Light It Up Red for Autism Acceptance
While many may not understand exactly what autism is, most have heard of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). There has been enough awareness, it is time to accept those with ASD as they are and destroy the norm that everyone must be neurotypical to fit in society.
What is
Autism
Autism Spectrum disorder is defined as "a complex developmental disability; signs typically appear during early childhood and affect a person's ability to communicate, and interact with others." The reason ASD is called Autism Spectrum Disorder is because each person diagnosed with autism have varying degrees of severity concerning specific behaviors. Some with ASD may have learning disabilities, while others may not. "The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is applied based on analysis of all behaviors and their severity."
Sensory Overload
"Sensory overload happens when something around us overstimulates one or more of our senses." Anyone can experience sensory overload, but it is more common among those with autism. Bright lights or loud music can overwhelm the senses, which makes it difficult to participate in certain events because there are no accommodations for those with sensory overload.
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The next time you host an event whether it be a conference or party, and you know you will have guests who are easily over-stimulated, make sure your venue is properly accessible.
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See:
http://www.aucd.org/docs/add/sa_summits/ASAN.pdf
to ensure proper accommodations
HOW TO ADVOCATE FOR AUTISTIC INDIVIDUALS
When advocating for autistic individuals, be sure to be an ally and listen to the autistic community. Unless an individual is autistic, they will never truly understand the struggles autistic individuals go through socially. Speak up when ignorant or hateful remarks are made. Educate yourself on autistic issues. Attend any events related to autism advocacy. Donate to organizations that help families pay for costly therapy. However! Not all organizations are trustworthy. Make sure you do your research. Fortunately, we have done ours. Look below for more information on autism advocacy.
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ASD diagnoses have "largely been based on the behavioral characteristics of boys and men." Because of this many women end up either misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all leaving them to wonder what is wrong with them, when there is nothing wrong at all. More research is currently being done to see how women with autism behave differently from men so that women with autism can be diagnosed younger. Not diagnosing autism can lead to the development of mental illnesses like depression. Donate to organizations that advocate for women with autism such as Autism Women's Network and educate those who are misinformed that men are more likely to have autism than women. Women are simply under diagnosed.
Children from high income families are "81% more likely to receive an autism diagnosis than those from low-income families." This means that kids from low-income families will either be diagnosed much later in life, or not at all. This keeps them from receiving therapy or specific treatments for their specific type of autism. Based on this information that kids low-income families are diagnosed less, there has been a connection made that "Black and Hispanic children are also less likely to get a diagnosis of autism than are white children." Autism therapy is costly so therefore many autistic people cannot get the therapy they need, which can lead to further issues.
Under Diagnosed Girls & Women
Under Diagnosis in Children With a Low Socio-economic Status
AUTISM SPEAKS IS CORRUPT
Autism Speaks is an organization that supposedly advocates for the autistic community. This could not be further from the truth, as they go against much of the wants and needs of the autistic community and work for what is in their best interest.
"Less than 4% of Autism Speaks' budget goes towards the "Family Service" grants that are the organization's means of funding services.", but "32% of its budget goes toward research" that is focused on "causation and 'prevention'".
Autism Speaks does not make an effort to include individuals with autism in their advocacy. Their Board of Directors has 28 people and only 2 are autistic.
Autism Speaks' advocacy is based on awareness rather than acceptance, which propagates the idea that one must be aware that autistic people exist rather than be accepting of them. Their advocacy also includes getting rid of autism, but autism is not a disease simply a disorder like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Why You
Should Light
It Up Red instead
of Blue
Light It Up Blue is a campaign that was begun by Autism Speaks to raise awareness for autism. Members of the autistic community have boycotted this campaign and instead created Light It Up Red for autism #redinstead It is a campaign by and for the autistic community that advocates for acceptance. Share this campaign and spread it however you can in this age of social media. Autism Acceptance month is April, and there is typically more attention brought to autism then, but do not stop advocating yea around. This is not an April only advocacy campaign.