To Table of Contents
I also know that reactions to art to not have to always be profound – it can simply be a “ oh , I like this photo ”.
If it helps the viewers understand that yes , people with disabilities also have voices that should be listened to , then all the better .
6
. What are some of the barriers you have faced as a person with an invisible disability ? How did you overcome them ?
Like for a lot of people with invisible disabilities , I have had to deal with the societal mentality of “ if it ’ s not visible , then it ’ s not there ”. Autism is still very much misunderstood and considered through the lens of the rhetoric that has been perpetrated by major organizations led by “ carers ” that did a lot of harm to the Autistic community . The stereotypes of “ severely mentally disabled ” Autistic people peddled by those organizations and the media are still prevalent today , which means that if an individual does not fit in that box , they are deemed able to adapt to society and do not have any specific needs .
As such , I find it hard to navigate life in a society that is very much ableist and does not understand – or try to understand – the spectrum that is neurodiversity , including Autism . I still feel the need to mask when out in public and it is quite taxing both mentally and physically .
Similarly , accommodations when it comes to schooling or work are still very difficult to obtain without jumping through hoops and going through complicated and lengthy administrative procedures , which can be overwhelming for people like me . I am glad that there are local organizations that can provide some support but there is still a significant need for disabled people to be considered by governmental agencies and for their needs to be considered .
I am trying to keep advocating for myself when it comes to school , work and my health , but it is A LOT . I still encounter barriers day in and day out – I do my best to go through them but , let ’ s be honest , some days , I do not have enough energy or mental space to deal with being taken seriously because , to outsiders “ there doesn ’ t seem to be anything wrong with [ me ]”
7
. Share your observations about society as it relates to acceptance of people with invisible disabilities
It takes a lot to advocate against all the misconceptions surrounding Autism and neurodiversity . As with other marginalized groups , I feel like there is a lot of pressure put on us to teach others about the struggles we experience and what we think would help .
This can be even more taxing when not only this information is provided for free , but it is then ignored or brushed off as a one-off experience , and when there is a constant need for justification . I do not want to speak on behalf of other disabled people , and it is important to understand that no two people are the same experience when it comes to life with disability . I do however try to be open about my disability , when it is safe to do so – as it isn ’ t necessarily the case – and to educate those around me when I can .
A lot of work is done by disabled individuals , mostly online . I would encourage people to educate themselves and look for relevant sources . The old school take on Autism is dated and does more harm than good . But there is a new wave of # ActuallyAutistic people , who put out content in various forms that should be listened to .
Finally , it is imperative that neurodivergent people be included in decision-making , especially in the fields of