There's a lot of amazing blog writing out there by autistics and non-autistic parents. Autism is what brings them together, and often the issues of concern for them overlap. This is what Multiple Perspectives is about. Caring neurodivergent voices coming together to bring issues to light and to share their stories.
Normalcy is an Ableist Concept
By Amy Sequenzia
Ableism: we know it is everywhere and we know it is the reason why disabled people fight the normative society that chooses to make us invisible.
The idea that we should try to fit a pre-determined, arbitrary way of doing things excludes disabled people by default.
We are often ignored, many times abused, used as props for inspiration porn, and generally left out – unless we change how we do things, unless non-disabled people feel at least a little comfortable in our presence. READ MORE
By Amy Sequenzia
Ableism: we know it is everywhere and we know it is the reason why disabled people fight the normative society that chooses to make us invisible.
The idea that we should try to fit a pre-determined, arbitrary way of doing things excludes disabled people by default.
We are often ignored, many times abused, used as props for inspiration porn, and generally left out – unless we change how we do things, unless non-disabled people feel at least a little comfortable in our presence. READ MORE
The language of "Autism awareness" and the language of Autism Acceptance
by Amazing Adventures Parenting Autistic Children
I've said many times that I am not a fan of "Autism Awareness". You can read more here:
Lastly, in my Autism is not an illness series published on Different kinds of normal, I specifically addressed the issue of the way we speak about Autism.
This infographic is a summary of how the language used in the push for "Autism Awareness" contributes to the negative dialogue around Autism, and how the move toward ACCEPTANCE of Autism counters that. READ MORE
by Amazing Adventures Parenting Autistic Children
I've said many times that I am not a fan of "Autism Awareness". You can read more here:
- What does awareness get us?
- I will not "Light it up Blue"
- World Autism Awareness Day
- Awareness vs Acceptance
Lastly, in my Autism is not an illness series published on Different kinds of normal, I specifically addressed the issue of the way we speak about Autism.
This infographic is a summary of how the language used in the push for "Autism Awareness" contributes to the negative dialogue around Autism, and how the move toward ACCEPTANCE of Autism counters that. READ MORE
What’s a “Good” Mother, Anyway? by Emma's Hope Book
I cannot stop thinking about one of the Autists who commented on my latest Huffington Post piece. He is Autistic and is unable to function without the support of his family. He writes about his wish for a cure. He writes about his short-term memory, his “lack of visual-spatial and motor abilities, inability to interact with others in basic interactions, weak attention span, processing speed, reaction time…” He writes, “If I had skills and could really absorb knowledge, I’d have some kind of a career and I would do basic things without my family all the time.”
Before I responded to him I reached out to some Autists I know asking for their thoughts. Some people responded, for which I am grateful. Steve, diagnosed after his child was diagnosed, thoughtfully provided me with a number of links and introduced me to Amy Sequenzia, a non-speaking, Autistic self-advocate. Amy blogs for a wonderful community blog Ollibean and was profiled on The Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism, Slice of Life Series (click on her name to read) and Paula Durbin-Westby the mastermind behind “International Autism Acceptance Year” also profiled on TPGA’s Slice of Life series offered some suggestions. READ MORE
I cannot stop thinking about one of the Autists who commented on my latest Huffington Post piece. He is Autistic and is unable to function without the support of his family. He writes about his wish for a cure. He writes about his short-term memory, his “lack of visual-spatial and motor abilities, inability to interact with others in basic interactions, weak attention span, processing speed, reaction time…” He writes, “If I had skills and could really absorb knowledge, I’d have some kind of a career and I would do basic things without my family all the time.”
Before I responded to him I reached out to some Autists I know asking for their thoughts. Some people responded, for which I am grateful. Steve, diagnosed after his child was diagnosed, thoughtfully provided me with a number of links and introduced me to Amy Sequenzia, a non-speaking, Autistic self-advocate. Amy blogs for a wonderful community blog Ollibean and was profiled on The Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism, Slice of Life Series (click on her name to read) and Paula Durbin-Westby the mastermind behind “International Autism Acceptance Year” also profiled on TPGA’s Slice of Life series offered some suggestions. READ MORE
