Thread by @PivotDiversity

If an autistic teenager can lead 1.6 Million people (in 125 countries) in global protest today, why can’t #ActuallyAutistic people lead the autism organizations which operate in our name?

cnn.com/2019/05/24/wor…

This may be a shift in thinking for some. However, the social movements of many marginalized groups are often started by allies on their behalf. As they grow, the responsibility for leading the movement shifts to the group at the center of the discussion.

The deeper question is this: “What are the barriers preventing autisic people from leading the organizations which operate in our name?”.

Where can we be accommodated?
Where can we be empowered?
Where can we be heard?
Where can we be centered?

If one asks “Well, where are the autisic people who can lead?” the answer is “we’re here”.

As a community, we can help you find the individuals who are capable of being leaders if accommodated and empowered. @GretaThunberg is just one leader. There are millions more.

On the organization side, intent here is what’s most important. Work with the #ActuallyAutistic community to find & develop leaders. That may take some time. That’s ok. The act of consciously centering us (even if it takes time) dramatically improves the outcomes for us you seek.

For autistic people, appreciate and thank our allies. Many wonderful people may not even be aware of why we should lead our own organizations (why it has a HUGE impact on the outcomes for us and our parents). Many more may know and are looking for ways to partner.

Thank you to all of our allies. Your work is appreciated. We forward to continuing to work with you to build a better world for autistic people and our families for years to come.