My Friend Autism
Autism is NOT Special
Feb 2, 2024
Orion Kelly, Autistic YouTuber, podcaster, author, actor and Autistic advocate, explores the toxic narrative and portrayal of Autistic people. The podcast discusses the harm of viewing autism as special or a superpower, the difference between the medical and social models of disabilities, the negative connotations of 'special needs', understanding the complexity of the brain, and advocating for inclusive language and embracing individual needs.
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Quick takeaways
- Labeling autism as special needs perpetuates a patronizing and outdated medical model that views disability as solely the problem of the individual.
- Society should take responsibility for creating an inclusive environment that recognizes the diverse needs of every individual, rejecting the narrative of special needs.
Deep dives
The Harmful Narrative of Autism as Special Needs
The podcast episode explores the discomfort and negative impact of labeling autism as special needs or a superpower. The host, an autistic person, expresses their frustration with these terms, arguing that they perpetuate a patronizing and outdated medical model that views disability as solely the problem of the individual. They highlight the importance of understanding autism as a difference rather than something special, emphasizing that everyone has needs and that labeling some needs as special is unnecessary and harmful. The host challenges the idea that autism provides superpowers, asserting that it is a neurological developmental disability that comes with challenges and individual needs.
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