Yet, I’ve found a deep appreciation for my neurodivergence. It enhances the richness of my creativity and my empathy towards others. In a society that persistently portrays disability as a flaw—a society where a U.S. Cabinet member has claimed that “autism devastates families and, more critically, it undermines our most precious asset, which is our children”—embracing my identity is a form of resistance. I wish it were not necessary.
Often, discussions surrounding autism are dominated by those who parent autistic children or support someone on the spectrum. Though their perspectives are invaluable, autistic voices must be included in these conversations. To truly grasp what it entails to live with autism, immerse yourself in literature authored by autistic individuals. Engage with dialogues on social media platforms by searching hashtags like #actuallyautistic, #autisticjoy, and #autist. Beyond merely following contributors on Love on the Spectrum, actively seek out creators sharing their lived experiences as Black and autistic, Asian and autistic, queer and autistic, and those who are multiply disabled and autistic. It’s essential to broaden the sources from which you gather information, as the saying goes, “if you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met one autistic person.”
As the political climate intensifies, it’s crucial for us, as a society, to prioritize accessibility, inclusion, empowerment, and comprehension. Autistic individuals should not be sold dubious solutions or regarded as burdens to those around us. Rather, we deserve improved research, superior healthcare, and, most importantly, more empathetic representation. While we may not dictate how our portrayal is shaped in the White House, we can steadfastly envision a brighter, more compassionate future—and construct our lives based on the values that can help realize that vision.
