I'm sure you are all familiar with this superhero. Whether you've read the comics, seen the movies, have the action figure or play the video games, you know who I'm talking about.
Autism awareness, unfortunately, is not nearly as prominent. According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, Autism is defined as "a developmental disorder that is characterized by impairment of the ability to form normal social relationships..and by stereotyped behavior patterns."
Symptoms of autism are different for each individual. However, there are some symptoms that can be very common such as sensitivity to light, sound or touch and repetitive behaviors.
Have you ever noticed that our Caped-Crusader can hear EVERYTHING? Even the slightest whisper can catch his attention or distract him from his current task.
And don't even let him near Kryptonite. Even being around that stuff will cause him to freak out. In fact, he won't even touch it because he knows it will cause a tantrum.
Also, can't we all agree he is the King of repetitive behavior? Find someone in trouble, fight bad-guys, save someone in trouble. Over and over and over again he will do this and never seems to tire of it. (Sure, he varies it a little but I think that's more for our benefit than his.) Let's face it, he parades around in a costume all day and doesn't feel any different for it. If that isn't someone who colors their own world than I don't know what is!
My 4 year old son, Ethan, has autism and I've noticed some things about him, too.
He is so kind-hearted and always knows right from wrong. When he can, he will always help those in trouble. He is smart and courageous. Oh, and on more than one occasion, I have even caught him wearing a cape. Is this starting to sound like anyone you know?
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| He told me "I have to go help people!"
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Now, I'm not saying that Superman definitely has autism. It's just a theory. I'm also not saying Ethan is a superhero. But to me, he is.
What I am saying, is that no one has ever seen both of them in the same room together...
