Autism “Bewareness” Campaigns
When you want to support a marginalized group, start with listening to them
This April…
Please don’t light it up blue or use puzzle pieces for “awareness”.
I recognize most neurotypical (NT) people who use these symbols have good intentions and are trying to support Autistic people. The best way to be an ally to a marginalized group is to actually listen to them.
We’re already bracing ourselves
Want to know how harmful certain “bewareness” campaigns are?
It’s not even March yet, and many Autistic people and Autistic self-advocates are already anxious about April, emotionally preparing for the onslaught of messages “warning” parents about the perils of having a child with Autism.
Anti-Autism campaigns tell parents to “watch out” for the warning signs their child could be Autistic. They spread hurtful messages about how hard it is to live with an Autistic person.
This is awkward. We’re right here.
How would it feel to know that people wish you didn’t exist? How will their children feel when they grow up and read those kinds of messages one day? (And maybe they already are).
