Mount Up With Wings: The Journey of Acceptance And Finding Purpose For Autistic Adults

by George D. Williams

Overview

The world is experiencing unprecedented social upheaval on every continent. Autistic adults are a part of the sea of changes taking place, although it is not always apparent. There is a quiet transition taking place within the autism community where adults on the spectrum are demanding equality. Furthermore, the perception of living with autism is trending towards personalized independence that addresses experiences, backgrounds, family history, and interests. The traditional view that focused primarily on behavior is no longer the preferred framework to build upon. Rather, a more inclusive narrative is developing which includes hobbies, career interests, education, along with marriage and family goals. Chief among the changes taking place is how autistic adults see themselves. Having a positive self-image is paramount for autistic adults as they seek to ascend to the level of full inclusion and reap the rewards of increased participation in society. For years autistic adults have been marginalized and viewed as a novelty. The massive shift in attitude within the community is assertive in demanding equal treatment and access to new opportunities. Importantly, the change in behaviors has resulted in changing attitudes towards adults living with autism.

 

Autistic adults are rejecting the idea of being victims and seeing themselves in a position of influence and power. While medical conditions, including mental health challenges, continue to play a significant role in the lives of many, they are no longer perceived as barriers to living a fully inclusive life. Walls are coming down in areas once considered off limits to autistic adults due to the belief that they are capable when given the opportunity. The dynamic taking place not only involves how autistics see themselves, but also how the rest of society views those with autism. The world is much more accepting and tolerant of people with autism, and other disabilities, than in the past. This has resulted in greater understanding while promoting inclusion in employment and housing. The final building block needed for autistic adults to live at a maximum level is supported health care. There must be trained medical professionals who have the compassion and skills to address the unique health issues associated with autism. Moreover, having mental health counseling and supportive services are vital to the success of each autistic individual and the broader community.

 

The author discusses why there is a shared responsibility between autistic adults and other members of society as related to assimilation. The traditional view of autistics changing to fit in with the rest of society is distorted and no longer relevant.  Rather, a more inclusive approach would best serve society as the unique abilities found on the spectrum would be fully supported. Moreover, we must bridge the gap between the neurodiverse community and the rest of society if we are going to achieve true inclusiveness. This is the one book everyone seeking illumination about autism must read. The winds of change are upon us and with it, the potential to soar higher is available to all citizens.

  

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781088029541
Publisher:	Optimal Healthcare Solutions
Publication date:	03/28/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	190
File size:	2 MB

Table of Contents

Mount Up With Wings is a call for autistic adults to rise to a level that best reflects their full potential. The approximately 50,000 young autistics transitioning to adulthood each year are coming of age during a time of unprecedented change. In spite of incredible odds, there is hope for autistic adults as they seek to assimilate into a world that struggles to understand them and has yet to comprehend the depth of their gifts. Matters can be complicated for autistic adults as they navigate the world around them filled with sensory challenges and neurological differences that are not always apparent. The next step in the maturation process for autistic adults is learning to love themselves and actually embracing their differences. Those differences are not always pronounced, but they are crucial to understanding how autistics relate to others and life's events. Importantly, having a solid fundamental comprehension of what we want in life is essential to self-acceptance and growth. Before autistic adults can share their true gifts with the world, there must be a reckoning of who they are and what they choose to stand for as a group. In essence, this is a group in need of an identity that defines them in resolute terms before the rest of society.

Chapter 6 is entitled "Mirror Mirror on the Wall" and the all-encompassing question of what we see daily is probed extensively. We all deal with negative messages, both internally and from the outside to some degree. Our response to those messages influences our trajectory towards developing healthy relationships, establishing careers, and ultimately fulfilling destinies. Autistic adults are not immune to negative messages as many have been exposed to not so subtle jabs designed to make them feel inadequate and inferior. Unlike the wicked queen in Snow White we don't have a magic talking mirror that tells us what we want to hear each time we stand before it. The magic mirror stroked the queen's fragile ego each day for years until reality eventually struck. The good news is autistic adults don't need smoke and mirrors, but belief in themselves and the amazing natural abilities they have been granted. Rather, than accepting the narrative of inferiority and rejection, there is the opportunity to write a script that acknowledges accomplishment and empowerment.

We must not lose sight of the fact that full inclusion related to autistic adults is not simply an autism issue. Rather, this is a matter involving all elements of society. Those who are not autistic share in the responsibility of creating an environment that is conducive to the success of autistic adults.