Make Autism a Household Word
April 11, 2007 by Kristina Chew, PhD
Filed under Health
That’s the mission of Francine Stankiewicz, whose father, brother and son are all on the autism spectrum. Today’s Cape May County Herald notes that:
She wants to remove any stigma attached to the word.
“It’s part of who he is,” she said. “I want society to change to accept autism.”
That sounds more like it to me, rather than making autism a word for the history books.
Absolutely. Positively.
Thanks for the link. I did go over and read it. I don’t know whether I’ve completely lost my compass, but I don’t associate ‘autism’ and ’stigma.’
Cheers
Me either—my compass points in new directions.
Sounds like a wonderful idea. Hopefully one that will catch on.
Working on it—–
We need a catchy chant like:
We’re autistic
We’re not caustic
Get used to it
Uhhh, maybe not…I’ll keep thinkin’
Let me know what you come up with!
Livsparents:
You are a hoot! I snicker in your behalf….
What a great idea. In fact, Kristina, I have changed my terminology….
My two ASD kids have autism….they aren’t autistic. Autism is not all that they’re about. They are smart, they are funny (in fact, hilarious), they are good siblings to each other (all five of them, NT and not-so-much), they are problematic (to me on occasion), they are amazing. Autism makes up part of who they are (and who we, as a family, are). But it’s not ALL what they are. And I wouldn’t change them for the world.
Go for it, Kristina! If for any other reason than to make the JBJ’s of this world as taboo as the KKK is towards the black population of the world!