Autism. It is a disorder that affects tens of millions of people globally and over 3 million people right here in America. With a disorder that affects 1 in 68 individuals in America, Autism is defined by the DSM-5 as: These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. Because individuals with Autism often struggle with social skills, it is harder for them to "fit in" with society. These individuals must be accepted for who they are rather than expecting them to change in order to be accepted in society.

Autism doesn't have a specific look to it. On the outside, an Autistic individual looks just like you and me, but on the inside, neurologically speaking, they're different. These individuals process information differently than the neurotypical an individual who is not on the spectrum and/or is considered "normal." While we may see a solution to a problem fairly straight forward but it may take longer, an Autistic individual's solution can be more creative and will take less time than a neurotypical's solution.

There are varying degrees of the severity of Autism: some individuals are high functioning while others are lower functioning and may not be able to speak; others may need an extremely rigid schedule, while others may not need a set schedule. My point is that everyone is special and we should not expect them to conform to society and when they do their best, reject them. Instead, we need to accept everyone for who they are, not force them to become who they aren't.

Children and adults with Autism must overcome many things in order to be able to work, learn, and interact with others. Some may never be able to fully interact with the neurotypicals. Some of the most brilliant people in this world are on the Autism spectrum and others are suspected of being in the spectrum. Some of these people include Albert Einstein, Daryl Hannah, Temple Grandin, and possibly Thomas Jefferson.

One struggle many children on the spectrum face is going through all the social skills workshops and therapies in order to be able to approach another child and say, "Hi, my name is ________, would you like to play?" only to be turned down and rejected. In a sense, it's not only individuals on the spectrum that need social skills workshops but neurotypical individuals as well.

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Don’t judge a book by its cover?” I would also suggest not judging a person by their cover. Just because they look the same on the outside doesn't mean they are. You wouldn't know that someone has cancer or depression just by their outward appearance. I challenge each and every one of you to make an effort in accepting people for who they are regardless of if they are different or not rather than ignoring them, or worse, calling them stupid, or the R word. Treat others the way YOU want to be treated. How would you feel if someone was making rude comments about you in the grocery store knowing you could hear them? How would you feel if they were staring at you in disgust? Don't say it wouldn't bother you because that's lying to yourself and others. No one likes being stared at or made fun of. So please please please accept others for who they are; don't expect them to change and conform to what society thinks is best.