A World Autism Awareness / Acceptance / Appreciation Day / Week / Month Article
I’d like to share a bit about myself. At 57, I discovered I was autistic over two decades ago. Despite this, I’ve managed to earn two master’s degrees and I’m currently halfway through a Ph.D. program in Global Leadership at Indiana Tech. I work as a Data Steward at Stradley Ronon, a respected law firm based in New York. I’m happily married and reside in Staten Island.
My interests span from retro gaming to following various sports like soccer, hockey, basketball, baseball, and both codes of rugby, particularly Rugby League. a less common form of the sport that’s popular in regions like the UK (especially the northern half of England), France, Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: my autism. Despite stereotypes, I refuse to let it define me. Over the years, I’ve encountered discrimination and misconceptions, particularly in the workplace. Despite holding advanced degrees and demonstrating competence, some still view me through a narrow lens, assuming incompetence due to my neurodiversity.
In light of World Autism Awareness/Acceptance/Appreciation Day/Month, I aim to challenge these misconceptions. Autistic individuals, like myself, deserve recognition for our capabilities and the opportunity to openly discuss our needs. Many of us possess advanced degrees and skills, yet we’re often overlooked for career advancement opportunities.
My personal journey has been riddled with challenges, from facing bullying in school to navigating workplace discrimination. However, I’ve persevered, obtaining certifications, working in various fields, and pursuing further education. My accomplishments speak volumes, proving that autism doesn’t hinder success.
As I reflect on my experiences, I challenge others to see beyond the label of autism. Instead, recognize the abilities and potential of neurodiverse individuals like myself. We are more than our diagnoses; we are capable, driven, and deserving of equal opportunities.
With that in mind, I can only say this: If you only see me as an autistic person, you’re using the wrong lens! We have the same goals and ambitions as everyone else. If you look at the profiles of those presenting articles today on LinkedIn and elsewhere, you’ll see my point. Perhaps you should change the lens you’re using and refocus on the true picture of who we are and what we represent.