When public figures spread misinformation and make hurtful comments about autism, it can be hard to hear and can bring up a lot of difficult feelings.

Whether you are autistic or love someone who is, here are a few things to hold on to this week:

Ground yourself and share how you feel

It’s okay to feel upset or worried when misinformation and hurtful narratives are being spread. It can feel heavy and emotional. Take a few slow breaths and do some of the things that relax you. Take some extra special time to create a calming sensory environment, and do something you love. If it helps, share a hug with someone you love and tell them how you feel.

Celebrate your autistic identity

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being autistic. It is not an illness, and not something to be “fixed” or cured- it is a wonderful and unique way of experiencing the world, and the world needs autistic people. Here are some of the wonderful things about being autistic:

• Being deeply interested in something: Autistic people often have the ability to focus on a topic, hobby, or interest in a way that others can’t, noticing details and patterns that might be missed.
• Seeing the world differently: Autistic perspectives can bring fresh ideas and new ways of thinking about everyday problems or situations.
• Honest and direct communication: Many autistic people value clear, straightforward communication and tend to say what they mean.
• Rich sensory worlds: Autistic people can experience sound, texture, colour, or movement in vivid and rich ways.
• Resilience: Autistic people have incredible strength, adaptability, and determination through their experiences and the ways they navigate the world that is not always set up for autistic ways of being.

Celebrate your autistic ways of being: stim if it feels good, get lost in a special interest, be yourself, embrace being autistic, and do the things only your brain can do.

Connect with other autistic people

There is a wonderful community of autistic people who understand and who hold the truth of what it means to be autistic. Their voices are the antidote to false or hurtful narratives, connect with the other autistic people in your life, online or in person.

Journal or draw

Taking a few minutes to write or sketch can help you stay grounded and proud of who you are.

Prompts to try:

• What do I love about the way my mind works?
• When has my autistic perspective brought something valuable to a situation?
• What is a small thing about myself that I wouldn’t change?
• What sensory experiences bring me joy or comfort?
• What makes my special interest or favourite activity important to me?
  

Be yourself, and hold on to the knowledge that being autistic brings value and perspectives that the world needs.