Why is it that so many people in the Autism Community feel that you have no right to advocate and raise awareness for Autism if you aren't Autistic yourself?
I'm sorry but this is something I find incredibly frustrating and short sighted. Not to mention counterproductive.
I would never presume to be a voice for anyone else but my own family. My number one priority is to advocate for my own kids until they have a voice of their own. When my children are this young, I feel that it's my responsibility to help educate the world about my kids, while I work to educate my kids about the world. When they are ready to speak for themselves, I'll stand with them in support.
I absolutely agree that the Autistic adult community must be listened to. I don't know why they aren't. Perhaps part of the non-autistic advocates mission is to help clear the way and let the Autistic adults speak without being drowned out by all the other noise.
Over the past few years, I have learned to listen to what the adult Autistic community has to say, and very often encourage others to do the same.
I'm sure that there are neurotypical people out there that presume to know more about Autism than those actually living with it. Having said that, it's quite short sighted to assume we are all the same. Not everyone takes that approach.
I do what I feel is right, regardless of how unpopular it makes me.
The world isn't a perfect place, especially for those with Autism. Having said that, don't you think it's better to have people who care, trying to raise awareness, even if they aren't autistic themselves? I would think that most people are only trying to help. Maybe we need to coordinate better so no one feels like we are trying to speak for them.
Of course, it would be great if people would catch on and learn that the adult Autistic community has a great deal to offer. They are able to provide those of us trying to raise kids on the spectrum, invaluable insight, among countless other things. I honestly don't know why they aren't take more seriously. It's a big problem and one we should be working together to solve.
I get amazing advice from the many autistic people I've had the honor of making friends with along the way. I have so much respect for them and I hope they know that.
One of the reasons I don't venture far from my own site or Facebook page is because of all the turmoil within the Autism Community. It's very much like walking through a mine field. No matter what you say or do, someone is going to be offended, angry or upset.
There are way to many lines drawn in the sand. We have people who vaccinate their kids on one side and those completely opposed to vaccines on the other. We have those with Autism on one side of the line and parents that advocate on the other.
The list goes on and on.
Wouldn't we be better off as a community, if we could all put aside our differences and work together for the common good?
Everyone can play a role and we can play to our strengths. If it were up to me, I would welcome with open arms, anyone that wanted to help.
If we want Awareness to be effective, we need to present a united front. Who's going to take us seriously, when there is so much fighting amongst ourselves?
Whether you like it or not, we need adult Autistic's, parents, sibling, neighbors, family, friends, teachers, therapists, doctors, organizations, businesses, politicians and even perfect strangers to work together to help spread Autism Awareness or Autism Education.
The moment we begin picking and choosing who's *aloud *to help advocate and raise awareness, we've already failed.
As far as I'm concerned, my kids are way, way too important to me, to allow our petty differences to get in the way of working together.
In my reality, I welcome anyone and I mean anyone that either wants to learn more about Autism or wants to help a special needs family. I'm not picky about who helps in my quest to prepare the world for my kids and my kids for the world. So long as we get results and keep moving forward, together.
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