Autism Soccer: Autistic Role Models for Children: Why there should be more?

Autistic children can't relate to most role models on the media, which could lead them to feel isolated or not taken into consideration.

From the moment you gain awareness of the world you’re in, a sudden curiosity takes over. All you want is to touch, feel and see almost everything around you. After several years, you can tell which things are good and which are bad. At this point, you look up to your parents as if they were the best, your heroes and examples, the role model you ideally want to become.

What happens after you’re 10 to 12 years old? This is when you start experiencing more profoundly what’s out there and the people outside your family environment. You watch TV, meet new people, and discover new things about yourself. As an autistic individual, you might find it strange that there are many actors, models, and famous people in general, covering the TV shows and in the spotlight, but that, unfortunately, are people you can't relate with or make your role model. Perhaps you thought there should be more autistic people being mentioned and recognized, so there could be someone you could look up to, right? You couldn’t be more right!

Having someone to look up to is not only for admiration. When you see someone you can relate to becoming successful, you feel empathy immediately and desire to improve, as a personal challenge. You want, in some way, to “be like them.” As surprising as it might sound, there are several successful autistic people that, sadly, haven’t made it to the mainstream media. Today you will have an opportunity to meet them. I’ll list three important role models to soothe the spirit.

Satoshi Tajiri

The name by itself doesn't ring any bells, but perhaps if I mention the word “Pokémon,” you’ll identify the person. Referred as “Dr. Bug” by his companions because of his fixation with these, Satoshi was one of the minds behind the creation of one of the most famous video game/anime franchises in the world today. Perhaps you didn’t know, but he was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. Satoshi is a successful autistic model passionate about his work and projects.

Donna Williams

The author of the bestselling book Nobody Nowhere is an autistic writer and artist that decided to open up and express what is like to be born “different.” Donna managed to learn how to express herself by using her own hands: excelling in sculpting, painting, screenplay managing and books. Nobody Nowhere is an autobiography, where she exposes her life through her personal experience as an autistic individual.

Thomas Mckean

Thomas Mckean is one of the supporters of autistic research and education. He became popular for his continued work and due to his life experiences related to autism. He was first diagnosed with autism at the age of 14 years old, in 1979. All his life experiences with this condition are a source of inspiration for advocates and members of this neurotribe.

As you can see, role models are out there waiting for you to reach out to them and learn from their experiences. With time, people will understand the importance of autistic individuals in society. Autism Soccer is an organization capable of providing you with the best tools to help you improve your skills and grow as an individual. No matter who or what is pulling you back, they’ll be there for you!