Why Can't the World See Autism as a Positive?

Autism is usually not seen as a good thing in this world.

But did you know Israeli army recruits people with autism to do specific jobs, such as find details in maps? I have autism and am proud. I’m not saying there aren’t those tough days where I just want to say, “Why me, God?” but I have a purpose on this planet and have autism for a reason. I see the world differently.

Without autistic people, a lot of innovations may not exist — such as Windows computers. It’s been suggested that Bill Gates is on the autism spectrum. I was diagnosed with autism at age 18, and because of my extremely supportive mother finally received that correct diagnosis. Why people don’t want to understand us and help us is beyond me.

I surprise myself sometimes (and laugh a lot) with the things I come up with. Autism is one of the greatest gifts this world has to offer, and society has to see that by learning from people who have autism and live with it every single day.

I am an individual with an exceptionally bright and unique mind; without my autism I do not think I would be such a great artist or have the phenomenal memory that I have. I love being unique and wouldn’t change it for the world. 

The Mighty is asking the following: Were you diagnosed with your disease, disability and/or mental illness as an adult? Tell us about the moment you finally got your diagnosis. If you’d like to participate, please send a blog post to community@themighty.com. Please include a photo for the piece, a photo of yourself and 1-2 sentence bio. Check out our Submit a Story page for more about our submission guidelines.