30 plus years on from Dustin Hoffman’s Oscar-winning performance as Raymond “Ray” Babbitt, an autistic savant in the multi-Oscar winning Rain Man, autism stereotypes persist. It could be argued that following the release of the Hollywood movie in 1988, the whole world knew what “autistic savant” meant. Indeed, it made autistic people visible, but it can also be argued it helped perpetuate myths and stereotypes.
Here are some of the most annoying stereotypes autistic people have to deal with
“All autistic people are like Rainman”
“You don’t look autistic”
“Everyone is a little autistic”
“Autistic people are great at math”
“What’s the best thing about being autistic?”
“Autistic people can’t feel empathy”
”You could be normal if you tried”
So, what’s your superpower?
“Autistic people don’t have relationships or sex”
“Autistic people can’t work”
“Autistic people are rude”
When the world can often seem lonely for autistic people, their families and their friends, a call to I AM can be a lifeline. call us today on 0161 866 8483
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