Autism: autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by repetitive, restricted, and inflexible patterns of behavior, interests, and activities and persistent deficits in social communication and interaction.

Neurodivergence:  people whose brain differences affect how their brain works

Autism and neurodivergence have always been a part of my family’s life, and navigating these experiences through my sister’s journey has taught my family and I so much about the importance of understanding and acceptance. Growing up, my sister always felt a bit different from her peers. Social interactions were often challenging for her, and she had intense interests that set her apart. It wasn’t until later in her life that she was diagnosed with autism. This revelation was both a relief and a catalyst for self-acceptance. Understanding her neurodivergence allowed her to embrace her unique strengths and acknowledge the areas where she needed support.

As I continue to educate myself on said topics I learned that one of the most significant challenges for autistic individuals, including my sister, is the tendency of society to infantilize them. This concept, extensively discussed by Jennifer L. Stevenson, Bev Harp, and Morton Ann Gernsbacher in their work, highlights how autistic people are often perceived and treated as less capable or childlike. This infantilization can lead to a lack of autonomy and respect, further perpetuating the stigma and misunderstandings surrounding autism. On the contrary Damian Milton and Lyte’s work on the normalization agenda and the psycho-emotional disablement of autistic people sheds light on the harmful effects of trying to “normalize” autistic behavior. The pressure to conform to neurotypical standards can be damaging, leading to feelings of emotional distress. It’s important to recognize that neurodivergent individuals, like my sister, have unique ways of experiencing and interacting with the world, and these differences should be celebrated rather than suppressed.

With that, I think in order to truly support autistic individuals, we must move beyond the stigmatizing narratives that surround autism. Understanding autism as a form of neurodivergence rather than a deficit allows us to appreciate the diverse ways in which people think, feel, and communicate. Education and awareness are crucial in breaking down these barriers. By fostering open dialogues and promoting acceptance, we can create a society where everyone is valued for their unique contributions. It’s crucial to listen to the voices of those who live these experiences every day. Their insights and stories are invaluable in shaping a more inclusive future. Challenging the stereotypes and misconceptions that surround autism and work towards a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected.

Below is the autism spectrum color wheel designed to help individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) identify, express, and communicate their emotions and needs. It bridges the internal emotional landscape of a person with autism and the external world, providing a common language for understanding and interaction. The color wheel is particularly useful for individuals who are visual learners and process information more effectively through images, colors, and visual representations rather than verbal or written instructions. It can help reduce anxiety by providing clear, predictable information, enhance understanding of abstract concepts, improve independence in daily activities, and facilitate communication between individuals with ASD and their caregivers, educators, or therapists.

-Santana A 😕

In one of my classes last semester, I learned about “othering” in the context of racism, and something that stood out to me was the detrimental effects it has, especially on individuals who are labeled as the “other.” By labeling someone as an “other,” it inherently assumes that there is a default or normative standard that these individuals fail to meet. This concept connects deeply to issues surrounding disability and body size, as society often marginalizes people with disabilities and diverse body types by positioning them as deviations from a perceived norm.  It creates a harmful narrative that devalues and dehumanizes individuals who do not fit within societal norms. This narrative reinforces the idea that there is a “right” or “ideal” way to exist, marginalizing those who differ and often placing blame on them for their perceived shortcomings. This harmful narrative of “othering” has profound real-world impacts that go far beyond social perception; it affects how people are treated in various aspects of daily life. For example, people with disabilities, like those with autism, are often treated as if they’re incapable or stuck at a child-like level, no matter how old they are or what their abilities are. This kind of infantilization can strip away their independence and agency, making it harder for them to have control over their own lives. It reinforces the idea that they aren’t fully capable adults.

Why do strangers think it’s okay to comment on someone’s body, especially when they have no idea what someone is going through? Lately I have been experiencing more judgment than I ever have because I work at a public restaurant, where I see regular customers quite often. I’ve been at this job for almost a decade and I started here as a teenager, so obviously my body has changed over the years. But, what annoys me the most about working in the public eye is that people are just genuinely rude and judgemental. I’ve been asked multiple times by my regular customers if I’m pregnant, or if I’ve “let myself go.” I’ve also had two separate people, who I don’t even know, ask me if I agree/ also think that I’ve gained weight. People have asked me if “covid’s got the best of me” or just tell me that I “look bigger and my face has more weight to it.” What I think is the craziest part of all of this is that I think I’m pretty skinny. Am I the 100lb girl I was when I was 15? No, and am I only 130lbs? Yes. But, it has been proven to me that people only categorize girls to be skinny based off of what they have seen on social media. 

To make this story even worse, the only people who have ever commented on my weight or acknowledge the change in my body have only come from the mouth of WOMEN. I feel like it is really hard for me to  wrap my head around the idea of women supporting women because I constantly deal with people like this. It frustrates me because the pressure from social media has caused more division in women, rather than solidarity. Which is upsetting because in today’s society we are in desperate need for true women’s support. 

I brought this up though because I want to tie it back to our class when we talked about how we think work can shape our bodies, in week 6. 

My body is the way it is because I am a growing and developing young female, where I automatically am going through biological changes. Plus the damage of 60 hour work weeks, and the overstimulation from mentally drainage from being a full time college student, and all the environmental changes have taken a toll on my body. No one tells you that your twenties are the hardest years of your life. Personally, people have glamorized what my twenties were going to be. My parents and grandparents would explain that your twenties are the best times of your life and to enjoy every moment because you’ll be in your prime. I’m in my twenties, half way through and I am still waiting for when the best times will start. It blows my mind that no one talks about how your twenties are the HARDEST times of your life. Your body changes dramatically in your twenties, and you have no choice but to just adapt to the changes and continue on with life. These changes could be environmental, biological, physical, or mental changes. Your twenties is the time where you are simply just figuring things out, and that’s not the easiest. I actually find it to be the messiest. 

Anyways, all of these factors have an effect on the physical appearance of my body. The body that represents me and the body I have to show to the world. I know it’s okay to go through these changes and I don’t really let the thoughts of other people bring me down or hurt my self-esteem. But, what’s sad to say is that I didn’t think like this until recently. My job has shaped me into this tougher person because working with the public is hard and can affect people if they let them. I used to let others’ opinions crush me, but now I truly don’t care what people think. People are entitled to their own opinions and I respect that, the only thing I don’t respect and will not tolerate is the pure rudeness from strangers. And I thank my labored body for allowing me to become like this.