No, We’re Not All On The Spectrum!
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of autism, arguably much more than acceptance of autistics. While increased knowledge is generally a positive development, since it would have the tendency to lead to acceptance, it is often comes associated with misconceptions that have arisen as a result.
As an autistic adult navigating through various facets of life, including interactions with educators and social workers while advocating for my autistic daughter, I have often encountered well-intentioned but exasperating and misguided attempts at reassurance, the winner of which has been the phrase “oh, we’re all on the spectrum nowadays.”
Misguided Comfort
This phrase, intended to be reassuring or perhaps to escape the mental paralysis that is born out of not knowing how to react to an autistic person, implies a collective experience of autism that has suddenly infiltrated thinking at large. It suggests that being autistic is akin to a passing trend, some sort of phenomenon that was randomly discovered from meteorite debris, rather than a lifelong journey for those of us autistics. To clarify in one statement, being autistic is no more a passing trend than having blue eyes is.
Autism is not a recent phenomenon; it has always existed. What has changed is our recognition and diagnosis of it across different cognitive functions. The rise in autism awareness should foster understanding, acceptance, and support, rather than perpetuating misconceptions that inadvertently undermine the experiences of those of us on the spectrum.
The Ignorance Behind the Phrase
One of the most disheartening aspects of such phrases as “we’re all on the spectrum” — especially when preceded by “don’t worry” — is the underlying ignorance of the interlocutor. The phrase often comes from a place of goodwill, but it reflects a total lack of knowledge about the complexity and diversity of autistic individuals. In addition, it also reflects a lack of positive curiosity or will to edify oneself: Here you have an autistic individual, take that chance to learn more about the individual and their challenges of thinking, communicating, and interacting differently from your normative expectations.
Contrary to the assumption that “we’re all on the spectrum,” the prevalence of autism is not as widespread as the casual observer might think. According to the CDC, the prevalence of autism in the US is less than 2%. In Canada, it’s about the same percentage. How does that translate to “we’re all on the spectrum nowadays”, unless of course the spectrum is defined along infinities?
Acceptance, Not Condescension
Beyond the ignorance of said phrase, there is an inherent danger in the condescending tone with which I receive them, and probably other autistics as well. We, autistics, do not need pity or misplaced reassurance, regardless of its intent. We require acceptance and allyship, including support tailored to our needs in an environment otherwise built per societal norms.
Assuming that autistics are at some disadvantage not only demonstrates lack of awareness, but perpetuates harmful stereotypes while creating barriers to meaningful inclusion. Autistic individuals, like anyone else, possess unique strengths, talents, and perspectives. Embracing neurodiversity beyond the medical model means recognizing and appreciating these differences rather than relegating neurodiverse individuals to some supposed societal disadvantage.
It is thus incumbent upon us all — educators, educationalists, social workers, public officials, corporate workers and leaders, and the broader community — to prioritize learning about the diverse experiences of autistic individuals. This way, we preclude stereotypes and myths while fostering acceptance for neurodiverse individuals, regardless of where they fall onto some medically (and linearly) defined spectrum.
Feel free to connect with me: https://linktr.ee/undaautistica.
