What Different Can Do - A More Inclusive World
Once again we’re continuing our conversations around What Different Can Do and exploring how neurodiversity, a word for describing brains that develop a little differently, makes our world a better place for everyone. This week we spoke with Sarah, a student at Duke University who is studying for her Ph.D in physics and is on the Autism Spectrum. Sarah’s story is a unique one, as she was only diagnosed later in life, in fact she was diagnosed about the same time as her young son was also diagnosed with Autism. While Sarah has found great success in her academic career, she is also a passionate advocate of inclusion for those who face more severe needs than she does.
SHARING THE SPECTRUM
I was fortunate to be introduced to Sarah through a professor at Duke (we’ll hear from her next week!) when I reached out about What Different Can Do. Sarah talked to me about how she become a Ph.D student, as well as how she came to be diagnosed on the spectrum. While she always knew that she was different, it was actually the process of getting her own child diagnosed that led her to find her place on the spectrum. While many might think that a later diagnosis could be scary, Sarah said that her diagnosis was actually a huge relief. As she understood her condition more she felt empowered to put more energy into the things that matter the most to her - namely her wonderful son.
MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT AUTISM
As Sarah and I talked, one of the areas we spoke about was how society and especially the media often inaccurately portray people on the spectrum. Sarah talked about how people often think that those on the spectrum lack empathy, while the truth is it is just often shown in a different way. In particular Sarah felt disappointed that the media often only portrays individuals on the spectrum if they also have an incredible talent or savant style skills. Unfortunately these portrayals don’t show the true value of people who may be struggling with more severe needs that limit their ability to communicate and connect. Sarah recognizes her own privilege as a high functioning person on the spectrum, and believes we can all do more to represent and include those with higher needs.
“If you can recognize the value in all types of people, you can be easier on yourself if you feel insecure about your own abilities.”
SEEING THE HUMAN BEHIND THE DISORDER
One question that I asked Sarah brought about an answer that I did not expect. When I asked about what she would say to someone who is different and worried about what they will be able to do, Sarah said, “It’s ok to worry about what you can do, but I hope people never worry about whether they are a valuable person or not.” Once again I am reminded that we never quite understand until we take the time to truly listen. I believe that part of Sarah’s point is that we shouldn’t just see value in those who are different and can best adapt to society. Our goal should always be to the see the value of someone as a person, and we should be finding ways to accommodate and empower them to share their value with us. Imagine all the talents, skills, and creativity we can bring by including more severe needs and differences in our schools, work places, and the world.
A MORE INCLUSIVE WORLD
As I reflect on speaking with Sarah, one big point really sticks with me. I asked Sarah about how a more inclusive world benefits all of us, not just those with “differences”. Sarah brought up how we’re all different, we’re all insecure, and we all worry about what we are capable of, even if we aren’t on the spectrum. When we create a world that acknowledges needs and provides support, we create a world where everyone can relax about the ways that they are different, or the abilities they might worry about. Inclusion isn’t about helping people for pity or out of obligation. Inclusion is the tool that makes the world a little more comfortable for every single person. As we often say during summer camp at CSG - Different isn’t better or worse, it’s just different.