Chapter 1: Autism as a Social Movement
The next day, I met some of my best friends, Alex Russo, Justin Evans, Max Greenwald, Carly Shay, and Carly's parents, Sam and Freddie at the Carnegie Library in Squirrel Hill to discuss autism as a social movement. Some more people who joined me were my new best friend from East Liberty, Emily Mistle and her older brother, Michael and younger sister, Erin. "Hi, guys!" I greeted my friends. "Hi, Angel!" Alex greeted back. "You are just in time for a discussion on autism as a social movement," Mrs. Shay told me. I introduced my new friend, Emily Mistle and her siblings to everyone before we got started. "When I first met Angel nearly 10 years ago, she told me that she had autism," Carly explained to everybody. "We would like to know what you guys think of Angel's disability," Mr. Benson chimed in. "So, what do you guys want to talk about?" Mrs. Shay asked. "I would like to discuss some goals of autism," Max chimed in. "Autism is basically how you see the world in a different way from others, and how you adjust to fit in with all the normal people." "I agree, Max," I told him. "I don't necessarily think that autistic people are bad people, like the Nazis from Germany were during the 1st and 2nd World Wars." "I can tell you about barriers of autism," Justin continued. "How you act, how you talk, and what people may perceive you as." "That's right, Justin," I agreed. "Going back to my connection with the Nazis, people perceived them as bad because they acted so mean and different." "Which may not necessarily be the case," Michael agreed. "We can take advantage of autism with positive programs promoting awareness in the community," Alex stated. "Every April, the University of Pittsburgh celebrated Autism Awareness Month, and they used to have a Pitt study which got cancelled. I believe it is not just Pitt, but other colleges and universities that raise awareness for autism." "I see what you are saying, Alex," I agreed. "I am in most groups for young adults who have autism, including one with all of my childhood friends who understand my disability really well." "Before we wrap up, I would like to discuss ableism," Carly suggested. "There was one person I met at the Pittsburgh Zoo who had autism, and she was able to pull herself together and tell everybody who she really was. If we are able to overcome our disabilities with strength and power, then we can show people who we really are." "Very good, Carly," I agreed. "Do you have anything else to add, Emily and Erin?" "I would like to wrap up with a list of jokes that my sister, Emily and I made," Erin told everyone. "I hope you guys understand these, because they would be just as hard for people to understand as having an autism disorder," Emily stated. We then went out to dinner in Homestead. We originally had plans to go to TGI Fridays, but since the place was packed, we ate at Red Robin instead. I ordered my usual bacon cheeseburger, steak fries, and pink lemonade. I sat with Alex, Justin, and Max, while the Mistles sat with the Shays. "I remember the first time we went to Red Robin was after our band performance, and it was at the Mills Mall," Alex stated. Everyone shared bottomless steak fries, including me. However, everyone else got milkshakes rather than freckled lemonade. "Thanks for dinner, everyone!" I told my friends. "You're welcome," Alex replied. "Bye, guys!" "Bye!"