Please stop assuming that autistic self-advocates have no understanding of, or proximity to, so-called “severe” autism.
In fact, many of us were (or are) ourselves labeled “severe” ; are parents of children labeled “severe” ; and/or are caregivers for people labeled “severe.”
In fact, many of us were (or are) ourselves labeled “severe” ; are parents of children labeled “severe” ; and/or are caregivers for people labeled “severe.”
Many autistic parents of autistic kids have children with high support needs and communication challenges.
I know of many all-autistic families, where each child has vastly different traits and needs.
This complexity is often erased in conversations about the ND movement.
I know of many all-autistic families, where each child has vastly different traits and needs.
This complexity is often erased in conversations about the ND movement.
Detractors of autistic self-advocates often insinuate that we are “not like their children” or that we have no understanding of “real autism.”
But those ideas are flimsy and they fall apart upon closer examination.
You just have to be willing to pay attention.
But those ideas are flimsy and they fall apart upon closer examination.
You just have to be willing to pay attention.
I have been a caregiver and aide to many autistic people with support needs higher than mine.
I know what meltdowns and self-injury and accidents look like.
I also know that most of what I’ve seen in classrooms, I’ve experienced myself.
Meltdowns and all.
I know what meltdowns and self-injury and accidents look like.
I also know that most of what I’ve seen in classrooms, I’ve experienced myself.
Meltdowns and all.
I had frequent, extreme, violent meltdowns into my mid-teenage years.
For hours I would hit, scratch, scream, throw things, and kick doors so hard that they broke in half; while lying in a puddle of my own drool, mucus, and tears.
Does that sound like “severe” autism to you?
For hours I would hit, scratch, scream, throw things, and kick doors so hard that they broke in half; while lying in a puddle of my own drool, mucus, and tears.
Does that sound like “severe” autism to you?
I’ve watched classroom aides use the same restraints on students that my parents used on me.
I’ve seen pain, and anguish, and suffering. I’ve lived it, too.
I still don’t believe that autism can or should be cured. I still believe autism is a natural part of biodiversity.
I’ve seen pain, and anguish, and suffering. I’ve lived it, too.
I still don’t believe that autism can or should be cured. I still believe autism is a natural part of biodiversity.
Leo had a speech delay and went through early intervention as a toddler.
I have severe sensory issues and meltdowns that have left me with lasting trauma.
Laurel and Abby have both been with me during meltdowns, and had to keep me from hitting, biting, and pinching myself.
I have severe sensory issues and meltdowns that have left me with lasting trauma.
Laurel and Abby have both been with me during meltdowns, and had to keep me from hitting, biting, and pinching myself.
So many autistic parents of autistic kids have similar stories of hardship that they could share, but choose not to out of respect for their children.
None of this detracts from, or contradicts, the message of the neurodiversity movement.
It actually deepens the message.
None of this detracts from, or contradicts, the message of the neurodiversity movement.
It actually deepens the message.
When we can say three things at once:
1. Autism is a disability that presents unique challenges and hardships
2. Autistic people are whole, complete, and valuable for who we are, and
3. Disability is a natural part of the human experience
...That is when change happens.
1. Autism is a disability that presents unique challenges and hardships
2. Autistic people are whole, complete, and valuable for who we are, and
3. Disability is a natural part of the human experience
...That is when change happens.
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