Stereotypes unfortunately are a major part of our society. Whether based on race, gender or worse disability they are prevalent in all areas of society. Worse yet is the fact that even those who are meant to be support structures to those with autism often fall for the stereotypes for a lack of education or understanding. Stereotyping can have a very negative effect on an autistic child as their world already has enough confusion and frustration without the hatred, embarrassment and painful situations that may arise as a result of stereotypes.
It is vital to remember that as any disorder or disability not all people with autism are the same. There are different levels of autism, not to mention different symptoms. Being that it is a spectrum disorder you will as the name suggests find affected individuals that fit all ends of the spectrum and everything in between. It is a very complex disorder, where an autistic child may be high functioning and barely show any symptoms to a low functioning child who may need constant care in order to live and sustain daily life.
Because everyone is different stereotypes should be avoided. In the case of disabilities and autism it can be very detrimental to a persons well being to be stereotyped as they are already dealing with enough issues in their daily life that they do not need the negative perceptions of the outside world making it that much worse. Autistic people are still just that, people and like every person on the planet they are unique and individual, each with their own personalities and likes and dislikes. View them for who they are and not who you expect them to be.
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