Autism Has No Face: Looking Beyond Appearances

I've heard this more than once when people learn that my daughter has ASD - “Dili lagi mailhan sa itsura sa imong anak nga special child diay siya” (You can't really tell from your child's appearance that she's a special child). I know it may be meant as a compliment but it always makes me pause and think. What is an autistic person supposed to look like, anyway? Does it have a particular face? Does a person have to look or act a certain way for their disability to be recognized? 

Newsflash: Autism has no face, no single look, and no stereotype. You cannot see the whole story of a person simply by looking at them.

My daughter is more than her diagnosis and so is every neurodivergent person. Let's learn to look beyond appearances, let go of assumptions and understand that every individual has their own strengths, challenges, and story. Because awareness is important but understanding makes a difference. 

Also, to the parents with young children or teenagers, please teach your kids kindness. Teach them not to use the word autistic as in insult or make fun of someone because of their condition. Believe me, life's unpredictable. As the Filipino saying goes, "bilog ang mundo". We never know what tomorrow may bring, so let's be mindful of how we treat others. Let's spread compassion and practice empathy and understanding💙∞