Ableism refers to the discrimination of people with disabilities. In light of the recent events, we decided it was important that more people should be educated about Autism and recognize how we can all be unknowingly promoting ableism, specifically towards their community.
Autism is a developmental disorder that is characterized by difficulties including but not limited to social interaction and communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior. It is a spectrum disorder so its characteristics may vary from person to person. It’s important for us to understand this disorder and do our best to make our community more inclusive for our peers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. To do so, we must first identify how we are actively or passively promoting ableism and understand what we can do to fix these things.
Passive ableism is extremely common in our society and we should do our best to eradicate it. One thing we can do to help promote inclusivity is to change some of the phrases and terms we use. STOP using the word r*tard! This word has been normalized and many people using it are unaware that it is a slur towards the people with ASD and should not be used as an insult or ever. The word autistic is not an insult either so stop using it as one! Change the way you speak about Autism.
Moreover, we need to be aware of the differences in the behaviours of those diagnosed with Autism. Trouble with language comprehension, behavioral disturbances, difficulties with social interaction and communication difficulties pertaining to internalising and differentiating realities, etc. Understand that if a person diagnosed with autism is showing symptoms, you should not blame them for their actions. They are not able to comprehend neurotypical societal norms so it is unfair to subject them to these norms. Holding them accountable suggests that they should be forced to conform in society as neurotypical. Therefore, you must remember that their reactions in certain situations may differ from how a neurotypical person might react under the same circumstances. Refrain from reciprocating and instead understand what is driving that behavior and react calmly. Autism is not an “excuse”, it’s a disorder.
While interacting with people with autism, be patient, listen carefully and attentively and avoid using irony, sarcasm, figurative language, rhetorical questions, idioms or exaggeration. Additionally, refrain from prolonged eye contact and instead of turning a blind eye to their autism, be mindful of it. While doing so, also ensure that you are not treating them as children or referring to them as if they are not in the room. Remember that they are people with autism; they are a person before their disorder.
The most important thing you can do is educate yourself. Refer to organizations that raise acceptance and awareness about autism. Educate the people around you and yourself about how people with autism are unfairly discriminated against in employment and housing by land owners and companies, within school curriculums, lack of media representation and about other obstacles they must face as a result of this ableism. Conversations about these issues will allow us to break the stigmas attached with neurodiversity and help us move towards a more accepting and inclusive society!
Note:
While writing this article, we realized that there was a huge lack of available information about autism. We in no way are trying to represent people with autism – our intent is only to raise acceptance and awareness. If in this process we have not used appropriate terms at any point, please reach out and let us know. There is always room to learn and grow. We really hope that we got our message across effectively.
By Meraal Ovais and Maheen Elahi
Sources for additional information:
IFFI 