This week has been autism acceptance week.
Note I say acceptance and not awareness. It may be the autistic brain way of looking at things but most of us prefer this wording.
At the top of my road there's a sign on a garden gate saying "caution disabled child playing here. Autism awareness". This is why we don't like this wording! It makes it sound like we are something to be wary of. Everytime I see that sign I wonder if that child is accepted by their parents or not.
By 2024 we all know autistic people are around. We all know some people are different. It's not a case of 'being aware we exist'. It's a case of accepting us.
Autism acceptance to me means truly allowing me and other autistic people to be are authentic selves.
Awareness is I know you might have a meltdown because the lights are too bright and it's too noisy, but not doing anything to help this. Acceptance is offering to turn the lights and music down.
Awareness is I know you don't like eye contact, but I'm still going to call you rude for not doing it. Acceptance is allowing me to stim and look out the window while talking to you and knowing that is just me and is the way I am much more comfortable to have a conversation.
Awareness is knowing autistic people might need more time but still getting frustrated at waiting. Acceptance is being patient and calm while we take the time we need.
Awareness is knowing we might have special interests or regress but still laughing at the grown adult cuddling a soft toy in public. Acceptance is not even batting a eyelid at this, because what does it bother you.
Awareness is listening when I say I can have situational mutism but shouting at me when it happens and demanding I talk and must be doing it on purpose. Acceptance is offering other ways to communicate and understanding I need to be silent because I am overwhelmed.
Awareness is yes I know you're autistic but I'm not going to change anything to make this horrible world slightly more bearable for you. Acceptance is just that. Accepting us and wanting to make a difference for us.
Awareness is thinking because you know I am autistic that means you should treat me like I am stupid or a child. Acceptance is knowing I am an autistic adult with complex needs but also many strengths.
It's not enough to be aware. Accept us. We are human too just with a different way of thinking.
💜💜💜💜
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