It’s been nearly two years since I wrote the post below, dear reader, but as more and more adults are discovering that they’re autistic, I feel the need to spread the word about this important topic yet again. Autism Speaks is an organization that I believe has harmed a great number of people with its policies and beliefs, and now that RFK Jr is in office, he is targeting autistics with his false beliefs, as well. He has used his public platform to state that we are a drain on society, that we need to be cured, and should be put on lists for heaven only knows what future purpose, and is revitalizing the myth that vaccines cause autism, thus causing people to avoid the vaccines that could very well save their lives.
And please understand that yes, more and more adults may be realizing that they are autistic, but this is not due to some chemical scourge, or some governmental conspiracy, or some vaccine gone wrong, or some environmental problem. No. It’s because people are starting to learn more and more about the many nuances of autism, and that no two of us are alike, so we aren’t as easy to spot in the wild as your average peacock. But as more and more of us write and speak about our lived experience, and those experiences resonate with more and more people, of course our tribe expands. There’s nothing ominous or dangerous about that. No need to call out the national guard. It simply means, perhaps, that society needs to start realizing that we deserve accommodation, and that we, too, have a place in this world, and that, surprise! we actually contribute to society in many unique ways.
One of the first things most adults do when they discover they are on the spectrum is read more about it. And one of the first organizations they stumble upon, unfortunately, is Autism Speaks. At least that was the case for me. It looks like a bright shiny autistic penny at first glance. And some people think it’s just great. Form your own opinion, of course. But I think you should at the very least, make an informed one. And that’s why I’m reposting the following. I hope you’ll give it a read and take it into consideration.
Meanwhile, welcome to the spectrum! You were here all along, of course, but now you’re no longer alone.
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