The Unknown Demographic

You’ve probably been there—standing in line, at a family gathering, or in a meeting when someone behaves in a way that doesn’t quite fit the script. Maybe they don’t make eye contact, or their reactions seem unexpected. It’s awkward, not because you mean any harm, but because you don’t know how to respond. That discomfort, that quiet uncertainty, is why so many people with developmental disabilities—especially those with autism—end up with an invisible berth around them. We give them space, sometimes too much, not out of cruelty but because we’re afraid of getting it wrong.

The truth is, developmental disabilities aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some people will live independently, hold jobs, and blend seamlessly into daily life. Others will need round-the-clock care forever. But what unites them is that they’re people—not puzzles to solve, not inspirations to applaud, just individuals navigating the world. The first step to bridging that gap isn’t grand gestures or perfect understanding. It’s just showing up, asking questions when appropriate, and being okay with a little awkwardness. Because the alternative—keeping them at arm’s length—only makes the unknown stay unknown.