Shooting throws another blow to our autism community
It’s hard to believe that we’re halfway through April, the month that’s set aside to recognize and remember the gifts and challenges associated with autism.
Normally, those of us on the inside of the autism community spend this month orchestrating and attending special events in parks, zoos and other public places of recreation. So many of us are faced with hardships during our daily lives, that the month of April is our chance to just breathe and remember why we do what we do for those we love. This year, however, it’s been a bit different, especially for those of us who live in Florida.
Although I’ve still not heard any conclusive information about Nikolas Cruz being formally diagnosed with autism, or the physician who gave him that diagnosis, the far-reaching impact of that announcement certainly has caused enormous impacts to both kids and adults on the autism spectrum. Bullying of our children has increased, parents of typical children have shared that they do not want their child in a class with students with autism, and employers have serious concerns for what a person with autism might do on the job — thus, impacting the hiring rate.
People who have autism have fought long and hard for the right to be included in their schools and communities. They continuously find themselves in positions where they must passionately advocate against bureaucracies that attempt to smother them with low expectations and lack of necessary supports and services. It’s only in the last few years where this has begun to turn around, and now we have another setback.
Autism is a communication, sensory and social developmental disability characterized by challenges in critical thinking, executive functioning and generalization of skills. Nowhere within the diagnostic criteria for autism is there anything related to violent behavior. In fact, the vast majority of individuals with autism have a strong desire to please those they care about, thrive on consistency and are avid rule followers, all of which flies in the face of the horrendous act which took place in Parkland on Feb. 14.
Through increased awareness, we can more clearly educate the world at large about the virtuousness and integrity that people with autism bring to our communities and claim the level of respect and value that they deserve.
Nowhere within the diagnostic criteria for autism is there anything related to violent behavior.