This is Autism in the Philippines

Written by Joe Campos

Originally published at Autistic BigBro

Enough has been said about the bigoted and hate-filled agenda of the for-profit hate group known as Autism Speaks, and why we Filipinos should be concerned. Evidently, the old windbag Suzanne Wright has always been myopic and microscopic about her perception of autism, as she failed to see the clearer details, and even the bigger picture.

Suzanne described autism in the most colorful and dehumanizing ways someone who claims to be an autism advocate can ever concoct:

• Living in despair
• Fear of the future
• Exhausted, broken parents
• Lost, helpless, burdensome children
• A national emergency

Maybe she’d forgotten to actually see what’s going on outside her domain. Apparently, she failed to see what autism is in other areas, specifically in the Philippines.

You know what autism is in the Philippines?

Autism is living with hope, looking forward to the future.

We Filipinos are known to be hopefuls, staying strong amid challenges and tribulations. You see how the Filipino spirit never backing down despite the storms, the quakes, and even man-made disasters that come upon us? The same thing goes for us on the spectrum and our families. We have hope, and sadly, Suzanne, it seems you missed that part.

We have empowered parents.

Our parents are determined to provide the best life for our children on the autism spectrum. We may not have your luxuries, but we make the best of whatever we have to help ourselves and our children. We see our autistic children as blessings and assets, not burdens or liabilities. After all, they’re our children, and that is what is always important. Our family ties are strong, and sadly, Suzanne, it seems you’ve missed that part again.

We have children who are enabled, active, and functioning.

This is where we come in. We want to do something and help our country. Our country helps us do something. Look at some of us. We are in schools, others are in college, and some of us are even in the workforce, helping our families, ourselves, and our country. We have a sense of patriotism within us. We are proud of our autism, and sadly, Suzanne, looks like you didn’t see that coming.

Autism is a national pride.

Let’s see. Tum-Tum Mendoza, the ASP Dreamgirls, Raymond Cabral, King DJ Logan. These guys are awesome in their fields. And for the record — they’re all autistic.

Or let’s go to America, where your scope should be. James Durbin, Temple Grandin, Heather Kuzmich, Ari Ne’eman, Vernon Smith, Brian Gutierrez, Jerry Newport, Courtney Love, Matt Savage, even John Elder Robison (who, unsurprisingly, turned against you). So many names, but again for the record — they’re all autistic.

These guys have made their country proud. Sadly, Suzanne, you just humiliated them.

Now that is autism.

Autism is awesomeness. Autism is pride. Autism is hope.

Sorry, Suzanne and Autism Speaks, but I’m afraid you missed that.

To end this diatribe,

We’re all AWESOME!!!

And I’m proud to be one!

With love from the Philippines, Team Awesomeness.