Well…..bullying is in the top 5 or 6, along with its friends, suicide and drowning. How about society? In general, society is ignorant, indifferent, and unaccommodating, when it comes to autism.

Then, there are the bottom feeders like Autism Speaks, who claim to advocate for us, when in reality, they are taking advantage of parents, caregivers, and other people who want to support and advocate for autism. The parents and caregivers, who are on the front lines of autism, can experience frustration, stress, anxiety, desperation and fear for their loved ones. They are prone to being vulnerable and they want to believe in an organization, who will help advocate on their behalf.

Autism Speaks prey on people who are desperate for answers. They are con-artists, who talk a good game and spend a fortune on selling the right image to society, while taking people’s money. They rollplay the advocacy part real well, but lack transparency about their research and their true intentions, while doing it behind a faux smile.

On the surface, they advocate for autism and give the appearance of doing good things on our behalf, but underneath the surface, they are plotting to eradicate autism altogether. They like to use the word ”cure” because it is less offensive than saying eradicate, liquidate or eliminate.How dare they want to deny our autism. They call autism a disease. Who are they to make these proclamations?

Many of the people who work at Autism Speaks truly believe they are doing good work in the field of autism. They have bought into what Autism Speaks is peddling. The autistic community does not,,repeat, does not support such organizations.

Unfortunately, Autism Speaks is a money-making business and this makes them a powerful organization. They have networked with our government and other people of power and position. Yet presently, they are not the most dangerous group that threatens autism.

There is another group of people, who are more of a threat to autism, because they have the law on their side…..and this group is called law enforcement.Law enforcement, whose job is to protect and serve, is quickly becoming one of autism’s most dangerous groups of people to encounter. Parents and caregivers, beware of men and women dressed in blue. They are individuals, who carry weapons and are backed by the law. In the eyes of the court they can do no wrong and they are heavily armed.Autism is no match for these well disciplined and trained – except for people with neurological and mental issues) professionals.

I know that in society today, we often strive to be politically correct, but I want to make a comment on how someone addresses, “a person with autism.” This phrase is fine and politically correct, but as a person with autism, you can call me autistic, an autist, aspi (short for Aspergers) or the autistic guy. It does not really matter to me. These terms are fine, because you are talking or inquiring about autism. Using standard terminology, or the slang that we autistics use, is acceptable to me. If it furthers your knowledge about autism and gets questions answered, then it’s alright by me, besides “a person with autism,” sounds so official and stiff. Using other identifiers are acceptable, not disrespectful. This is my opinion. Everybody has a different viewpoint. Autistics are no different. It may be awkward to address someone with autism if you are not familiar with this disorder. Educate yourself and simply use your best judgement in approaching a person with autism. As you begin to associate yourself with someone who is autistic, including their family, friends, caregivers or co-workers, you will build a rapport with them. It is no different, than anyone else you encounter in life.

This police officer’s simple explanation, accompanied with his honest and common-sense opinion, helps restore some of my lost faith back into trusting law enforcement again.The trouble is…what’s the chance of this officer responding to my call as opposed to some unempathetic hard-nosed cop or a young inexperienced rookie with a trigger finger?

When l listen to this police officer talk, it reminds me that there are police officers, who are out there everyday trying to do their job correctly. If my wife and l called the police to assist us with our son’s meltdown, l would feel safe enough to allow this police officer to enter my house.This police officer speaks from experience and expresses sound advice, while showing an empathetic quality, but he is frustrated with his own people.

Why?

When a cop abuses his or her position or their actions lack a thinking process, its officers like him, who receive unfair criticism that’s directed towards all of law enforcement.That’s frustrating for anyone on the job. We need more officers with his understanding and communication skills, but where are they and how do we create more of them? The answer starts with education. To the police officer who expressed and shared his opinion on video… I thank you and autism thanks you for having the courage to speak your mind.

“Empathy has no script. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. It’s simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing message of ‘You’re not alone.’” -BRENÉ BROWN

Everyone should read “Alias of the Heart.” Brene Brown’s newest book. She redefines the words of the English language….words likes Empathy and the difference between empathy, sympathy, and pity. She covers human emotions, explaining their meaning and explores the psychology behind our feelings and how they make up our lives and change our behaviors, and how to build meaningful connections by learning how to deal with them. She re-educates us by refocusing on 87 definitions (emotional words) by giving them a fresh perspective. Her approach is like dusty off something we have used our entire lives and we see it for the first time with a renewed understanding.

For a feel-good look at empathy in action, check out this great article from Upworthy.