Speaking for Ourselves: The Need for Autistic Voices in Discussions on Inclusion
Of course, it’s still Autism Awareness Month. As usual, the titans of the Autism Industrial Complex are rolling out their marketing posts. To that end, Psychology Today posted an article titled, Let’s Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month With Inclusion: a call for practicing kindness and embracing neurodiversity. It was so bad, I decided to re-write it for them. Here we go …
April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to deepen our understanding of neurodiversity and promote a culture that values inclusivity. As an autistic gestalt processor (aka, non-verbal), I've faced numerous challenges throughout my life, particularly in employment. Despite these struggles, or perhaps because of them, I have found my calling as a special education teacher in a high school, supporting maths classes in an Inclusion setting.
The Challenges of Being Autistic
Living as someone who is alexithymic and hyper-empathic, I often find emotional communication to be a labyrinth. Whilst I feel others’ emotions deeply, articulating my own feelings or deciphering others’ can be perplexing. The job market was particularly unforgiving due to these traits. Traditional interview processes were a barrier; my differences in communication and interaction were misunderstood as incompetence or disinterest.
Employment was not just a challenge; it was a battlefield where I constantly had to prove my worth beyond the conventional metrics. However, my journey led me to teaching—a profession where my ability to perceive the world in unique ways could be a strength rather than a stumbling block.
What Acceptance Truly Means
Acceptance is often misconstrued as mere tolerance or the passive act of recognising autism without meaningful engagement. True acceptance is an active process. It involves creating environments where autistic individuals can thrive by leveraging our unique talents. In my classroom, acceptance means adapting teaching methods to include all learning styles and ensuring that every student feels valued and understood.
Promoting Inclusion in Every Aspect of Life
Inclusion is not limited to educational or work settings; it extends to every interaction and every community space. For someone like me, who processes the world in a distinctively non-linear way, acceptance means being afforded the time and space to communicate in my own way, whether through writing or other forms of expression that do not rely solely on verbal communication.
The Impact of Inclusion on Society
Embracing neurodiversity enriches our society. By including autistic individuals in discussions about policies that affect us, and by valuing our insights in educational reforms, technological advancements, and cultural expressions, we foster a society that celebrates rather than tolerates differences.
This April, and Beyond
As we mark Autism Acceptance Month, let us move beyond symbols to actions that genuinely reflect our commitment to Inclusion. Wearing a ribbon is a supportive gesture, but understanding the underlying need for those ribbons is crucial. It's about more than awareness—it's about integrating understanding into everyday actions.
I encourage everyone to look beyond the surface when interacting with autistic individuals. Offer a moment of patience, a different way to communicate, or simply a space to be. These small acts of kindness are monumental steps towards true acceptance.
Together, Let's Redefine Normal
Every interaction is an opportunity to advocate for a world where neurodiverse individuals are not just accepted but are seen as integral to the tapestry of society. Let’s use this month to reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity—not just in April but throughout the year.
… there, fixed it.