Advocacy and fostering change

Those of us that are Autistic adults have found a realisation on our journey that we must be the change. No one else is going to do it for us. However well meaning they may be, neurotypical people without Autistic input just get it wrong when trying to understand us, or conceive what support we might need. The conclusion is that we must work together, in all spheres, to change Society. 

This point of view has been a big influence on us when deciding to form the London Autism Group charity. Autistic leadership and partnership with our very kind allies is key in all of our activities.We started as a Facebook group, and we saw the same problems day in day out.The same questions asked by new members coming in. The same lack of support and the   needs of Autisitc people not even being recognised by the service providers, let alone fulfilled.  There are nowhere near enough Autisitc people in positions to influence policy. That is where we come in. Our Charity and other organisations like us are Autistic led. We know the power of Autistic lived experience. The benefit of understanding the challenges and problems faced by the Autisitc community is invaluable.  For example our bringing in Autistic experts that support Mental Health, and lead creative activities. Whether it is in our local Community Cafe sessions, our Befriending scheme or our Strolling with Neurokin programme, the benefit of lived experience runs through everything we do and every service we provide. The Mental health benefits of understanding Autistic identity are innumerable. Our mental health support proves it. Often when people first suspect they may be Autistic, they will do research and will end up reading and absorbing descriptions filled with negativity.  Search for the word 'Autism' online and that is what you get. Speak to many who work in mental health and you will hear the medical model approach which views Autism through the lens of deficit. It is so important to know that this is only half the story.  Yes, Autism is a disability, yes can make life challenging, but it can also be an incredibly positive and beautiful thing.  It is the shared identity of a whole community who share this neurological difference. 

Parents will often hear from educators who see their children as broken and in need of fixing. We instead advocate for Autisitc people to simply be accepted as they are. We say Society should learn to accept Autism and not try to force Autisitc people to change to try to fit in and somehow morph into an acceptable or normal human being.  This does long term damage to an individual’s confidence and mental health.

A lot of research has been done by Autisitc academics to show this.For example research done by Gabrielle Nwardo which shows how Autisistic coping behaviours such as sensory regulation or stimming is a huge benefit to mental health and helps protect us against stress.  This stress is often caused by a Society that does not make allowances for Autistic people.  For example a school or a work environment.

We say that Autistic people should be allowed to reach their full potential, and be encouraged to embrace their differences. To see them, not as a source of shame or blame, but as a source of tremendous strength and pride.