Autistic people are not neurotypicals "with" autism!
Looking back at Autism Awareness Month by re-stating the obvious.
Act I - Scene I
Narrator: In a world where neurodiversity is often misunderstood and stigmatised, a brave and passionate advocate takes the stage. Armed with the power of their own lived experience and a deep commitment to justice, they stand before a crowd, ready to challenge the misconceptions that have long plagued the autistic community.
As the advocate looks out at the sea of faces before them, they know that this moment is not just about personal self-expression, but about igniting a movement. They understand that every word they speak has the potential to shape hearts and minds, to shatter the barriers of ignorance, and to pave the way for a more inclusive and accepting society.
The crowd, a mix of neurotypicals and neurodiverse individuals, waits with bated breath. Some are eager to learn, others are skeptical, and a few voice their misguided opinions. But the advocate remains undaunted, for they know that this is their opportunity to educate, to enlighten, and to inspire change.
With a deep breath and a fierce determination, the advocate begins to speak. Their words are not just a personal proclamation, but a rallying cry for all those who have been marginalised, misunderstood, and mistreated. They speak of the beauty and complexity of the autistic experience, of the urgent need for acceptance and inclusion, and of the power of embracing neurodiversity in all its forms.
-curtain opens-
Me: Hear ye, hear ye! Let it be known far and wide, across every rooftop and in every heart:
Autistic people are not neurotypicals “with” autism!
We stand together, united in our conviction that autism is not a mere accessory, not a burden to bear, but an integral part of our very being. It is woven into the fabric of our souls, shaping the way we perceive, interact with, and contribute to this world.
We reject the notion that we are broken or in need of fixing. We embrace the beauty of neurodiversity, recognising that our unique brain wiring is a natural variation of the human experience. Just as the colors of the rainbow paint the sky in glorious hues, so too do our diverse minds enrich the tapestry of humanity.
Let us cast aside the stigma and misconceptions that have for too long clouded society’s understanding of autism. We are not a puzzle to be solved or a problem to be cured. We are individuals with our own strengths, challenges, and perspectives, deserving of acceptance, respect, and empowerment.
So let us proclaim proudly: We are autistic! Our identity is not a separate entity, not a label to be worn, but an intrinsic part of who we are. Embrace us, celebrate us, and join us in creating a world where neurodiversity is valued and cherished.
Together, let us shatter the barriers of ignorance and build bridges of understanding. Let us create a society where every individual, regardless of their neurological makeup, is welcomed with open arms and given the opportunity to thrive.
This is our call to action, our rallying cry. Let us unite in our commitment to acceptance, inclusion, and the celebration of our beautiful autistic selves. For we are not neurotypicals “with” autism, but proud autistic individuals, ready to make our mark on the world!
Crowd member 1: “But aren't autistic people just like everyone else, but with some extra challenges?”
Me: “No, my friend, autistic people are not merely neurotypicals facing additional obstacles. Autism is an intrinsic part of our way of proceeding, shaping our unique perspectives and ways of being. It is not something separate from us, but rather a fundamental aspect of who we are. To suggest otherwise is to diminish the richness and complexity of our experiences.”
Crowd member 2: “Wouldn't it be better if we could find a cure for autism and help autistic people lead normal lives?”
Me (powerful retort): “I understand your intentions may be good, but the notion of a ‘cure’ for autism is misguided and harmful. Autism is not a disease to be eradicated, but a natural variation in human neurology. Seeking to ‘cure’ us implies that there is something inherently wrong with being autistic. Instead, we should focus on creating a society that embraces and supports neurodiversity, where autistic individuals can thrive as their authentic selves. Our goal should be acceptance, understanding, and empowerment, not the erasure of our identity."
Crowd member 3: “But don't autistic people need to learn to fit in and adapt to societal norms?”
Me (brilliant response): “The idea that autistic people must conform to neurotypical standards is a deeply flawed and oppressive notion. It is society that must learn to embrace and accommodate neurodiversity, not the other way around. Forcing autistic individuals to mask or suppress their natural ways of being is not only exhausting but also detrimental to our well-being. We have the right to be ourselves, to communicate and interact in ways that are authentic to us. It is time for society to expand its understanding and create inclusive spaces that celebrate our differences, rather than demanding that we contort ourselves to fit a narrow mold.”
Narrator: As the advocate's words echo through the gathering, it becomes clear that this powerful exchange encapsulates the essence of the discussions and debates that have unfolded on social media throughout the past month – Autism Awareness Month.
Across various platforms, autistic individuals, their allies, and those seeking to understand have engaged in a passionate discourse about the very nature of autism and its place in society. The virtual stage has been set for a transformative dialogue, one that challenges long-held assumptions and advocates for a paradigm shift in how we perceive and embrace neurodiversity.
The fictional crowd’s questions and comments mirror the real-life concerns, misconceptions, and genuine curiosity that have emerged in countless online conversations. Social media has become a microcosm of society’s struggle to grasp the complexities of the autistic experience, with voices from all walks of life contributing to the tapestry of this critical discussion.
Just as the advocate in this imagined scenario addresses each comment with clarity, compassion, and unwavering conviction, so too have the real-life advocates and autistic individuals taken to social media to share their stories, to educate, and to challenge the status quo. They have tirelessly fought against the notion that autism is a burden to be cured, instead championing the idea that it is an integral part of one’s identity and a valuable form of human diversity.
Through their online presence, these advocates have fostered a sense of community, empowerment, and solidarity among autistic individuals and their supporters. They have created spaces for authentic self-expression, for the celebration of neurodiversity, and for the amplification of voices that have long been marginalized.
As Autism Awareness Month draws to a close, the fictional advocate’s words serve as a powerful reminder of the progress made and the work still to be done. The conversations that have unfolded on social media have laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and accepting future, one in which the true nature of autism is understood, embraced, and celebrated. And while the road ahead may be long, the passion and determination displayed by the autistic community and their allies throughout this month have shown that change is not only possible but inevitable.
-curtain closes-
End.