Perhaps I may venture my personal opinions on what #ActuallyAutistic self advocacy & the #Neurodiversity movement is about in a thread?
Hopefully parents and carers will be able to see there is not a conflict of interest between the two. I am an #autistic #autismparent too.
Hopefully parents and carers will be able to see there is not a conflict of interest between the two. I am an #autistic #autismparent too.
Firstly the neurodiversity and autistic advocacy movements are part of the #DisabilityRights movement that uphold basic human rights for all disabled people. It also refers to the rights outlined in the UNRPD as well as national/ European legislation un.org/development/de…
We still need to advocate for better law, enforcement of the laws we have and better funding for the resources that disabled people need to have adequate and equal access within society.
For instance autistic people need protection and accommodation at work so we're not discriminated against, have reasonable adjustments, a fair chance in recruitment and promotion and failing that adequate benefits if we are unable to work due to either autism or others conditions
We should be able to make our own choices if we are able including having a voice where decisions about us are made in service providers and autism organisations #NothingAboutUsWithouUs as the slogan goes.
This includes adhering to preferences and least restrictive option as per The Mental Capacity Act (UK) & the Person Centred Approach outlined in care standards. If others (parents) need to advocate for an autistic person it doesn't bestow the right to speak over other autistics
Austic people are stakeholders in research too. It is unlikely A cure will be found for such a diverse, possibly genetic condition. However basic research into prevelancy and improving quality of life is a must. Anything near eugenics is highly contentious.
We all want better understanding of autism (#AutismAwareness ) but we need to move beyond that to #AutismAcceptance of people and accommodation of autistic needs in society. This is partly reflected in the social model of disability but perhaps we need a holistic model now?
Autistic advocacy is against misinformation (vaccines don't cause autism) and the stigmatisation that involves. It is against fake cures that rip people off, divert resources or can cause harm to people (e.g. chelation or MMS- bleach treatments) and simply don't work.
We also want better access to diagnosis. Many can't obtain this because of cost & availability. The're also problems with clinical over shadowing both blaming autism for other conditions and labeling different conditions as autism thus denying the right treatments or support.
Some of that is about respectful language (we prefer autistic people as it something we are and don't 'have' and prefer not to be reminded we are human all the time), "Autistic" shouldn't be used as an insult. We are not the R word.
We also need to recognise that there are autistic people of all genders, races, religions, cultures and other disability and these intersections can compound each other causing additional challenges. Autistics grow up and get old too.
And finally for now #autism isn't simply a collection of deficits but most of us have gifts, abilities and qualities if you pay attention. We need to avoid stigmatising language and stereotypes that limits the opportunities of autistic people. It is about loving autistic people.
@threadreaderapp unroll please
