Stereotypes for people with disabilities - any good?

[slashgirl_1984]

I'm on the autism spectrum myself, to give an example, and each time I mention it to someone, they say I can't be because I'm "not like Rainman". I have a high IQ, went to a regular school and wasn't diagnosed until 23 years old. (for those who are wondering, I was diagnosed with a mild form of PDD-NOS)

People with a speech impairment (and I know a few of those too) are often seen as stupid because of it.

Is there any point to these stereotypes at all or does anyone else feel that they really ought to be publicly dismissed and that children should be taught in school and at home that everyone's different whether they're "normal" or have some sort of disability and shouldn't be judged for it?
Spoiltrotten, my point exactly, and the reason why I've never understood this talk about people being "strange" or "not normal" - what is normal? Thanks for voicing that.
heyteach, what about people getting bullied or not getting any chances because people are misinformed and have the wrong idea about their specific disability? Is that bad enough to respond to?