We've got another great blog written by the talented writer Callum, also known as Autistic Callum on Instagram with the brand new insta tag, @autistic_callum_ (which we love!). Callum wrote this as part of autism acceptance month, discussing things he'd like society to become "aware" of about autism. Whilst autism acceptance month has just ended, we believe this message is important to share and will help in the fight against stigma surrounding autism! We hope you enjoy this read as much as we do!
Autism Awareness Month is a difficult time for many autistic people, chiefly because it sees an influx of performative activism from people who know little about autism, yet seek to control the narrative and speak for autistic people.
Misinformation is spread in abundance and it can be very disheartening. The way I see it, society doesn’t need to become aware that autism exists, but it does need to become aware of what autism is, the realities of being autistic in a neurotypical society, and how diverse the autistic community is. And who better to teach them than autistic people?
I’m just one person with one perspective, but I wanted to do my bit and create a post dispelling what I perceive as some myths about autism. I’ve tried to reflect common community sentiments, but it’s hard to be objective about something so personal, so please do share your thoughts below for everyone to see and learn from.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of things *I* would like society to know about autism.
Things Society Should Know
- Autism is not a disease and does not need a cure.
- Autistic people are valid and equal.
- Neither autism nor autistic needs can or should be changed through ABA or anything else. We deserve to be accepted as we are.
- Auti$m Spe@ks is not a friend of the autistic community; it has a long history of working against the autsitic people and promoting autism as a tragedy.
- Autistic people know more about autism than any allistic person; firsthand lived experience trumps the knowledge of any bystander when it comes to autsitic experience.
- Functioning labels are an inadequate way of protecting autistic needs; we are individuals, not catagories.
- We have different needs and behaviours, and they deserve respect.
- A lot of autistic people can do things that you think we can't (like empathise, feel and express emotion, and register context); we simply do them differently and in a way that you may not recognise.
- Autistic people may have different priorities, which is valid and inevitable reflection of our different. There's nothing wrong with this.
- The puzzle piece had got to go; we are not a puzzle to be sozlved.
- Self-diagnosis is valid; a formal diagnosis isn't particularly scientific and is inaccessible to many autistic people because of price, waiting times and many issues with the DSM-5 and medical community (gender bias, racism, lack of cultural considerations, misconceptions, etc).
- Autism is not a tragedy, but abelism and ignorance are.
- Autsitic people have voices and you should listen to them, even if they express differently than you would like or expect.
- Each autistic person is unique. If you've met one autistic person, you've met one autistic person.
(To read the rest of the list, check out Callums original post here!)
What would you like society to become aware of about autism? Let us know below!
Thank you Callum for sharing this with us, it is greatly appreciated! If you loved this blog, be sure to follow Callum on:
Instagram: @autistic_callum_
Twitter: @AutisticCallum_
We hope everyone who reads this has enjoyed it and learnt something new. Be sure to share with others in your life so they can learn more about autism.