My family just made it through the rocky roads of middle school-- a bit more bruised than when we started, but we made it nonetheless. You see, my teenager has an autism diagnosis and middle school meant we needed to change schools to find a more supportive and inclusive environment. Because my child has always had a 1:1 aide, we have not had to deal with out-and-out, blatant bullying. It was always the quieter types of bullying, the millions of pebbles thrown her way rather than the one big boulder.

As a high school teacher, I’m well aware that autistic bullying runs rampant through schools. I talk to kids every year who are bullying others for what they do not recognize as autism. I will never defend the bullies, but I will say that the majority of kids that participate in this behavior do not really understand that they are attacking differences associated with the autism spectrum. When this is gently pointed out, I have seen countless teens feel shame and remorse for their less than kind behavior. 

I can’t say I’m not weary of all of the autistic bullying in the workforce. It may look different than middle or high school, but adults can be every bit as terrible as they were at 13. And I think that is where a nonprofit like Autism Insights Foundation can come in. 

You see, I still believe in the goodness of people at my core, and I think an ounce of education can cure a lot! If co-workers can spot neurodivergence in others, might they learn to appreciate and build each other up instead of whispering and tearing each other down? 

Research shows that neurotypical people often get along better with other neurotypical people, and neurodivergent people often get along better with other neurodivergent people. But the bottom line is we only have one world and we all have to work together. Autism Insights Foundation is committed to helping neurotypical (non-autistic) brains to appreciate and celebrate those who are wired differently so that we all can win together.