A lot of people don’t like Autism Acceptance Day because of the commercialism and stereotyping. I want to take this day back. The world needs to know what Autism really looks like and how different each person is.

Things we use for stimming and regulation have very quickly become fads. Squishy shapes, fidget spinners, different types of bands. It is so widely accepted as things people play with that they forget how important it is for people who genuinely need it to concentrate and manage their overwhelming emotions. I like stress balls for my anxiety and anger as well as other negative emotions, I use those as a replacement technique for other much less productive methods. I play with hair bands or elastic bands at work when I’m really anxious or overwhelmed, it’s much less noticeable and feels more comfortable to use in public. These things are very important to me and I need them with me every day just in case.

Companies like Autism Speaks and ABA therapy practitioners paint Autism in a bad light. They make it sound like it is something to be fixed or cured when it definitely is not. They are convincing vulnerable people and parents of Autistic children that they aren’t normal and that it isn’t okay to be themselves. I hope one day people will know how damaging that mindset truly is. There are options available to support Autistic people, counselling, CBT, talking therapies, none of which try to change the person, they simply develop healthy coping mechanisms and learn how their brain works rather than trying to be like everyone else. There are even some medications that may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression should they arise (as not all Autistics struggle with these). Medications should be monitored by a GP and should be determined by the individual whether they want to take them or not.

Finally, some people don’t like the Autism Awareness logo, personally, I love it. This is an extract from the Autism Society website, and I think it explain the Autism awareness logo beautifully “The Autism Awareness Ribbon — The puzzle pattern reflects the complexity of the autism spectrum. The different colors and shapes represent the diversity of the people and families living with the condition. The brightness of the ribbon signals hope — hope that through increased awareness of autism, and through early intervention and access to appropriate services/supports, people with autism will lead full lives able to interact with the world on the own terms.” I feel like it should be worn with pride, it could open up a conversation about Autism. I find it to be a great representation of how I feel and I will wear it the same way as someone with a cancer awareness or suicide awareness ribbon.

So, let’s take this day back! Let’s educate the world on Autism and who we really are! I am so proud of all the advocates out there showing a healthy insight to the diversity of Autism and prove we don’t need to be fixed, we don’t want a cure, we are perfect as we are!

May all your awareness wishes come true…

Kayleigh

For more Autism acceptance content click subscribe: