The main reason I started this Blog was to help raise awareness of autism. The increased focus on ASC in newspapers and online in recent years has been, in the main, useful and informative, and more people than ever have an appreciation of what it means to be on the spectrum. However, we are still a million miles from where we need to be.
A few weeks ago, I made a silly mistake while driving on the motorway. I stupidly drove faster than the 60mph roadworks allowed and must now take a three-hour speed awareness course. I fully accept responsibility and know that speed limits exist for a reason. The course is delivered online and will be challenging as I struggle with any spoken communication which is not face to face. Telephones are bad enough (https://www.40autism.com/post/communication-breakdown) but being able to see myself, and knowing I can be seen, just adds to the ordeal. Turning the camera off is not permitted – I’ve already asked.
I contacted several driving course providers (all big names in the UK) and asked if I could request a face-to-face course, as I find online communication difficult. All were friendly and did their best to assist though none could come up with a solution. I reluctantly disclosed that I have autism in the hope that this would further my cause, only to realise that none of them understood. The comments raised from “So you’re saying you get a bit tired after a few minutes online?” to “We have lots of disabled people complete the course, and they don’t have any issues”. I was asked by one lady if I would benefit from an interpreter, while another assumed that I would be OK as there was very little to read. I was even asked "How do you spell autism?”.
I was not asking for a lesser punishment, simply some support in accessing the course. I’m guessing that a lot of people on the spectrum would have to take the three points on their license (and pay a larger fine) to avoid the online course. A lot of autistic people could not make the initial phone call to book it.
It’s not the three difficult hours online that has left me a little miffed, it’s that so many people seem to have no idea what autism means.
One of the cleaning staff at my place of work asked me last week if I knew what autism was. She is looking to work in the care sector and has heard that some of the residents have autism. I did my best to answer, and she then asked me how I knew. I told her that I have been diagnosed to which she replied, “But you’re normal?”. I have heard students use "autistic" as an insult towards each other. When they find something strange or nonsensical some youngsters are quick to comment, “That’s so autistic”. Obviously, I challenge and explain their poor choice of language but it’s 2022? How is this happening!?
Autism is in the news most weeks but mostly for a negative reason. A quick Google search of news articles brings up stories of crimes committed by people on the spectrum, cases of depression, confusion and soaring waiting lists. It is difficult to find uplifting tales, positive role models or examples of successful autistic people. This needs to change so that autism can shake off its undeserved bleak and gloomy image. People need to realise that with a few small (reasonable) adjustments, those on the spectrum can achieve and contribute. Autism just makes people a little different.
Education is essential. Society needs to understand what ASC is, and become better at empathising with those on the spectrum. It needs people on the spectrum to share what it’s like living with this condition, as they are the only people who truly “get it”. The trouble is, people on the spectrum are not great at communicating, and it is also very hard to explain something you have always had when you don’t know any different.
If you want to know more about autism the best thing is to ask someone with autism. Remember too that autism is different for every individual. For this reason I would particularly encourage teachers and carers especially, as well as employers and service providers, to talk with those on the spectrum. Do not assume that the blanket definitions and advice you are given will be applicable to a specific individual. This one size fits all approach is not helpful, and with over two decades of classroom teaching experience, I can say that every student is unique, regardless if they are neurodivergent or not.
We also need to empower people on the spectrum to stand up for themselves and to say when they are finding things tough. It needs those with ASC to point out the things which make their day unnecessarily difficult, and to suggest how these could be remedied. Things are improving but as with all issues of accepting difference, much more needs to be done. Together we can speed up the journey (without a fine) and reduce stress and conflict for everyone.
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