How many different types of autism are
there?
I think there are different autisms.
People call it a spectrum. Teachers make accommodations according to our
individual needs. Some autistics think in pictures like Temple Grandin. Some,
like me, think in letters and words. Some autistics can talk. Others cannot.
Some autistics can coordinate their movement well. Some cannot. I have a hard
time with talking and movement. I have a hard time moving purposely. I pace a
lot to make my body calm. Saving my manpower for meaningful tasks takes lots of
concentration. People may do things differently but we all think, love, and
want to be loved. Let’s try persuading lots of people that autistics are really
smart and friendly. I want you to accept me just like anyone else.
_______
I asked Philip to explain why he calls
himself “Autistic” rather than using the term “having autism.”
I call myself Autistic because no one
can take autism out of me. It is a part of me just like my heart is. I was born
this way and can't be made to be neurotypical even if I wanted to.
Philip at his Christian Service Brigade Awards Night
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