Celebrating the Uniqueness of Autistic Contributions to Society

As I, Stephen McHugh, navigate the complexities of social interactions and educational hurdles, I invite you into a world where the spectrum is not a limit but a diverse canvas of experiences. Living with autism has its share of battles, from the sting of bullying to the quest for clear communication. Yet, it's a journey filled with victories and insights that I'm eager to share with you. Here I aim to unravel the fabric of what it truly means to understand and embrace autism, not just as a concept, but as a vital aspect of our collective human experience.

Step into the shoes of those on the autism spectrum as I mention the job market, a domain ripe with untapped potential. Discover how role-playing can unlock confidence in interviews and how employers can harness the meticulous nature of autistic employees. This episode is a call to celebrate not just the challenges, but also the unique strengths and innovations that individuals with autism can bring to our communities. Join me in aiming to transform awareness into acceptance, and let's champion the creativity, passion, and resilience that define the autism community.

Thanks for listening. You can find me on my website stephensevolution.com, or on twitter here. You can sign up to receive news of new episodes when they're released here.


Artwork produced by Elena Designe
Music composed by Nela Ruiz

Transcript

Stephen McHugh: 0:23

Hello everyone and welcome back to another episode of the Stephen's Evolution podcast, where I delve into my lived experiences of what it's like to live with autism. I'm your host, Stephen McHugh, and I'm delighted to have you join me for another Fortn ightly episode. This is my first episode following my Easter break. I hope your Easter holiday was one of fun, laughter and joy. As someone with autism, my aim is to share my journey and insights through this podcast. It is through it that I hope to inspire hope and understanding in those on similar paths to me. I'm also aiming to raise awareness, foster understanding and celebrate the unique strengths of individuals on the autism spectrum. This particular episode is of great interest to me. I'll be delving into the world of autism awareness and acceptance, a topic that's deeply personal from my perspective as someone who is on the autism spectrum myself. Over my life, I faced my fair share of challenges, misconceptions and triumphs. I aim to share some personal insights and reflections on why increasing awareness and acceptance of autism is so crucial. At the time of recording this, it is the month of April in 2024. April, as far as I'm aware, is the month of autism awareness and acceptance and raising those issues Throughout the discussion. In this episode, I plan to explore various aspects of navigating social situations as someone on the autism spectrum and what support can look like in those moments. From advocating against bullying behaviours to dispelling misconceptions about social behaviour, I'll be covering a range of topics aimed at promoting understanding and acceptance. So, whether you're a member of the autism community, have a friend or family member who is, or are just simply curious to learn more here, I invite you to join me on this interesting journey of discovery. This interesting journey of discovery.

Stephen McHugh: 3:33

Firstly, in segment one, I'll be delving into the intricacies of navigating social situations from my perspectives and what support can look like in those moments. First and foremost, I can't stress enough how crucial it is to address the issue of bullying. Individuals with autism are often more vulnerable to bullying behaviours, and it's essential to stick up for them when such situations may arise, since those of us with autism can have trouble identifying what various forms of body language mean and voice tones mean. That can leave us vulnerable to bullying behaviours, where the signs of it are very subtle and very hard to identify. And next, there's the issue of communication challenges. From my perspective, in years gone by, I found that linguistic nuances such as sarcasm, irony and idioms can be perplexing and confusing for autistic individuals, leading to misunderstandings and frustration.

Stephen McHugh: 5:01

Take a moment to consider how you can offer clarity and patience in your communications and interactions. Keep things simple in such cases. Is my advice here? Like if you were going to use an idiom, just use the simple version of what it means. Like costs an arm and a leg. In this case, you should use the phrase, "costs a lot of money.

Stephen McHugh: 5:35

In my opinion, it's also important to dispel misconceptions regarding social behaviours. Contrary to popular belief, being quiet and not talking much doesn't always equate to having nothing to say. What I found is autistic individuals may simply communicate or engage in social settings differently, and it's vital that the ways in which they communicate are respected and understood. What I would like to say here is they may be trying to process the information about a particular task at hand from observing it. They may be looking at what's going on and looking away, trying to think about a potential solution, and they might easily come up with a solution, especially if it's a task that involved logical thinking, and I consider myself to be a logical thinker. This reminds me of a time when I was on an information technology course, and the group that I was in was given a mini lift. We had to get it working so that it would stop at whichever floor it was called to. I was able to quietly come up with the solution. It was simply a matter of getting a sensor to detect whichever floor it was at and if it was at the floor to which it was called to, the sensor would send the information to the processor to turn the motor off.

Stephen McHugh: 7:42

Reflecting on personal tendencies such as relying on others to initiate conversations or being deeply engrossed in special interests, in my opinion, sheds light on the concept of masking. This is a relatively new term to me. Having come across it in recent years, I understand now that it refers to the pressure that many autistic individuals feel to suppress their true selves in an effort to fit in with what is considered the societal norms. Let's strive to create spaces and settings where authenticity is appreciated, celebrated and embraced. Finally, we must be open to exploring strategies for support and inclusion. Providing opportunities for autistic individuals to engage in their special interests and initiating conversations in a supportive manner can make a world of difference. An example here I can think of from my lived experiences is being asked to demonstrate my piano playing skills to groups of people. This can be a good example of showing how autistic individuals can bring joy to society. Therefore, we must continue to commit to fostering settings and environments that value neurodiversity and prioritise understanding and acceptance.

Stephen McHugh: 9:50

Now let's dive into the realm of education and explore how language development delays and other challenges can impact learning for individuals on the autism spectrum. I remember having language development delays myself, when I would take literal views of language. This created difficulties for me in understanding new concepts, applying new knowledge, and I also remember it would take me longer to understand whatever it was I was being asked to do. It's therefore crucial to recognise that delays such as these are not a result of laziness or lack of intelligence or lack of know-how. This is what the person who diagnosed me said to my school. Language development delays may be attributed to differences in the way our brains function, receive and process information and process information. Imagine being asked to do something that you're simply not capable of doing. It can be frustrating and disheartening. That's why, in my opinion, it's essential for educators and classmates alike to approach learning with patience, understanding and support. Once I received my diagnosis, my primary school took a sympathetic and sensitive approach and were open to ideas regarding ways in which my education could be supported in order for me to progress satisfactorily.

Stephen McHugh: 12:04

On the other hand, those of us on the autism spectrum may also demonstrate exceptional abilities in certain subjects and possess obscure knowledge about such subjects. This can present opportunities for educators to tap into these strengths and interests, providing avenues for further exploration and growth. For example, if a student excels in music or art, establishing a music or art club could be a fantastic way to nurture their talents. Not only could this foster a sense of belonging and accomplishment, but it could also open doors to new friendships, potentially leading to increased awareness within school communities. There were occasions when I was granted opportunities to showcase my musical talents to my peers and teachers, to which they were all appreciative of. For those opportunities. Looking back, I am very grateful for those. Additionally, implementing buddy systems in schools, colleges and other educational establishments can provide invaluable support for autistic students. Pairing them with peers who may understand their needs and condition may be able to offer assistance and encouragement. This approach for me could make a world of difference in their educational journeys. Workshops and educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness and understanding of autism could also be very beneficial. Role-playing scenarios and interactive discussions may help to educate wider school or college communities, thus fostering empathy and inclusion. While some schools and educational establishments may already have implemented such strategies, there's always room for growth and improvement. By working together, it can be possible to create learning environments that welcome diversity, foster inclusion and empower every student to reach their full potential.

Stephen McHugh: 15:20

And now onto segment three driving and autistic individuals. The topic of driving is particularly relevant for many individuals on the autism spectrum. When I obtained my full driving license, there wasn't a requirement at the time to disclose my autism diagnosis. However, in relatively recent years, there was a significant change in policy. Autistic individuals were suddenly required to disclose their diagnosis when applying for a license. This sparked outcry and controversy within the autism community. This prompted a re-evaluation of the policy the Driving Licence Agency known as the DVLA here in the UK. Ultimately, they decided to revise their approach, no longer mandating disclosure of autism diagnosis. Instead, individuals are now given the option to disclose. Individuals are now given the option to disclose if they believe it may have an impact on their ability to drive. Personally, ever since I obtained my full license, I haven't found my autism diagnosis to have any significant bearing on my driving skills. Like many other drivers out there, I can navigate the roads with confidence, caution and responsibility, adhering to traffic laws and safety guidelines as best I can. It's essential, in my opinion, to recognise that autistic individuals have successfully learned to drive. By focusing on individual driving abilities rather than labels or a diagnosis, I believe we can foster a more inclusive and supportive driving environment for everyone. While there still may be challenges and barriers to overcome, it was encouraging to see progress being made towards greater understanding and acceptance of autistic individuals in all aspects of life, including driving.

Stephen McHugh: 18:03

And now on to segment four, where I'll talk about employment and how autistic individuals can navigate the job market with success and confidence. In addition, I plan to mention what prospective employers should be aware of when it comes to interviews for jobs. They can be, in my opinion, particularly challenging for those of us who may be autistic. Reasons for this can include communication differences and sensory sensitivities. To address these challenges, it's important for employers to be more direct in their questioning and to use simple and more straightforward language. Simple and more straightforward language, providing opportunities for autistic individuals to demonstrate their skills, can be crucial in the hiring process. This can include role plays and rehearsals of anticipated interview questions allowing candidates to showcase their abilities and suitability for a particular job in question. One example of this in the past included me being given the opportunity to demonstrate my inputting skills for a data entry position. I was able to show that I was quick on the keyboard, which was instrumental in helping me to get a position as a data entry operator. On a separate occasion, a recruitment consultant did a rehearsal of anticipated interview questions for a particular job. This helped me to build my confidence for the interview itself. It helped me to impress my prospective employer at the time, enough for them to offer me the positioning question at the time, which was to do with data capture and preparation.

Stephen McHugh: 20:38

In addition to supporting autistic job applicants, it's equally important, in my opinion, job applicants. It's equally important, in my opinion, to educate prospective colleagues and workforces about autism. Training sessions and workshops could help to raise awareness and promote understanding of the strengths and contributions that autistic individuals could bring to the workplace. By creating inclusive and supportive environments that value neurodiversity, employers can harness the talents of autistic employees and foster a culture of diversity and acceptance in the workplace. While there may still be challenges to overcome, initiatives aimed at promoting inclusion and support for autistic individuals in the workforce could be a step in the right direction towards creating a more equitable and accessible job market for all.

Stephen McHugh: 21:56

One aspect of job applications in the past that I found off-putting was the emphasis on needing good communication skills. Here it's essential to recognize that communication skills can vary widely among individuals, and what may be considered a strength for some may be more of a challenge for others may be more of a challenge for others. Instead of focusing solely on traditional notions of communication skills, employers should consider a broader range of abilities and strengths that autistic individuals may be able to bring to the table and the potential values and contributions they could make in the workplace. There have been times in the past where I have found verbal communication to be a challenge. Autistic individuals often do excel in areas such as attention to detail, problem solving and innovative thinking. Examples of this for me in the past, I remember, were me being able to spot certain details and be able to match them with relevant records. By recognising and leveraging such strengths, employers can create opportunities for autistic individuals to thrive in the workplace. Additionally, providing accommodations and support for communication challenges can help level the instructions and opportunities for feedback and clarification. Ultimately, a more inclusive approach to job applications and hiring processes can benefit not only autistic individuals but the workforce as a whole. By valuing diversity and embracing the unique perspectives and talents of all employees, employers can create, in my opinion, a more equitable and supportive work environment for all. Equitable and supportive work environment for all.

Stephen McHugh: 24:54

Another important trait that deserves a mention is loyalty. Despite facing challenges and potential monotony in certain roles, I demonstrated remarkable dedication and commitment to my work. That was, to stay in jobs for extended periods, even when the work I thought was repetitive or monotonous. This, for me, tells me that loyalty can speak volumes about work ethic and a willingness to persevere through challenges. Autistic individuals can often thrive in environments where they can establish routines and predictability which can allow them to focus and excel in whatever roles they may find themselves in. Employers should be aware of this and capitalise on loyalty by fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that values and recognises the contributions of autistic employees. By providing opportunities for growth, recognition and career development, employers can cultivate a sense of belonging and loyalty among their autistic workforce among their autistic workforce. Ultimately, loyalty is not just a trait exhibited by autistic individuals. It can be a testament to resilience and unwavering commitment to work and also one's colleagues. By acknowledging and appreciating loyalty like this, employers can create workplaces that are not only inclusive, but also thriving and successful.

Stephen McHugh: 27:04

As we approach the end of this episode, I want to turn the spotlight over to you. I want to remind you again that at the time of recording this, it is April, and April is the month of autism awareness and acceptance awareness and acceptance. It's also a time for us to come together as a community to raise awareness, foster understanding and promote acceptance of autism. I invite each and every one of you to take a moment to reflect on what autism awareness and acceptance means to you. Whether you're personally impacted by autism yourself, have a friend or family member who is or are interested in learning more, your voice and your perspective can matter and be invaluable in this conversation. You may even have a personal story or experience you'd like to share, or some questions or insights you'd like to explore further. Whatever it may be, I encourage you to reach out and join in the conversation.

Stephen McHugh: 28:23

There are many ways you can get involved and make a difference during Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month and beyond, so I want to hear from you? What are your thoughts, questions or experiences related to autism awareness and acceptance? How are you going to be marking this important month and what steps are you planning to take to promote understanding and inclusion? You can find a link to me on Twitter via a link at the footer of my website, stephensevolutioncom, or you can reach out to me via the contact page on my website itself. Your contributions can help to continue the conversation and spread awareness far and wide. If you wish to stay in the know about newly released episodes, be sure to click on a link close to the footer of the homepage of my website. If you click on that link, it'll take you to a page, to a form where you can sign up to receive news of newly released episodes and other podcast-related news straight to your inbox. Together, let's make Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month a time of meaningful dialogue, reflection and action. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me.

Stephen McHugh: 30:12

As I wrap up today's episode, I want to leave you with a message of celebration and appreciation for autism. Throughout this episode, I've explored the diverse experiences and perspectives by talking about my experiences, highlighting challenges, triumphs and unique strengths that I possess and that can make each individual truly remarkable. Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month is, for me, a time to come together to celebrate the rich diversity of the human experience, including the variety of ways in which autism can manifest itself. It's also a time to recognise the contributions of autistic individuals to our communities, our workplaces and our world. Let's aim to celebrate the creativity, the passion and the resilience of autistic individuals, their unique perspectives and talents that enrich our lives in many ways. Let's celebrate the moments of triumph, overcoming obstacles and growth, the small victories and the important milestones that can mark their journeys.

Stephen McHugh: 31:51

But, most importantly, let's celebrate the humanity of each and every individual on the autism spectrum. Let's embrace differences, foster understanding and promote acceptance in all aspects of life, because it can be through acceptance and celebration that we can truly build a more inclusive and compassionate society for all. So, as we continue on our journey beyond this episode, let's carry with us the spirit of celebration and appreciation for autism. Let's continue to learn, to grow and to advocate for a world where every individual is valued, accepted and celebrated for who they are. Thank you for joining me on this exploration of autism awareness and acceptance Together. Let's continue to spread kindness and understanding and remember the celebration of autism doesn't end with this month. It's a lifelong journey of acceptance and appreciation. Thank you.