Ring in the New Year with a commitment to doing what you can to improve autism acceptance in your home and your community. But you’re busy. Everyone is. So I’ve compiled some simple, practical advocacy tips that are easy to implement, but yield positive results.
These tips reflect the advice of many of the autistic individual featured on this blog. The suggestions have links to specific interviews where they are discussed in more detail. Choose one or several to implement next year. Feel free to comment about anything you’ve tried! Happy New Year!
- Use identity-first language.
- Visit autismacceptancemonth.com and take the pledge for autistic inclusion.
- Read a blog authored by an autistic person.
- Record your child’s strengths and interests and give this list to a teacher or therapist who is working with him or her.
- Give your child reasonable choices as often as possible.
- Read a book or a blog about neurodiversity.
- Arm your child with the language of advocacy as soon as it is developmentally appropriate.
- Teach your children the difference between tolerance, awareness, and acceptance.
- Consider getting rid of your autism puzzle piece paraphernalia and opt for items that promote acceptance.
- Make sure you are focusing efforts on helping your child develop his or her potential rather than appear more “normal.”
- Put your child’s needs first when making holiday plans.
- Ask the parent of an autistic child (or the child) how you can make an accommodation for them.
- Speak positively about autism.
- Assume competency when you meet someone new.
- Meet with your child’s teachers to plan ways to make school enjoyable.
- Don’t let autism prevent your child from living life.
- Interact with people on the spectrum.
- Set the record straight when you hear misconceptions about autism. Comment on popular posts. Get your voice heard.
- Practice “empathy before education.”
- Be open with your child’s coach about his or her diagnosis
- Remember that your child is likely to struggle more with daily tasks and workloads. Even on good days your child may be more tired than you think.
- Read what people on the spectrum are saying about autism acceptance.
- Consult with other college students on the spectrum for transition tips.
- Explain that rules can be broken.
- Don’t assume every autistic person has a responsibility to educate you on autism.
- Never force an autistic student to make eye contact.
- Don’t ask an autistic student to stop moving before listening to you.
- Visit the Autistic Self Advocacy Network website.
- Teach your child how to leverage honesty.
- Try to help your child find a voice.
- Allow people on the spectrum to be comfortable with who they are.
- Offer support and accommodations before advice.
- Ask “Why” a behavior is occurring.
- Teach your child to be a great autistic individual, not a second-class neurotypical.
- Tour all rooms/environments your child will use during school to anticipate supports that might be needed.
- Focus on abilities and avoid complaining about deficits.
- Don’t attack people for their advocacy choices. Offer opportunities for people to listen willingly.
- Consider using the term “constellation”instead of “spectrum” when referring to an autistic person.
- Offer help to new mothers on the spectrum.
- Don’t force your child to socialize regularlyor emphasize the need for a lot of friendships.
- Consider being open with your child about autism and emphasize the unique advantages it brings.
- Review some of the myths of autism and how your beliefs measure up.
- Avoid using labels to categorize autism.
- Check out The International Aspergirl Society.
- Encourage your child to spend time with others on the spectrum if they desire.
- Reject talking about autism as a disease.
- Explore some of the speech aids available on mobile devices.
- Interact with people on the spectrum.
- Teach your children about other autistic advocates.
- A lack of social skills doesn’t mean a lack of interest in socializing. Encourage growth in this area.
- Don’t be afraid to tell your child about their diagnosis.
- Don’t tell your child they are “bringing bullying on themselves.”
- Avoid offering unsolicited opinions about someone else’s child.
- Consider searching for museums nearby your child might enjoy. Prepare for the experience to ensure a successful experience.
- Prepare your child to be an adult with autism.
- Don’t allow autism to be polarizing. It’s not a black and white issue.
- Don’t speak over autistics.
- Seek out research that is conducted by or in collaboration with autistic people.
- Learn the distinctions between different types of social skills.
- Never assume “high functioning” autistics don’t have any struggles.
- Autism can appear a lot of different ways in different people. Don’t contribute to stereotypes.
- Sign up for the ASAN newsletter.
- Stay positive for your child.
- Teach and model how to show empathy in ways that will help in future relationships.
- Use multiple systems at home to offer praise, show growth, and highlight accomplishments.
- Introduce your child to literature that helps create mental toughness.
- Don’t push your child to be “normal.” Help your child embrace and appreciate differences.
- Maintain high expectations for your child.
- Avoid Halloween costumes and rituals that stigmatize disability.
- Ask someone with autism how you can best support them or accommodate them.
- Treat autistic people as experts on the autistic condition. Consult with them when you have questions.
- Encourage your children to fit in without losing their autistic identity.