It's Autism Awareness Month in Canada. It's such a big thing (sarcasm)
here that I forgot! There is very little, to no mention of it in the
news and on Facebook.
At this point we need more than awareness anyway. We need acceptance.
The definition of awareness is having knowledge of something.
Yes, it is important but most people are 'aware' of autism. They
know it exists, but they don't truly know what it is. The way autism
awareness campaigns are generally run, they portray autism as a
tragedy. It is a way to raise money for the organization running the
campaign, especially that big well known organization A$ (they focus on
the April awareness campaign it seems though). Awareness involves
talking about what is 'wrong' with us, our deficits, making us normal.
It is pointing out and getting rid of our differences, blending in with
the crowd. It makes it seem like it is not okay to be autistic. It
treats autism like a disease to be gotten rid of. Awareness campaigns
seem to focus on one part of the spectrum, making the public think every
autistic is like that- a child who can't speak; constantly has
meltdowns..... It makes for good fundraising, usually for research (to
'cure' or prevent us). That money can be put to much better use getting
us the supports we need to have the best life each autistic is capable
of living. Awareness that autism exists is just a starting point that we are long past.
What we really need is acceptance. The definition of acceptance, in this instance, is favourable reception; approval; favour.
Acceptance is saying, it's okay to be autistic. It's okay to be you.
It's not trying to separate autism out of the person. That is impossible
anyway. Autism is part of our brain's wiring, it affects every part of us-
our communication style, socialization style, sensory system,
everything. Taking away our autism is taking away a big part of us. We
would be completely different people. Could you imagine changing your
child or friend into someone you no longer know?
Acceptance is knowing that autism is a disability in some areas and an
advantage in other areas while supporting us in both if we need it. It
is saying, 'it's okay to be autistic'. It is saying, 'how can we help
you, what areas do you need support with?'. Including us in everything
to do with us.
Acceptance is autistics not feeling we have to be embarrassed by or have
to try to stifle our stims and interests (some are very original!). It
is allistic (not autistic) people knowing and understanding that
stimming may be one of our forms of emotional expression. Some
autistics flap, jump, squeal, or all three when they are happy. An
allistic person on the other hand, may smile and some may even cry when
they are really happy (which to me makes no sense, but there is nothing
wrong with crying when happy. It is just the make up of some people!).
I flap when I am really anxious or frustrated. Sometimes, I will flap,
jump and squeal if especially frustrated. For me, I don't flap when
happy. I don't experience happy anyway- I just am (I also have alexithymia).
Acceptance would mean me not having to be afraid to use AAC
(augmentative and alternative communication) in talking to someone or a
group. It's people not thinking I'm faking or trying to pull something
by using AAC, because I can talk most of the time. It would mean that
if I were to sing on stage at a recital that I
could rock side to side while I do it or have a fidget and nobody would
think that I'm "weird" or that it isn't proper- the way a performance should be. It helps me and if it helps me and does no harm to anyone, should it really matter?
Acceptance is the world knowing that autistics have valuable
contributions to make to society the same as any other human. It is
letting us speak for ourselves, however that needs to happen- verbally,
signed, typed etc.
Accepting us means giving us the same rights and respect that you would
to a non-autistic person. It is knowing and seeing that we are
different but just as capable. We are all individuals after all.
We are not projects for someone to work on, we can be friends, and an
autistic friend can be a truly loyal friend.
Acceptance is observing an autistic person shopping while wearing ear
plugs/muffs and sun glasses but thinking nothing of it. Just seeing a
fellow shopper.
Acceptance doesn't mean we don't have really rough days or need support for various issues. It means meeting us where we are and
supporting us through it. Just being there for us even if it is just in
the background to assist us if needed or just helping us wait it out
and then not seeing us any differently when the bad time is over. We
have bad times like everyone else but ours may be a little messier!
Acceptance is loving us no matter what for our whole person, just as you
would love your non-autistic loved one.
I don't generally feel accepted in most places I go. I try to hide most
of my true self. I want to feel that I can openly stim and not just in
socially appropriate ways (chewing my pen, twirling my hair). I
want to be able to flap when I am upset in public or anywhere that I
am. I want to be me and not have to hide. Very gradually that is
happening but I'm not sure that I will ever be able to openly act the
way I do when I am alone. I have had to hide for so long that I don't
do most of my stims, except for some verbal ones, in front of my immediate
family even.
It is time for Autism Acceptance to be what everyone is striving for!
We could do so much more with support than with people constantly trying
to change our neurology.
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| Photo says, Nothing About Us Without Us |
