Since the movie Despicable Me came out a few years ago starring Steve Carrell you really can’t go anywhere anymore with seeing those little yellow adorable minions somewhere close by. Now that there is a movie coming out this summer called ‘Minions’ it is projected to be one of the biggest blockbusters of the year.
I didn’t really think too much of the connection it may have to our autism community until someone close to me sent me a Minion meme that had another adorable yellow minion with the title “Don’t judge me. I was born to be awesome. Not perfect.”
Here are some of the reasons why I believe our autism community connects with minions so well…
5. All minions are unique much like individuals with autism
Autism at its whole is a spectrum disorder. If you’ve met one individual with autism you’ve met one individual with autism. Minions are happy with who they are and are always just trying to have as much fun as they can.
4. Minions have certain abilities that can be utilized
In the two Despicable Me movies that have come out Minions are always used for odd jobs to help Steve Carrell’s character. Whether it’s helping Steve take over the world or reading a bedtime story to his adopted daughters, they all have opportunities to make an impact. For those with autism that’s something we advocate for every day especially for adults with autism and finding employment. If you focus on what someone with autism is good at, much like a minion, they can be successful.
3. Minions communicate with a style that is their own
Minions have a language that is unique to them that is not spoken by any other individual. For many with autism, this is something they can relate too. Their way of communicating may differ from the next person you are going to meet.
2. Minions will teach you so much more than we can teach them
As someone who constantly works with individuals with autism, I can honestly say they have taught me way more than I could possibly ever teach them.
1. Minions want to be accepted for who they are
Minions, much like individuals with autism should be embraced for who they are and what they have to offer our community. Minions are never trying to be something they aren’t. It’s a message I wish we could connect with our communities that ‘different is beautiful’ and these kids, just like minions should be accepted for who they are.
I hope you will take the time to introduce your loved ones to these characters because they are helping spread awareness for the diversity we have out there in our society. Because, what is it to be normal anyway?
