I am starting to wonder how I am supposed to describe my brother, who is so autistic he can barely speak, has seizures and absences, cannot live independently, and suffers as a result of his disability. Because autism seems to be an identity and a superpower now.https://twitter.com/LauraMayCrane/status/1124225089371820032 …
Do you really think there is no danger in advocacy that almost inevitably skews towards the interests of a particular subgroup of those people affected?
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Oh, absolutely. It's not that it's an illegitimate concern, and the inclusion of autistic people with higher support needs is (and must remain) a constant struggle for the autistic community. Representing those who can't currently advocate for themselves is difficult for anyone!
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The bigger question is more about how to ensure people are given the tools to advocate for themselves, to amplify their voices where necessary and to maximise their autonomy and wellbeing. Despite the pitfalls you point up, autistic community should be absolutely central to that.
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We need to be aware that parents and other carers can have real insights we might miss; as might professionals; as might autistic advocates. People find a lot of excuses to minimise the voices of autistic folk. It's unhelpful for all autistic people, however our autism manifests.
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I don't disagree with anything you're saying, so yeah!
End of conversation
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This is the case for just about every type of advocacy and activism there is. Do you think there's danger in "activism" that depends on denigrating the people it's supposed to support and focusing on how their existence is bad for everyone else?
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