#30DaysofAutismAcceptance #actuallyautistic
Day 3 Autism Acceptance
To me, autism acceptance is about breaking down the idea that there's one way (or perhaps a "correct" way) to think, process, express, or interact with the world and oneself.
On a deeper level, I hope autism acceptance will give way for a kinder and more way to interact with other people; to approach interpersonal barriers from a more adaptable and compassionate place than just "a breakdown in understanding is your fault."
I lost a word there. I meant "a kinder and more open way to interact with people."
All autistic people already have to navigate with extra effort and consideration-- to recognize that how we express ourselves doesn't always land the way we intend or expect it to and that it's no one's direct or intentional fault. Then we adjust and try again. And again. And again...
Given that we have the spoons and other resources to, of course.
And what would be nice is if allistics could divorce themself from that intoxicating ableism that tells them only "deficits" create misunderstandings or even conflict. St*pid people. Immature people. D*mb people.
Not only is this thoroughly steeped in racism, classism, and if course ableism, but it's such a huge disservice to everyone including the allistic that believes adherence to abstract social cues is a fundamental form of "competence" (also an ableist concept).
I also hope autism acceptance, coming FROM autistics, will shine a light on how actually varied our skills and experiences are. I hope we can crack open and discard this "hierarchy of function" that is placed on us as if we have innate, static differences that make us inferior or superior to each other.
And I really hope there are more people out there who come to realize they are autistic, too, and that that's okay and there is a community out there they can come home to ♡
breadsci
loptr-punk ✩