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What I Hope Will Change Before the Next Autism Acceptance Month

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Autism Acceptance Month has been and gone. While autism acceptance is being widely discussed in the community, which is wonderful, there are still things that need to be talked about.

One of those topics is the acceptance of actually Autistic opinions — opinions from Autistic people. I’ve found that when Autistic people voice their views on topics such as the puzzle piece being harmful to the Autistic community or the phasing out of functioning labels such as “high-functioning,” our opinions are shut down or challenged.

I’m not 100% sure why this happens, but what I really don’t understand is: why wouldn’t people want to hear opinions from actually Autistic people? Why don’t people want to understand the experiences of Autistic people? Wouldn’t they want to hear what Autistic people have to say on topics that affect them?

I honestly wish that Autistic people’s opinions could be fully accepted, heard and even put into practice. Imagine if Autistic people had more power to make changes? Next April (Autism Acceptance Month) I wish to read/hear more stories and opinions from actually Autistic people that aren’t immediately shut down or challenged.

Getty image by Leolin Tang.

Originally published: May 3, 2021
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