Jerry Seinfeld recently told NBC Nightly News that he may be on the autism spectrum, and shocked millions when he revealed that he has difficulties with “basic social engagement.” While the former Seinfeld star doesn’t think he should be considered a poster boy for the disorder, some autism advocates are praising the comedian for raising awareness of the autism community’s diversity and hope his revelation may change public opinion of autism.

“I think, on a very drawn-out scale, I think I’m on the spectrum. Basic social engagement is really a struggle. I’m very literal, when people talk to me and they use expressions, sometimes I don’t know what they’re saying,” Seinfeld told NBC Nightly News’ Brian Williams. “But I don’t see it as dysfunctional, I just think of it as an alternate mindset.”

Ari Ne’eman, president of the Autistic Advocacy Network, told NBC News that living with autism has shown him that the stigma surrounding the disorder hinders the opportunities available to those with autism. Ne’eman hopes that by revealing that he may be on the autism spectrum, Seinfeld will have shown people that the autism community is large and extremely diverse.

“Think about what this does for a closeted autistic person who goes into the workplace knowing that their co-workers have just seen somebody they know, respect, and have a positive opinion of, like Jerry Seinfeld, identify in this way — it’s a valuable and important step in building a greater tolerance for autism.”

“There are many people on the autism spectrum who can relate to Jerry’s heartfelt comments about his own experiences,” added Liz Feld, president of Autism Speaks.

However, not everyone is supporting Seinfeld for the comments he made on NBC Nightly News; Wendy Fournier, founding member and president of the National Autism Association, believes Seinfeld’s remarks downplayed the serious effects that autism can have on a severely impacted individual and their loved ones.