In recent months, there’s been a push by the autism community to replace the word “awareness” with “acceptance;” to move on from simply promoting awareness to bringing about acceptance and inclusion of individuals on the spectrum. What’s the big deal you might ask?
As the father of a middle-aged autistic man, I recently tried to make an appointment with my gastroenterologist in Frederick, Maryland. My wife and I like him a lot, he seems to listen well and knows his stuff. When it came time for our son Jimmy to have his first colonoscopy, my wife and I naturally thought of him. We called his office and told his staff a bit about Jimmy but made it clear he’s extremely well-behaved and cooperative. Before making an appointment for Jimmy, the staff wanted to check with the doctor.
After a few days, a staff member informed us that we should go to Mercy Hospital in Baltimore to get this procedure done. When we asked why, they said 1) the doctor doesn’t feel sufficiently qualified, and 2) he feels it takes a certain kind of person to “handle them.” I then asked if I could talk with the doctor, but was told I needed to make an appointment and there would be a charge.
Autism awareness doesn’t necessarily lead to autism acceptance in health care. A lack of acceptance can stem from a number of factors, including misinformation about individuals on the spectrum, a lack of insight into the disability, and a lack of willingness to serve individuals who might require a little more time, patience, and preparation.
In my writing and teaching, I highlight the critical importance of awareness and acceptance in valuing diversity. But there’s another component of diversity consciousness that’s absolutely critical but often ignored, and that is understanding. (see Bucher, Diversity Consciousness: Opening Our Minds to People, Cultures, and Opportunities)
My guess is our local gastroenterologist, like many others, lacks understanding of the breadth and complexity of the autism spectrum. My guess is that he has minimal knowledge of what autism is and isn’t. My guess is that he’s reluctant to take my son on as a patient because he buys into many of the myths that surround us.
Myths such as? Autistic people (or patients) are anti-social. Autistic people (or patients) are not cooperative. Autistic people (or patients) are difficult to relate to. Autistic people (or patients) lack the ability to control their emotions. Autistic people (or patients) require “specialists” who have special training in serving those with intellectual disabilities. Autistic people (or patients) require a great deal of time and energy.
While some of these myths possess a sliver of truth, they’re all stereotypes that take a very diverse category of people and make them all out to be alike. Yes, understanding any group takes time and effort. But it allows us to transform ourselves and appreciate others. For two years, I researched a book that I ended up writing about my son and my family. The understanding that I developed during that time allows me to be a better father I think, someone who is even more tuned into the needs of his son and family, and someone who is even more committed to promoting diversity consciousness in our communities.
Awareness, understanding, and acceptance are all necessary; all are interrelated and feed off each other. By the way, we’ve moved on to another gastroenterologist in the area. Also, my wife and I are moving on from this doc as well. If our son is not “qualified” to be his patient, we aren’t either. Unfortunately, the gastroenterologist that we just left has no idea what he’s missing. Jimmy is one cool guy. Just ask his other doctors who also practice in Frederick.
Check out:
Dr. Bucher’s Web site on Diversity Consciousness: Opening Our Minds to People, Cultures, and Opportunities
Buy Dr. Bucher’s book – Diversity Consciousness
Dr. Bucher’s Facebook page on Diversity Consciousness Links to more from Dr. Bucher