Using Positive Language To Change The Perception Of Autism
Positivity is powerful. The impact of positivity has been acknowledged and encouraged by many great people through the years.
“In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision.”
-Dalai Lama
“You are the sum total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot – it’s all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that I try to make sure that my experiences are positive.”
-Maya Angelou
“I like to encourage people to realize that any action is a good action if it’s proactive and there is positive intent behind it.”
-Michael J. Fox
You can use the same emphasis on positivity when talking about autism and when talking with those affected by autism. Putting autism in a positive light will help shift any negative perceptions around the topic. Even just adding positive remarks in during negative conversations can be powerful.
For instance, if you’re speaking with someone about how you manage your child’s sensitivity to sound and light, you might also add something about their ability to see and hear things in a unique way that is beautiful and exceptional.
The more positive you can be, the more you can chip away at the stigmas and stereotypes surrounding autism. But the impact of being positive about autism won’t just impact how others perceive autism, it can have an even greater impact than that.
How Positive Language Can Change Your Perspective
The more effort you put into being positive, the easier it will become to truly feel that way. When you start placing emphasis on positivity, it allows you to see more clearly all of the truly positive qualities and experiences that are presented.
Not only can this make you more generally positive, but it can also be very helpful when you face challenges and stressful times with your child.
How Positive Language Can Change Your Children’s Lives
Using positive language won’t just change how others perceive autism or your own ability to see things differently. Perhaps most importantly, positivity will have an incredible impact on your child’s life. Your children–with and without autism–are highly impressionable. They will pick up on even your most subtle emotions and attitudes, even if they are not aware of it themselves.
For that reason, adjusting your conversations to be more positive will have an incredible impact on the way they manage autism, the way they interact with others and more.
Change The Perception Of Autism With Positive Language
So, the next time you’re talking about autism with a friend, family member or even a stranger, find a way to add a positive remark about your child and autism. It can have a greater impact than you may have thought.