This is sort of random, but…
In case any of you don’t know, the group Autism Speaks is highly controversial, and many people who identify as autistic or “on the spectrum” consider them to be bad guys. I don’t identify as autistic, myself, although I share several traits with people who do, and I largely value those traits—as, indeed, I value my friends and acquaintances who have all the traits that we call autism.
I don’t mean to disparage the group here (for more information, see the Autistic Self Advocacy Network’s update), but I disagree with the Autism Awareness Month that they have been promoting in April, and the clear implication in that promotion that Autism is a disease that we should be seeking to cure. Their language has improved over the last couple of years, but I still find the entire promotion disrespectful and unhelpful. A promotion dedicated to the awareness of neurodiversity—the simple fact that there is no ‘normal’ way for brains to work, and that people process social patterns or facial expression or sensory input differently, one to another—would be welcome, but that is not what the group have been promoting.
Anyway, I thought I would mention it since I know that many of y’all will come across “light up blue” or puzzle-piece logos connected to the promotions of that group and feel inclined to share them out of generosity and love. And I appreciate that! But I thought I would ask you to reconsider that impulse, this month.
Tolerabimus quod tolerare debemus,
-Vardibidian.