Being an Ally to the Autistic Community

Allying with the autistic community is advocating for and supporting the rights, dignity, and inclusion of autistic people in all aspects of life. Listening, learning, and actively participating are some things necessary for establishing a more inclusive and understanding society. Whether you're a friend, family member, mentor, or colleague, here are five key strategies to be a better ally!

Educate Yourself 

Understanding autism is the first step toward being a better ally. Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals communicate, perceive the world, and interact with others. It is essential to recognize that autism is a spectrum, meaning there is a wide range of strengths, challenges, and experiences among autistic individuals (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022). Take time to read books, watch documentaries, and listen to autistic voices to gain a deeper understanding of their condition.

Avoid relying solely on outdated or stereotypical portrayals of autism. Instead, seek out resources from autistic advocates and organisations, such as the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) (Autistic Self Advocacy Network, 2020). This will help you develop a more nuanced understanding of autism and how you can best support the community.

Listen to Autistic Voices

One of the most impactful things you can do as an ally is to listen to autistic individuals about their experiences. Autistic people are the experts on their own lives, and their insights are invaluable in shaping how allies should engage with the community (Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network, 2021). When interacting with autistic individuals, whether online or in person, prioritise their perspectives over those of non-autistic voices. Listening without making assumptions or judgments is key to respectful allyship.

Challenge Ableism

Ableism, also known as the prejudice and discrimination that society has towards those with impairments, often manifests in through the thought that behaviour patterns of neurotypical people are superior to those of autistic people (Heid, 2019). It's critical for allies to confront ableism in all of its forms, including jokes made fun of autistic individuals, workplace exclusionary policies, and media stereotypes about autism.

Call out inappropriate behaviour and educate people around you to combat ableism. Strive to create spaces that provide neurodiverse people a sense of respect, inclusion, and empowerment. Normalise accomodations like flexible work or learning spaces, alternate communication techniques, and sensory instruments (Kapp, 2020).

Addressing Respectfully

There is ongoing debate within the autism community regarding the use of person-first language ("person with autism") versus identity-first language ("autistic person"). Some prefer person-first language, as it emphasises the person before the diagnosis, while others prefer identity-first language, which recognizes autism as an inherent part of their identity (Brown, 2021).

The best approach as an ally is to ask individuals how they prefer to be identified and respect their choice. It’s also helpful to be aware of the broader preferences within different autistic communities while remaining flexible and open to individual preferences (Kenny et al., 2016).

Advocate for Inclusion and Accessibility

Advocating for genuine inclusion in all sectors of society is an important part of being an ally. This includes making schools, workplaces, public areas, and online platforms accessible to autistic individuals. Support policies and activities that encourage accessibility, such as sensory-friendly events, adaptive learning spaces, and fair hiring processes for neurodiverse people (Pellicano et al., 2021). Taking active actions to promote inclusion and overcome systemic barriers contributes to a more equal society in which autistic people can thrive. 

Through these methods, let’s each play our part in creating a significant change in this world where supporting the autistic community and neurodiversity are celebrated!

Written by: Micole

References

Vagonetochka. (n.d.). Two sisters holding red heart and colorful puzzles made with their own hands [Photograph]. VistaCreate. https://create.vista.com/unlimited/stock-photos/483063502/stock-photo-two-sisters-holding-red-heart-colorful-puzzles-made-own-hands/

Autistic Self Advocacy Network. (2020). About autism. https://autisticadvocacy.org/about-autism/

Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network. (2021). What is autism? https://awnnetwork.org/what-is-autism/

Brown, L. X. Z. (2021). Identity-first language: Why it matters for autism advocacy. Thinking Person's Guide to Autism. https://www.thinkingautismguide.com/2021/03/why-identity-first-language-matters.html

Heid, M. (2019). Understanding ableism: What it is and how to recognize it. Health. https://www.health.com/understanding-ableism-what-it-is

Kapp, S. K. (2020). Autistic community and the neurodiversity movement: Stories from the frontline. Palgrave Macmillan.

Kenny, L., Hattersley, C., Molins, B., Buckley, C., Povey, C., & Pellicano, E. (2016). Which terms should be used to describe autism? Perspectives from the UK autism community. Autism, 20(4), 442-462.

National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Autism spectrum disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd

Pellicano, E., Bölte, S., & Stahmer, A. (2021). The future of autism research: Should the neurodiversity movement impact the science? Autism, 25(5), 1250–1252.