Thread by @AspirationAutie

How can we combat anti #autism stigma: a thread

Anti-autistic ableism is unfortunately well ingrained. So how can we better support autistic people and end stigma?

1️⃣ Prioritize #autistic people in #autism advocacy. Autistic people are experts in their own lives and the oppression we face.

2️⃣ Use the term "autistic" rather than person with #autism. The community overwhelmingly prefer #autistic as it is an adjective that implies our experience is inherently connected with our autism. "Person with autism" separates the intersections of our identity.

3️⃣ Stop sharing meltdown and "tantrum" videos! Imagine that you were in intense emotional distress and someone like a family member posted it on social media complaining about it, and thousands of people shared it. #Autistic people deserve autonomy!

4️⃣ Hire #autistic people! Whether it be in the regular workforce, for conferences around mental health and autism itself, etc. Ensure you pay autistic people for their expertise and labour. Roughly 90% of autistic adults are unemployed or underemployed, leaving us vulnerable.

5️⃣ Related to 4, advocate for better access to education for #autistic people. Only 1 in 3 autistics go to post-secondary education, and only 20-39% of those who go to university manage to graduate due to lack of support and accommodation we need to thrive.

6️⃣ Respect self-realized and self diagnosed #autistic, while also advocating for better #autism diagnosis practices. Access to diagnosis is extremely difficult if someone is not a white cisgender heterosexual male.

7️⃣ Research #autistic community, culture, and history. We're not all the same; but we have our own communities and ways of communicating.

8️⃣ Shut down anti-autistic ableism in your every day life. "Autism won today" is a microagression implying autism is the root of bad behaviour. Call out use of the word r*tard or #autistic as an insult. Report offensive dank #autism memes.

9️⃣Share this post and comment your own suggestions! How are you fighting #autism and anti-#autistic stigma?