We're Not Broken

1. Autism is a spectrum, not a binary condition

"Autism likely can't be cured. And despite the misconception that autism primarily affects children, eventually, those autistic children grow up."

Spectrum of abilities. Autism manifests differently in each individual, with varying levels of support needs. Some autistic people may require 24/7 care, while others live independently. This diversity challenges the notion of "high-functioning" and "low-functioning" labels, which can be limiting and inaccurate.

Lifelong condition. Autism is not a childhood disorder that can be outgrown or cured. It is a neurodevelopmental condition that persists throughout life, requiring ongoing support and understanding. As autistic children become adults, they face new challenges in education, employment, relationships, and independent living.

2. The history of autism is marked by misconceptions and harmful treatments

"To be disabled is to constantly fear that any bad decision you make will cost you your autonomy, particularly when there's a historical precedent for institutionalization."

Early misunderstandings. Autism was initially mischaracterized as childhood schizophrenia or blamed on "refrigerator mothers." These misconceptions led to harmful treatments and institutionalization of autistic individuals.

Ongoing struggles. Despite advances in understanding, autistic people still face:

• Dangerous "treatments" like bleach consumption
• Restraint and seclusion in schools
• Subminimum wage employment
• Limited access to appropriate healthcare
• Stigma and discrimination

3. Autistic self-advocates are reshaping public understanding and policy

"Nothing about us without us!"

Shifting paradigms. Autistic self-advocates are challenging the medical model of disability and promoting neurodiversity. They argue that autism is a different way of being, not a disorder to be cured.

Policy impact. Self-advocates have influenced:

• Renaming the Combating Autism Act to the Autism CARES Act
• Promoting supported decision-making over guardianship
• Advocating for community-based services instead of institutions
• Pushing for inclusion in autism research and policymaking

4. Gender and race intersect with autism in complex ways

"Autistic people of color—be it Black or brown—aren't given that luxury. We aren't given the benefit of the doubt, and our odd behaviors—the way we rock, the way we avoid eye contact, the way we stim to calm ourselves down when around police—become cause for suspicion."

Gender disparities. Autism has been historically viewed as a male condition, leading to underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis in women and girls. Autistic women often face unique challenges in diagnosis, support, and social expectations.

Racial inequities. Autistic people of color face:

• Later diagnoses
• Misdiagnosis as having behavioral problems
• Increased risk of police violence
• Cultural barriers to diagnosis and support

5. Education and employment present unique challenges for autistic individuals

"Autistic people should feel their only limit to working in a profession is their own capacity to do the job rather than any outlying barrier that would exclude them."

Educational accommodations. Many autistic students struggle to receive appropriate support in school. Colleges are increasingly developing specialized programs, but barriers remain:

• Social challenges
• Executive functioning difficulties
• Sensory sensitivities
• Lack of understanding from educators

Workplace inclusion. While some companies have launched autism hiring initiatives, challenges persist:

• Interview processes not designed for autistic candidates
• Limited career options beyond STEM fields
• Lack of accommodations and support in the workplace
• Subminimum wage employment in sheltered workshops

6. Relationships and sexuality are important aspects of autistic lives

"Autistic people desire intimacy and love all the same. We don't want people to love us out of charity or pity. Pity is born out of sorrow or obligation. We want to be loved as equals and for who we are."

Diverse experiences. Autistic people have a wide range of relationship and sexual experiences, challenging stereotypes of asexuality or inability to form connections.

Unique challenges. Autistic individuals may face:

• Difficulty understanding social cues and unwritten rules of dating
• Higher rates of gender diversity and non-heterosexual orientations
• Increased vulnerability to sexual abuse and exploitation
• Lack of appropriate sex education and consent training

7. The future of autism advocacy lies in neurodiversity and acceptance

"If we only take care of those wealthy kids who have autism, we're leaving a lot of autism on the table."

Shifting focus. The autism community is moving away from searching for causes and cures towards:

• Improving quality of life for autistic individuals
• Promoting acceptance and understanding in society
• Developing better support systems across the lifespan

Inclusive approach. Future advocacy efforts must:

• Include autistic voices from diverse backgrounds
• Address intersectional challenges of race, gender, and class
• Promote neurodiversity in education, employment, and society at large
• Focus on supporting autistic people's autonomy and self-determination

Last updated: December 18, 2024