Autistic Self-Advocacy Can Happen In The Moments of Everyday Life
You may be advocating for yourself and others without even realising it
I was running late to the airport after a four-day regional escape. It’s not a scenario I’d recommend for an autistic person with Generalised Anxiety Disorder. Needless to say, I was highly stressed about whether I would get on that plane.
Instead of losing my shit as I entered Departures, I decided to come clean, telling airport ground staff: “I’m really anxious about being late and I’m not thinking clearly and it would really help if you could tell me exactly what I need to do”. Or something to that effect.
It worked like a charm.
I didn’t even need to mention I was autistic. It was clear that I was struggling and it could have been for any number of reasons.
When I found myself seated on the plane with minutes to spare, instead of feeling overwhelmed and agitated, I was relieved. I was also proud of myself. I hadn’t lashed out or morphed into my crazy angry lady alter-ego. All that was required was a simple statement coming from a place of honesty and vulnerability.
I may have benefited from country hospitality but I also know that it could have gone the other way. Framing my cry for…
