Labels

Labels. They are often those scratchy annoyance we have on the back of our clothing, especially where we can't reach it and it just annoys all day. However, those labels are very important as to size and care of our clothing. We need them keep our clothes in tip-top shape. If we didn't have them what would our clothes look like? Faded, wrinkled, even shrunk and not wearable. We need these labels.

People with ASD also need their label and they need to be proud of it. It is sometimes an annoyance that would we rather live without but it is necessary to have these "labels" to keep you safe, healthy and independent. Not all with ASD would like you to know about their personal lifestyle with ASD. And as these folks get older you don't need to know unless they chose to tell you. It is kind of like the pretty tag on your new outfit. It is flashy, gives a brief description to make yo feel comfortable and then you rip it off and make your own choice about the item. Others are kind of like the labels that are printed on the inside of the clothing. After many washes you can barley tell it is there. People on the spectrum are much like that too. You can hardly tell, by the years of working on social cues and so much more, that they even are on the spectrum. However, don't be fooled. Sometimes others (without ASD) still need to look at those labels once and a while and be aware that ASD is a very active part of their world.

This is my goal with Easy Street Foundation. I want people on the spectrum to have a life of success and independence. We, non ASD folks, especially employers need to be aware that label is there and help that young person along. Let that label fade away with their work accomplishments and not be the the scratchy one that becomes an annoyance. No one wants that.