Autistic rights movement

The autistic rights movement is a social movement connected to the larger disability rights movement. It promotes the idea that autism is a natural variation in how people think and learn, called the neurodiversity paradigm. This means that being autistic is not something wrong that needs to be fixed, but a different way of being human with its own strengths and challenges, rather than a medical disorder that must be cured.

One important belief in this movement is “Nothing about us without us”. This means that people who are autistic should be included in all decisions that affect them. Over time, the movement has grown stronger, and more people on the autism spectrum are speaking for themselves and sharing their experiences.

The movement works to make sure autistic people are accepted for who they are. It supports people to express themselves in their own ways, including behaviors like stimming and having strong special interests. The goal is to create a world where everyone, including autistic people, can live fully and feel valued. The movement also encourages research that helps understand autism better while respecting the rights and voices of autistic individuals.

History

Jim Sinclair is known for first sharing the idea that autism should be respected as a different way of thinking. In the early 1990s, he helped start a group called the Autism Network International, which made newsletters for autistic people.

In 1996, the group began a special meeting called Autreat just for autistic people. They talked about celebrating autistic culture and feeling proud, much like other groups that support different ways of thinking.

The Internet helped many autistic people share their stories and support each other. In the 2000s, more groups formed to stand up for autistic rights. They worked to change how people see autism, focusing on accepting and supporting autistic people instead of trying to change them.

Today, autistic advocates use social media to reach more people and talk about inclusion in schools and jobs. They believe everyone, including autistic people, should be treated fairly and given the support they need to succeed.

Perspectives

The autistic rights movement sees autism as a natural way of thinking and feeling, not a problem to fix. People who support this movement believe that calling autism a "disorder" or saying there is an "epidemic" of autism is wrong. They think the rise in autism diagnoses is because doctors now understand autism better, not because it is spreading like a disease.

This movement does not want to cure autism. Instead, it wants people to accept autism as a different but valuable way of being. They say that trying to change someone to fit in is like trying to cure left-handedness. They also worry that trying to stop autism before a baby is born could reduce human diversity. Some worry that if tests could find autism early, many parents might choose not to have a child with autism.

The movement also talks about how autistic people often feel like they are living in a world that speaks a different language. They connect with each other in places like social media and special jobs. They believe that autistic people should be included when decisions are made about them, not just parents or doctors. They also speak out against treatments that try to change too much of who they are, saying these can be harmful.

Criticism of Autism Speaks

Further information: Autism Speaks § Controversies

Many people who support autistic rights have criticized an organization called Autism Speaks. They believe this group does not truly represent people who are autistic and has done some unfair things. Activists often protest against Autism Speaks and another place called the Judge Rotenberg Center. These protests happen mainly during fundraising events in the United States.

Some people, including those who are autistic themselves, have left Autism Speaks because they feel the group makes repeated mistakes and does not listen to the autistic community. There have also been legal issues, such as a mother suing Autism Speaks after losing a job because she asked for help to support her autistic child.

Autism Speaks has made several documentaries that many autistic rights supporters dislike. These films have been criticized for sharing negative views about autism and for not including the voices of autistic people. Because of these concerns, many people choose to avoid supporting Autism Speaks through boycotts and letters to companies that give them money.

Autistic rights groups

There are many groups that support the autistic rights movement. Some groups, like ASAN, are led only by autistic people. Others, such as the Autism National Committee, work together with both autistic people and their friends who are not autistic.

Terminology

Some people in the autism community prefer to say "autistic person" instead of "person with autism" because they believe autism is a natural part of who they are, not something they need to separate from.

Certain words like "suffers from autism" or "autist" are not kind and are discouraged by experts. The autism community has created its own words to describe different ideas, such as:

• Aspie – a person with Asperger's syndrome
• Autie – an autistic person
• Autistics and cousins (AC) – a term that includes aspies, auties, and others who have some autistic traits but may not have a formal diagnosis
• Curebie – someone who wants to find a cure for autism (this word is used in a negative way)
• Neurodiversity – the idea that some differences in the brain, like autism, are natural variations and not disorders
• Neurotypical (NT) – a person who does not have any neurological differences
• Allistic – a person who is not autistic

Autistic culture and community

Many people who are autistic find it easier to talk to others online rather than in person. The internet helps them share ideas and connect with others without the challenges of face-to-face communication. Some learn sign language or join chat rooms, discussion boards, and websites. Online spaces let them have conversations and do work more comfortably, helping everyone communicate better.

Notable events

Autistic Pride Day is celebrated each year on June 18. It was started by a group called Aspies For Freedom and is inspired by movements for civil rights and equality for LGBTQ+ people.

Another important day is Autistics Speaking Day, held every November 1. It began in 2010 and gives autistic people a chance to share their own stories and challenge unfair ideas about autism. This day was created as a response to a campaign that asked people to stop using online communication for one day to "simulate" having autism, which many felt misunderstood the experiences of autistic individuals.

Autism Acceptance Day started in 2011 and is celebrated every April. It focuses on honoring and supporting the autistic community, encouraging people to wear red instead of blue to show acceptance.

Each year on March 1, some people hold a Disability Day of Mourning to remember people with disabilities who have been harmed or killed by family members or caregivers. These events are organized by local groups supporting people with disabilities.

In 2015, the campaign #RedInstead was created as an alternative to another awareness campaign, making sure everyone, including those who use wheelchairs, could participate.

Scholarship

In the early 2000s, more social-science scholars began studying autism. They wanted to improve support and therapies, and they believed autism should be accepted as a natural difference rather than a problem. They also looked at how families and other groups deal with autism.

A study from University of Texas at Dallas on 20 January 2021 showed that teaching people about the strengths and challenges of autistic individuals can help reduce unfair ideas and misunderstandings. The study also found that some hidden implicit biases about autism are difficult for others to change.