Inclusive autism advocacy

Inclusive autism advocacy: Autism advocacy doesn’t need to be a zero sum game

Now more than ever, there are many people with different experiences and support needs impacted in some way by autism.

I’ve been involved in the autism community in various ways and for some time now. During that time I’ve come to know lots of people personally and professionally, and those people have very distinct autism experiences and support needs.

Here are 5 considerations that I try to keep in mind when involved in any sort of autism advocacy: 

1. Autism impacts people differently.
2. Each person is entitled to validation of their own experience and support needs.
3. Different language or images may better reflect different autism experiences.
4. It’s important to advocate for one person’s experience in a way that doesn’t diminish another’s.
5. It’s important to expand my social circle and learn about different stories and experiences from different stakeholders in the autism community.

Just remember Autism advocacy doesn’t need to be a zero sum game. There’s room for everyone to win.

Brandon Herscovitch, Ph.D., LABA, BCBA-D

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