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From Autism Awareness to Autistic Acceptance
- smaointecbt
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
“Autism is as much a part of humanity as the capacity to dream.” - Kathleen Seidel
Every April, we see a lot more discussions being had around autism. And while awareness is key, what matters most is genuine acceptance of autistic people and ways of being.
Neurodiversity is a term that describes the natural differences in how human brains work. There is no one single “correct” way for a brain to function. Instead, there is a wide range of ways that people perceive, process, and respond to the world around them.
People whose brain development aligns with what is typically expected in society are often described as neurotypical. Those whose way of thinking or processing diverge from these expectations and norms are said to be neurodivergent. This includes autistic people.
For a long time, autism has been viewed primarily through a medical lens, where it is seen as a disorder that requires treatment. This framework can lead to the idea that there is something wrong with the individual, and it misses the immense richness, diversity, and value that autistic and neurodivergent people bring to our world!
Language also plays a critical role in how autistic people are viewed by society. Terms like Autism Spectrum Disorder can reinforce the idea of a medical ailment.
The majority of the autistic community prefers identity-first terms (such as autistic and neurodivergent) over person-first or medical terms (e.g. person with autism, autism spectrum disorder, or ASD). However, it is still important to respect individual preferences, so the best approach is to always ask an individual directly.
Post by @autisticrealms
Of course, living in a neurotypical world as a neurodivergent person can bring unique challenges, and people deserve support around these. The world we live in today is not always designed with neurodivergent ways of being in mind, which can create environmental barriers in everyday life. When considering these challenges, the aim should not be to ask the individual to change, but instead shift the focus towards the environment: what barriers or obstacles exist, and how can they be reduced or removed?
A helpful question to ask is: What does this person need in order to thrive as their authentic self?
Autistic people bring unique perspectives, creativity, and ways of understanding the world that we all benefit from.
Neurodiversity is not a problem to solve, but a strength to recognise. It is through respecting and celebrating our differences that we become more human!
Links to read more about identity-first language:
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