The lens which we understand life comes from our own experiences, and the lens which I wear is of a late diagnosed autistic adult who has been failed and traumatized by the medical system multiple times.
As I read through the interview, I felt depressed. Having fallen through the gaps in the healthcare system my entire life, I understood the despair. I resonated with the lack of agency, the fear, the trauma and the betrayal. How could a system meant to help people be so detrimental?
But I also felt conflicted. Here I was, in this unique position as an autistic with lived experience, but who am I to define another person’s experience? After all, I also remember when language was a luxury I did not have.
Before I could communicate for myself, others defined my life for me. When I was first diagnosed with speech and language delay, my dad cried. My parents were told what I was capable of and what to expect. My mom fought for my right to an education as my kindergarten teacher didn’t want me in her class. People assumed I didn’t know what was going on. When I was 7, I was called stupid in front of the class by my teacher. I couldn’t respond back, even though I wanted to say, “Only stupid people call other people stupid”.
Today, I have a voice, and I don’t take that for granted. I am also cognizant there are others who don’t, and depend on others to help them. 3 different situations, 1 comic, “BOX” is the story about being neglected by the healthcare system.