I’m at my local library and they’ve made a display for autism awareness month. This is a well meant effort, but…
As you can see, they’ve gone with the “autism speaks” motif. This is somewhat distressing for me, especially since I usually come here to de-stress. I’m going to write a letter for the library about why this is offensive to me as an autistic person, but I don’t want them to think it’s just me wigging out about it, so if you all would be so kind I’d appreciate it if you could reblog this post and add your own thoughts on autism speaks and the symbols of their organisation. I’m going to print off as many responses as I can and hand them over to the library along with the letter.
Thanks so much for your time, and I hope you all have a good autism awareness month
QUICK ADDITION TO THE POST
If you want to add your comments but feel uncomfortable posting them publicly, please please feel free to message them on anon. You should not be silenced because you are shy or self conscious. I will absolutely add every anonymous comment to the letter
Hey, thought I’d give an update for those of you wondering how this shook out. After the library didn’t contact me for a few days I decided to head down there to see what was going on and:
they’ve changed the display! I have to say, I wasn’t sure what the expect. I thought if they did anything it would just to be to change the colour and hopefully the puzzle pieces, but they actually changed the books and info that they have on there too, Including:
A notice explicitly debunking autism as an illness, and advocating how autism is different for everyone and always requires individual support
Books written by autistic people
Books about helping your kids with the challenges they might face, rather than guides for coping with having an autistic child
Even THIS book
Which I thought had a very suspect title turned out to have this passage inside:
You can even see that they’ve decided to promote the NAS, a society dedicated to helping autistic people live the lives of their choosing.
I’m very happy with the changes that have been made here. And I think it’s a good reminder that just because someone gets something wrong, doesn’t mean that they’re bad people. The important thing is being willing to listen and learn, and the staff at this library have done just that.
This feels to me like a good way to start autistic pride month. And remember, if you want to support people with autism this season – or throughout the rest of the year – be sure that you are speaking with us, not for us or over us.
This is so wonderful!! There’s a lot of good info there and I’m sure it’ll help a lot of people learn more about what autism really is.
I think you and the community have really made a positive difference here ❤
I’m literally crying this makes me so happy! This is amazing!
Im happy-crying too! bless you and that library!
[Image 1: A library display primarily using blue and puzzle piece motives.
Image 2: A library display with a red sign saying: “Autism Awareness Month”. The shelves are mint-coloured. There are no more puzzle pieces.
Image 3: A note reading:
“What is Autism?
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people see the world and interact with others.
Autistic people see, hear and feel the world differently than other people. If you are autistic, you are autistic for life; autism is not an illness or a disease and cannot be ‘cured’. Often people feel being autistic is a fundamental aspect of their identity.
Autism is a spectrum disorder. All autistic people share certain difficulties, but being autistic will affect them in different ways. Some autistic people also have learning disabilities, mental health issues or other conditions, meaning people need different levels of support. All people on the autism spectrum learn and develop. With the right sort of support, all can be helped to live a more fulfilling life of their choosing.”
Image 4: A book titled “The reason I jump” by Naoki Higashida.
Image 5: A book titled “I’m not naughty – I’m autistic: Jodi’s journey” by Jean Shaw.
Image 6: A book titled “Sleep well on the autism spectrum” by Kenneth J. Aikten.
Image 7: A book titled: “Girls on the autism spectrum: overcoming the challenges and celebrating the gifts”.
Image 8: A book titled: “My child has autism, now what? 10 steps to get you started”.
Image 9: A page of the above book reading:
“Rules of thumb to live by
I know there is a lot to learn, but here are a few rules of thumb to guide you:
1. If something doesn’t work, try something else.
2. The only expert in autism is a person with autism.
3. Every child with autism is different – what works for one may not work for another.
4. You may not know autism, but you know your child and that is enough.”]
knitting in the dark 