Manifesto for Autistic Experiencing

I live in a world where autistic people are valued, honoured, and provided for, whether they know they are autistic or not.

A world in which every neurotype is seen as ‘the normal’.

The word disorder no longer exists because its capitalist, classist, and colonist nature has been recognised by the mainstream and therefore rejected. Functioning labels no longer exist. We don’t describe support needs by a perceived level of functionality, because functionality is based on neuro-normative standards, and in reality is an ever fluid concept.

Autism is identified by individuals and by those supporting individuals and is honoured and respected fully, regardless of whether someone else with qualifications agrees. Identification is for all. Not limited to those who can afford it, who can speak with clarity to their autistic characteristics, who can mask during, or cope with, the process. Gender, sexuality, age, race, class or religion does not limit one’s opportunity to seek and gain clarity around their neurotype.

It is acknowledged that autistic people are the experts of autistic experience. It is acknowledged that peer reviewed research is often flawed due to cultural bias, funding bias and the western hierarchy of evidence.

Service providers, allied health professionals, educators and therapists have surrendered their out-of-date and harmful knowledge systems and have re-learnt of autism through autistic educators, mentors and advocates. Exploring their internalised ableism as a priority.

All communities that intersect with autism are learnt about, supported and advocated for, and all voices are heard and honoured.

We no longer focus on adapting behaviours or using behavioural outcomes to determine whether an autistic person belongs in the social group, the school or the workplace. Early intervention is no longer seen as needed - support when needed, and if needed, is recognised as priority.

We do not prepare autistic children for the real world. We prepare the real world for autistic children.

No longer do we aim to stifle the stim, the info dump, the parallel play or the hyperactivity. No longer do we mask for safety or survival, we use our skill of masking as a choice. No longer is unsolicited advice offered to autistic people or parents and carers of autistic people. We do not pedestal regulation as the be all and end all. We no longer prioritise avoiding meltdowns.

Gone are the days of sugar coating autism to make it more palatable. Autism is not a superpower, sparkly, or spicy. It is a physiological and inherent part of being a human. We are autism neutral and therefore there is no hesitancy or worry about ‘how we tell the children’ or ‘children being labelled’.

Autistic people are fully seen. The ones for whom glitter is a neutral, the ones who wear the same black outfit every day. The ones with tattoos on their face, multi coloured hair. The no socks, no shoes, hats or jacket. The unbrushed hair, the cosplay and the individual edge.

Autistic people are fully heard. Our communication styles valued.

We move through life with a sense of worthiness. Of belonging and safety, with connection to our neurokin and community with the broader society.

We recognise and honour our autistic ancestry. We safely embrace our autistic culture.

Our contributions are enough, our perspectives are outstanding and our ways are insightful.

And so it is.