Member-only story

Step-by-Step Advice on How to Ally and Speak Up with Autistic People

Kyle Powell

·19.3k Followers· Follow

Published in The #ActuallyAutistic Guide To Advocacy: Step By Step Advice On How To Ally And Speak Up With Autistic People And The Autism Community

5 min read

1k View Claps

81 Respond

Save

Listen

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person interacts with the world around them. Autistic people may have difficulties with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. They may also experience sensory sensitivities and have difficulty regulating their emotions.

It is important to remember that autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that the symptoms and experiences of autistic people can vary greatly. There is no one "right" way to be autistic.

As an ally, it is important to understand the challenges that autistic people face and to be respectful of their differences. You can also play an important role in speaking up for the rights of autistic people and ensuring that they are included in all aspects of society.

The #ActuallyAutistic Guide to Advocacy: Step-by-Step Advice on How to Ally and Speak Up with Autistic People and the Autism Community

by Jenna Gensic

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	900 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	308 pages

The first step to being an effective ally is to understand autism. There are many resources available that can help you learn about the condition, including books, articles, and websites. You can also talk to autistic people and their families to get a firsthand perspective.

Here are some of the key things to keep in mind about autism:

Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that the symptoms and experiences of autistic people can vary greatly.
There is no one "right" way to be autistic.
Autistic people may have difficulties with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors.
They may also experience sensory sensitivities and have difficulty regulating their emotions.
Autism is not a disease or a mental illness.
Autistic people are valuable members of our society.

Autistic people face many challenges in our society. These challenges can include:

Discrimination and prejudice
Lack of understanding and acceptance
Barriers to education, employment, and housing
Bullying and harassment
Lack of access to healthcare and other services

It is important to be aware of the challenges that autistic people face so that you can be an effective ally. You can help to create a more inclusive society by speaking out against discrimination and prejudice, and by supporting policies that promote the rights of autistic people.

There are many ways that you can take action to support autistic people. Here are a few suggestions:

Educate yourself about autism. The more you know about autism, the better equipped you will be to be an effective ally.
Speak up against discrimination and prejudice. Autistic people face discrimination and prejudice every day. You can help to create a more inclusive society by speaking out against these injustices.
Support policies that promote the rights of autistic people. There are many policies that can help to improve the lives of autistic people. You can support these policies by contacting your elected officials and by voting for candidates who support them.
Donate to organizations that support autistic people. There are many organizations that provide support to autistic people and their families. You can help these organizations continue their important work by donating money or volunteering your time.
Be a friend to autistic people. Autistic people are just like anyone else. They want to be loved, accepted, and respected. You can make a difference in the life of an autistic person by being a friend.

Being an effective ally to autistic people is not always easy, but it is important. By understanding autism, recognizing the challenges that autistic people face, and taking action to support their rights and inclusion, you can make a difference in their lives.

The #ActuallyAutistic Guide to Advocacy: Step-by-Step Advice on How to Ally and Speak Up with Autistic People and the Autism Community

by Jenna Gensic

5 out of 5