From Chris McKee at I Saw a Pigeon comes this post:
I’ve never been one for the cinema, especially if it is a horror
film. Yesterday I took my brother (or rather he took me) to see the new
Paranormal Activity movie that is out. It didn’t go well for me… popcorn
everywhere, womanly screams, and a sleepless night. Even though Matthew
is almost 4 years younger than me, he loved the 121 minutes of fear! He
has seen every Paranormal Activity to date and spent quite a few nights
in his room re-watching them to build up the anticipation for the third
one. It’s also amusing to listen for the thuds on the stairs as he re-enacts the final scene from the original film.
Matthew is the second-youngest son in the line of five siblings, and
is the only one with Autism. Fortunately Matthew attends a school for
special needs, meaning that he is not subject to the stigma that comes
with the name of the condition. He loves his books, his Xbox, his
family, even though he may not say it often. As you might have guessed,
he has a love for all things ghostly. And while Matthew is happily
reminiscing about his time at the cinema with me, he is oblivious to the
ignorance of some who do not understand Autism. Even in the theatre
before the trailers began, there were those who intentionally sat away
from the two of us, just because they saw something different about
Matthew.
November 1st 2011 is the second Autistics Speaking Day. I
know that I have not shed any light on a particular subject surrounding
Autism, but I hope that this petite blog post would encourage anyone who
has a fear of the unknown when it comes to the disorder to use this
event to learn more. I’ve had many people say harsh things about my
brother, even when they don’t even know him. Matthew’s personality is
completely down to his Autism, without it, he would not be who is today.
His individuality is portrayed in everything he does, in his own unique
way. I understand this, and I hope that by the end of Autistics
Speaking Day, you will too.
To raising Autism awareness and Acceptance, and battling negative stereotypes about Autism. To advocate for the inclusion of Autistic people in the community. To offer a forum to broadcast our stories and thoughts, and to help the messages of Autistic people and non-Austistic allies reach as many people as possible.
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