Autism Acceptance

Welcome back to the Audacious Aspie! Today, we will take a short break on the topic of telling ADHD and Autism apart and focus instead on a much larger topic, one I’m sure we are all familiar with: Autism Acceptance. More specifically, why the day we normally recognize as Autism Awareness should instead be celebrated as Autism Acceptance. I will go into what both of them mean and why we should replace the day as a whole.

 

Like the Beatles have said before, all you need is love. And food, and water, shelter, health care, law-enforcement organizations, and a government. But also love.

 

What is Autism Awareness? Some of you may know, but for those who do not, here is the message of the day in its entirety: are you aware that some people are autistic? This might be a silly question, as you are consciously reading a paper about those on the spectrum. But for argument's sake, we’ll say yes. You, my friend, have just celebrated Autism Awareness. Congratulations. Now, you could be aware that we have struggles that we face on a daily basis, like lack of employment or socializing, or you might hold a personal opinion about us, that we are naturally lazy or good people or the like. Concerning Autism Awareness day, however, none of that matters.

 

Autism Acceptance day, on the other hand, is more than just being aware of our existence. This day would be about not only being aware of autistic people, but accepting us as will. Accepting of the fact that we have issues facing us as a community. Accepting of the fact that we have quirks and ticks, both as a community and as individuals. Accepting of the fact that we are not just autistic, but that we have other faucets to us as will. That we are, like everyone else, human beings with our own likes, dislikes, styles and beliefs. That we are human, like everyone else.

 

And like almost all humans, we love to dress up in mind-blowingly awesome costumes. Thumbs-up to this guy.

How would you celebrate Autism Acceptance? Simple really, you treat them like anyone else: with respect, kindness, and basic human decency. If you have a friend and/or family member who’s autistic, don’t focus on the fact that they are autistic. Instead, talk to them like you would any other friend or family, make jokes, participate in mutually enjoyed activities, and care for each other. Why should they being autistic change any of that?

 

If you see a stranger, or an acquaintance, who is autistic, and you want to talk to them, do this: go up, say hi and ask how there doing. You know, the common social pleasantries. Do  unto them what you would normally do unto all other strangers or acquaintances: be kind. Also be respectful of the fact that they may not want to talk, which is okay. And one more important fact, on how to celebrate Autism Acceptance: know, and treat them as, fully fledged human beings with their own likes, dislikes and meh-likes (meh-likes are neither likes nor dislikes).

 

If they are adults, do not treat them like children. If they are children, treat them like you would any other kid: compassion and understanding. We are, like everyone else, human beings. And we deserve to be treated as such. Follow these simple rules, and you will have successfully celebrated Autism Acceptance day. And if you can do that, than I have a challenge for you: treat everyday as if it where Autism Acceptance day, and encourage others to do the same. If we all do that, than there will be no need for an Autism Acceptance day, or any day like it.

 

Will, that sums it up for this week. Next week we will finish looking at last weeks topic, and move on from there. So don't forget to celebrate Autism Acceptance month this April (and, if your in Canada, the please-god-let-the-warmth-stay-please-god month as will. Both are on April), and where red if you got any for support of Autism Acceptance (if don’t have anything red to where, you can buy red clothing or go all artsy-fartsy and make your own red shirt. Just don’t wash plain white clothing with red clothing, cause what comes out will, while still a powerful colour, will not be red).

 

Be like this rose: big, beautiful, brave and most important of all, red top with a green bottom. I mean red, just, just red.

I will leave you with an article about Autism Acceptance, talking about the many faucets on Autism Acceptance, what it means and how you can raise awarenss: https://www.wikihow.com/Support-an-Autistic-Person-During-Autism-Awareness-Month. Until next time, this continues to be, the Audacious Aspie.