Thread by @thinkingautism

Sometimes, it can be really hard to tell the difference between good autism organizations and not-good autism organizations. We totally get this! And that’s why we put together handy guidelines on identifying useful #autism orgs. This is going to be a thread. 1/

#Neurodiversity

We believe #autistic people of all ages & abilities deserve to be treated with respect, have their civil rights & humanity recognized, & have access to the resources & accommodations they need. We will not support autism organizations that do not abide by these basic precepts. 2/

We acknowledge that it can be difficult to identify #autism orgs that legitimately work towards the best interest of autistic people & their families, as questionable autism orgs tend to employ vocabulary of acceptance & support—even when actively undermining those principles. 3/

How can you know which #autism organizations to support and trust? Those we endorse follow the following five guidelines… 4/

1) SUPPORTS, NOT CURES. Autism is a naturally occurring human neurological variation & not a disease process to be cured. Autistic neurology, sensory traits, processing, communication, and other autism-specific traits should be accommodated, not stigmatized. 5/

1) continued: Qualify of life for autistic people of all ages and abilities should be a primary focus. Medical or health issues that may accompany autism should be addressed as co-occurring conditions, not as integral to #autism. 6/

2) AUTISTIC-INFORMED SUPPORTS AND THERAPIES. Services for autistic individuals must improve their quality of life. When there is conflict between non-autistic autism professionals and the autistic community as to an approach or therapy… 7/

2) continued: …the organization takes autistic concerns seriously, and looks to participatory and otherwise autistic-informed research, and self-advocate leadership, for direction. 8/

3) INCLUSIVENESS. Autistic people must have significant, meaningful, & primary roles in all aspects of the org, especially at board/executive levels, with regards to planning & decision-making. Autistic employees/contractors are compensated equally to those doing similar work. 9/

4) ACCEPTANCE. The org’s entire financial cycle, from advertising & fundraising through grants and programs, must be driven by values of inclusion & acceptance of autistic people of all ages/abilities. It is not acceptable to use fear or negative imagery to promote awareness. 10/

5) AUTISTIC CIVIL RIGHTS ADVOCACY: Clear positions on issues that affect the well being of autistic individuals, e.g., physical/chemical restraints; full inclusion in education, work, & housing; & funding to address the immediate needs of autistic people in their communities. 11/

For the full text of this thread on Useful Autism Organizations, as well as examples of autism orgs we recommend (plus a handful that we really, truly, OMG, all the triggers, do NOT recommend), see:

thinkingautismguide.com/p/position.html

Thanks for reading/sharing.

#Neurodiversity
12/12