Love on the Spectrum’s Dani slams ‘dangerous’ false autism claims: ‘We are not tragedies’
She's inspiring people across the world
Love on the Spectrum has been praised for its heartwarming scenes as participants on the show navigate the world of dating. But as the show’s popularity grows, so has the conversation around autism and being on the spectrum. Dani Bowman, one of the show’s OGs, just pushed back against some claims about autism. She appeared on a news channel and reminded people that sometimes these claims can actually be “dangerous.”
Love on the Spectrum’s Dani slams false autism claims
During a press conference in April, the US health secretary, RFK Jr, came under fire for comments he made about people with autism.
He claimed that those who have autism “will never pay taxes, they’ll never hold a job, they’ll never play baseball, they’ll never write a poem, they’ll never go on a date.”
Now, Love on the Spectrum’s Dani is speaking out to point out that autistic people are not to be pitied or misunderstood.
“We are not tragedies,” she said, speaking to NewsNation, as she empowers people with her work.
Dani slammed the US health secretary’s comments and said:
“It is hurtful, yes, and what I’m trying to answer to this question about saying positive things about RFK Jr’s statements… we’ve made a lot of progress changing the narrative around autism, especially thanks to older advocates like myself and shows like Love on the Spectrum.”
“I do recognise that autism is a spectrum and that means not everyone’s experience is the same. Some families are facing big challenges, especially with younger kids who may be non-verbal or have more intense behavioural needs.
“I didn’t speak until I was nearly six and didn’t have full language until around 11… I know my family would have done anything to help me. And, I understand that deep desire to fix things when you feel unheard or desperate for answers…”
The Netflix star continued to add that when public figures make these kinds of comments, “all the progress made is undermined.”
Dani said: “It reinforces the idea that we’re broken, or in need of a cure, that’s dangerous.
“People on the spectrum are not tragedies, we are people with potential, challenges, talents and stories we’re sharing. Parents deserve support and resources at home.”
Dani ‘panicked’ about her diagnosis
Dani is empowering the autism community, and she’s sharing anecdotes of her own with the world following her Love on the Spectrum stardom.
In another interview with WBIR-TV, Dani shared something that helped her embrace her autism after diagnosis at 3 years old.
She said she “panicked” and thought she “had to get a shot or something for it.” But, her aunt told her that autism is a part of who she is, just like her eye colour.
Thanks to her aunt’s advice, Dani has been able to see her autism as a “combination of a challenge that I have, but also a superpower, for example, the ability to hyperfocus and visualise things.”
Dani’s never been held back by her diagnosis and is now CEO of her own animation company.
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