Why do people think it is okay to use autistic as an offense term? I have heard in so many cases people saying things like "are you autistic or something" or something along those terms. It is so frustrating. Autism is not something that should be looked at as a negative, or a bad thing. People who are on the autism spectrum are just as important as anyone else. They do not deserve to be made fun of or made a joke of because of their disability.
I know people mean no harm by it, but that does not mean that no offense is taken. Most times, people on the spectrum are already not the most confident and they do not need others building on that issue too. Autism does not make someone different at all. Those with autism can still be the most loving and caring people. They are not any less intelligent, or any less likely to be successful.
It is not always obvious when someone has autism. Yes, there are times that the behaviors and tendencies of the person makes it obvious. Often, unless they state their disability it remains unknown to many. A lot of people with the diagnosis of autism undergo great treatment and therapy making them fit in and no longer stand out from everyone else.
I know a boy whom I am very close with who was diagnosed with autism about a year back. He is extremely smart, he just does not always have the communication skills that others do. He does not necessarily know how to read to read situations like everyone else does. This makes others view him as "weird" in some situations. That isn't what it is though. He is simply different, he is unique.
People need to think about the things they say before they say them. It does not matter if you do not mean to hurt anyone by your comment, if it is even a possibility, then do not say it. Think about if you had a disability, would you want someone making a joke out of it or using it as an offensive term? I didn't think so. Use more caution with what you are saying. It is not okay for other to feel bullied, or not as important because of a rude comment made by someone who does not think about the consequences of what it is they are saying.
I am not here to tear anyone down about things they have said or comments they have made. I know people have to live with their own choices, I am just asking others to think about what they are saying and be more cautious about things that could hurt someone.
Autism is not something that should be used as a negative thing or a bad thing. They are still people and do not deserve to be treated like any less.
