can be a mighty giant, standing tall and proud for the world to see.

6. Finally, most importantly, if you own a business, or work for a company and believe in what I’m saying, hire more or try and convince them to hire more autistic people and nurture their talent and abilities, while also supporting their differences and difficulties. I guarantee you won’t regret it.

Thank you for your time and reaching this bit, it has taken a long time to write this and I fully appreciate your support.

Written by, Joe James

My name is Joe James. I’m 38 and discovered that I’m autistic at 32. Last year after only a few months of being self taught, I started sharing my photography on Facebook and received a great response. I decided to tell people that I am autistic to show them that being autistic was not something to be pitied, but something to be admired. I have come on leaps and bounds since then, having many articles and media spots thanks to my photography and the articulate way I describe how my autistic brain works. I always use my photography as a platform to spread Neuro diversity awareness. I spread positivity (even creating a Facebook group called Positively Autistic) and talk about the things we can do and why we struggle with other things. I have given talks at conferences and schools about my life and how being autistic has helped me reach my goals. I also write my own articles on my Facebook page helping people understand how my brain works. You can follow me here on FB: https://www.facebook.com/JoeJamesNeurodiversityawareness/

Instagram: joes_autistic_photography

You can also follow me on my You Tube Channel The Proud Autistic

Interested in writing for Finding Cooper’s Voice? LEARN MORE

Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook, subscribe for exclusive videos, and subscribe to our newsletter.