Beyond Autism Awareness and Acceptance
Resource created by Mrs. Speechie P
April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month. I encourage us all to reframe our understanding of Autism by learning from Autistic people and go beyond awareness and acceptance to action as an ally supporting Autistic people as they define it.
Language: many people in the Autistic community prefer identity first language (IFL) such as "autistic" rather than person-first langauge (PFL) such as "person with autism." Autism is part of their identity, not something that happened to them. Every autistic person is different, so please respect the identifiers each person chooses for themselves. Learn more about identity and language here.
Symbols: many people in the Autistic community prefer the infinity symbol (gold for Autism or rainbow for all neurotypes) rather than puzzle pieces. Autistic people are not puzzles to be solved, and the puzzle piece symbol is used for an organization that does not represent the Autistic community. Learn more about symbols here.
Dr. Jac den Houting's TEDx talk "Why everything you know about Autism is wrong" reframes Autism as a different neurotype, not a disorder, and contextualizes Autism within a social model of disability rather than a medical one. Her lived experience and professional expertise are changing the face and the future of Autism. Watch the talk here.
Reframing Autism course
Learn about Autism from Autistics with this free online self-paced course from Reframing Autism. This free, self-paced Autism essentials course explores Autistic culture, communication, sensory experiences, executive functioning, and more. The insights shared are neurodiversity affirmed and informed by Autistic lived experience.
Resources about Autism by Autistic people:
Thinking Person's Guide to Autism
Find neurodiversity affirming books and podcasts on the Learn Play Grow resources page and in the Learn Play Grow newsletter..
Rebecca A. Weiner, M.Ed. Is a dynamic educator who is passionate about helping young children with diverse abilities, their families, and their teachers connect, communicate, and learn with confidence. She specializes in play-based enrichment, parent coaching, developmental and inclusion support, and consulting in schools.