On Internalised Ableism: The dangerous aftermath of persevering | Jax Hung | TEDxRCHK Youth
Jax Hung, diagnosed with autism at age four, discusses how internalized ableism develops when disabled individuals adopt societal beliefs that they are incompetent or need to compensate for their disabilities. The speaker argues this mindset, reinforced by medical and parental expectations focusing on deficits rather than abilities, leads to burnout and self-hatred disguised as motivation to appear 'normal.'
Summary
In this TEDx talk, Jax Hung shares their personal experience as someone diagnosed with autism at age four to explore the concept of internalized ableism. The speaker explains how it took 16 years for them to healthily communicate their disability to others, highlighting how society's lack of normalized disability discourse creates shame around expressing needs. Jax describes internalized ableism as occurring when disabled people adopt beliefs that they are incompetent or must compensate for their disabilities, citing a study of 21 disabled participants who framed disability as a burden to overcome. The research revealed that parental and medical expectations drive this internalization, with doctors focusing on dysfunctional aspects rather than potential abilities. As someone with an invisible disability, Jax explains how their social struggles are incomprehensible to others who don't see their dependence on adult guidance until age 14 or the physical toll of navigating social nuances. The speaker challenges the supposedly affirming notion of being told 'you're normal,' arguing it merely confirms success at hiding difference rather than providing genuine acceptance. Jax warns that constantly trying to appear normal treats neurodivergent traits as prey in a 'duck hunt' where being caught in vulnerability feels like failure. The talk concludes with practical advice for change, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging limits and taking rest, supported by 2021 research showing burnout's lifelong effects including greater fatigue and reduced planning abilities. The speaker advocates for internal self-reflection to understand deeply rooted ableist values, acknowledging this process is difficult but yields benefits like greater clarity in social situations.
Key Insights
- Jax took 16 years to healthily communicate their disability to someone and be understood, highlighting how society hasn't normalized conversations about disability despite decades of disability language existing
- A study of 21 disabled participants revealed that parental and medical expectations drive internalized ableism, with doctors focusing on dysfunctional aspects rather than what children can accomplish despite their labels
- Being told 'you're normal' doesn't feel affirming but instead indicates success at surviving and not being different, rather than genuine acceptance
- 2021 research by psychotherapist Vanam showed that burnout can have lifelong effects including greater fatigue and lesser ability to complete and plan tasks, even after supposed recovery
- Neurودivergent and disabled people are more susceptible to burnout because they have to accommodate the world around them daily
Topics
Transcript
[0:08] Hi, I'm Jax. I was diagnosed at the age of four with autism, a neurodedevelopmental condition that has greatly affected my perspective on life in a way that perhaps is invincible to most. In this talk, I I will be discussing internalized abbleism set to neurotypical standards and abled standards and why it's ever more imperative for us to dismantle these [0:38] beliefs. The reason I come onto the stage to speak to you about this topic is because within my life I have observed a silent narrative wherein me and other disabled peers are unable to keep working in a conventional society but could not find a social opportunity to highlight this issue effectively. For instance, I'm less…
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