This is the last time I’m going to say this

Posted on by The Autistic Beekeeper

I get asked to defend the stance of my community on a lot of issues. I’m sure a lot of us do and it’s a difficult place to be. On one hand, I’m tired of it. On the other, the person asking may double-down on their views if I’m not forthcoming with some easily-digestible facts. I’ve seen it happen. So, I’m going to put this here for posterity. This is the last time I say it. (Okay, at least until April is over)

First up, I’m autistic. Overwhelmingly, the autistic community prefers identity-first language and we’ve said so. A lot. Autism is a part of my identity, my personality, my life. There is not a neurotypical person in here, lurking beneath the autism.

Some people do prefer person-first language in reference to themselves and the choice is always theirs and should be respected. Just respect the voices of our community and above all else, do not tell autistic people what they should and should not say. It’s condescending.

Second, here’s some receipts for Autism $peaks. (rhyming! fun!)

There’s so much information out there. There are bloggers and vloggers and activists and movements and organizations. We are speaking loudly in the face of this roaring lion trying to drown us out. And it’s working. But you have to challenge your views and assumptions. You have to question what you’ve already learned because things are changing, and they’re changing for the better in this community because we’re making it change. You have to go out there and educate yourself.

Please do not put the burden of proof on autistic people. We spend a lot of time patiently explaining why our lives have value and it is exhausting. And at no other time is it as tiring and invasive as in April. Give us a break. Google it.

Re-posted from a reply to a comment on a tumblr post of mine.

p.s. The link preview picture is of my cat, Spencer. He always looks as done as I feel. ♥

12 thoughts on “This is the last time I’m going to say this”

  3. I don’t think it has changed their stance at all, but recently AutSpe did add two autistic people to their board. So far I haven’t heard anything regarding changing their anti-autistic attitudes.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Thank you for this information, my son is autistic and we absolutely support him in every way, the idea that he will need to explain why his life has value is an abhorrent one. Every life has value, anyone claiming otherwise is a disgrace.

    Liked by 2 people

  6. I am sickened by the things I’ve seen. I didn’t look too much into the group when I donated and bought a few charms to raise awareness for autism as it holds a place close to my heart. So disappointed by the disgusting and dangerous way they chose to paint the picture of autistic children and autism in general. I don’t even have any words left for the last video of the mother. Yes, I know it gets extremely difficult and almost seemingly impossible to handle, but that is disgusting to say on camera, and disgusting of Autism Speaks to promote! MURDER. MURDER OF YOUR OWN CHILDREN.

    Thanks for bringing all of this to light. Unfortunately a lot of us are uninformed.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. I would very much like to see links proving what you are claiming. I’m not saying I don’t believe you. I just want to see where this information is coming from.

    Like

  10. Thank you for your educational post! I was taught about person first language in a class I took and I immediately began using it all the time because I was told that was the better/nicer/more empathetic way to speak. I am glad to now have seen the other side of the perspective. Can’t wait to read more of your posts!

    Liked by 1 person

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