Thread by @Neuro_Different

This is a recent tweet from an "Autism Mom". I agree with her - I DON'T speak "for" non-speaking Autistic people. But neither does she.

Why? Because through #AAC, they can speak for themselves.

Here's a thread of quotes EXCLUSIVELY from non-speaking Autistic people. Heed them.

"I am the autistic you insist on calling 'severe', 'trapped', 'a burden'. ... You love talking about me but you don’t want me to be part of the conversation. ... I am the autistic supposedly too 'low-functioning' to deserve to be heard." - Amy Sequenzia

"I can never understand how someone can profess how important it is that my voice is heard while also doing everything in their power to silence it." - Cole Sorensen

"Lots of the frustration in my life comes from being misrepresented by those supporting me. The life-changing act of controlling my own life story is not something I take for granted." - Nick Barry

"To anyone who wishes to represent non-speaking people, I ask that you communicate with us directly. Misrepresentation of non-speaking people leaves us more vulnerable to abuse." - Damon Kirsebom

"How interesting it is that people want to hear our thoughts and feelings until we type, point, select, or spell the word 'no'. I'm interesting, 'inspiring', and encouraging - up until I disagree. Why is that?" - Courtney Johnson

"Most of all, being able to communicate meant I had a brain with independent thoughts and desires that no one but me owned. It was wonderful to finally be acknowledged as Niko and not as my mom’s son with autism or as that client someone saw twice per week." - Niko Boskovic

"The current norm of representing nonspeaking Autistics as 'nonthinking' must end. We deserve the right to speak for ourselves and represent ourselves in the media - and everyday life." - Ben Breaux

" 'My child does not have a voice, so I can and must speak for them' – to which I say: everyone has a voice and your job is to help your child use theirs." - Amy Sequenzia

"Let me tell you, as a disabled person, one thing that some of us go through: we experience frustration, we are left with a feeling of dehumanization and disrespect when someone claims to be our voices." - Amy Sequenzia

"Having the ability to share what was on my mind was life-changing. It was the difference between having things done to me versus my having a say in how I chose to live my life." - Niko Boskovic

"The assumption was that I had no understanding and professionals saw my behavior as being unintelligent. They focused on my behavior and made the assumption that I would not be able to express myself with any form of language." - Jordyn Zimmerman

"Non-speakers who have access to communication are the best resource when it comes to learning about non-speakers." - Damon Kirsebom

"They see your intelligence but get brainwashed into believing the professionals. They hear so often that you are low functioning that they doubt themselves. ... The worst part is hearing yourself described in this way. It breaks your heart in so many ways." - Akha Khumalo

"To have a way to communicate has changed my story completely. Having reliable communication methods are crucial for all autistic people to be heard. Real acceptance can only happen when real communication happens." - Stephanie Pringle

"Now that I can communicate with others through my letterboard, I see there are so many missed opportunities for giving the perspective of people like me, and I hope more of you make room for more of us in decisions that affect our lives." - Niko Boskovic

That tweet by Rachel Galarneau is a prime example of the linear spectrum myth being weaponised to shut down Autistic self-advocacy in favour of a martyr and saviour narrative.

If you're perceived as "high functioning", you're deemed "not Autistic enough" to be allowed to have a say, because your experience of autism isn't considered "valid"...

If you're perceived as "low functioning", you're deemed "too Autistic" to be able to self-advocate and be taken seriously. I think the first quote from Amy Sequenzia illustrates that perfectly.

If you're labelled "high-functioning", your struggles, challenges, & support needs are constantly invalidated - usually leading to eventual burnout & a resultant loss of coping capacity, requiring MORE support than before to get by.

If you're labelled "low-functioning", your strengths, talents, & autonomy are perpetually disregarded, with little opportunities provided for self-advocacy. You're infantilised, dehumanised, & your thoughts are seldom considered important enough to allow a sufficient outlet for.

Listen to Autistic voices. We can speak for ourselves. #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs

Here's a short film by @Communica1st with messages from non-speaking Autistic people on how to appropriately represent non-speakers:
communicationfirst.org/LISTEN/