Accepting our mortal lot, we pine for someone or something greater than ourselves. Many use their love of family as a comfort. Others gain faith through religious or spiritual practices. Children have numerous bedtime stories and books from which to draw good examples.

Regarding autism, we lack definitive representation. No openly autistic government official steps forth, nor do any easily recognizable sporting figures. Educators teach children with autism, but few rarely understand the depth of the diagnosis beyond textbooks. We cannot fault people for their limited experiences; this is the same grace we, as persons with autism, seek ourselves.

However, I challenge the efficacy of Autism Awareness (Day or Month). Too often, this celebration serves little beyond comparative pity or padding lobbyist organizations’ wallets. True Autism Awareness must grow beyond teaching neurodiversity and begging for acceptance.

First, we must accept ourselves. Yes, we may have different backgrounds and opportunities; everyone does. Instead of looking at ourselves as “different,” let’s embrace our unique abilities and seek magnification of that which is good. Individuality should be part of our beloved freedoms, not a disqualification from social contribution. “Autistic” cannot/mustn’t be our only identity.

Secondly, we display our strengths despite our challenges. I write comic books featuring a hero with autism. Mainstream comic book writers fail to write convincing characters with autism, if they acknowledge the diagnosis at all. In one small way, even if I stumble, I try. Learning from others’ failures, I know a hero must be more than any adjective identity; they must be good people doing good works…who may just so happen to be autistic or another prefixed label. Above all, be good.

To fill the gap and prove my point, I’m putting my money where my mouth is. During April 2018, I’m soliciting volunteer applications for comic book heroes. I don’t want invulnerable perfect persons; I want people who struggle to see themselves as good enough to fit into society. I want this exercise of strength to stretch imaginations without waiting for others’ acceptance – accept ourselves!

I ask for a person’s (comic book) character idea.

I ask for a person’s (strength of) character ideal.

When applying, please conveniently forget to include any specific labels. I don’t care about your affiliation or identify as a member of [insert any law-abiding group] – as long as you’re a good person trying to do good. I don’t care about a clinical diagnosis of autism, anxiety, depression, etc. – you needn’t prove it to me. This philosophy levels the playing field, presumes competence…and every other acceptance buzzword. Once we publish our stories, maybe with your hero, people become more aware of actual heroes.

Finally, show our team how you see yourself trying to be your best, and add some cool comic book style superpowers. The world already judges us as “different,” so let’s show them something amazingly different!