Autistic Empowerment

My therapeutic work with autistic & developmentally different persons, there's some core principles I have developed.

a. Behavior is communication: They may be making a grave mistake when they basically seek to close down or suppress with powerful psychiatric drugs what they judge to be 'unwanted' behaviors. Behaviors, even those may deem 'unwanted' may be for some the only means to convey their needs or distress.

b. Presume intellect: Because a person is non-verbal or struggles in communication does not mean they are not smart nor have nothing to say. They must explore & utilize the strengths & passions of the person.

c. Relationship: To help autistic persons forge emotional connections, navigate through the mainstream, & learn new skills, the key is relationship. They must be willing to forge a bond with the person, to truly seek to understand their experience, their world, how they find meaning, to know them as a fellow human being. One time they forge relationship, they can generate a common healing ground

d. Self-Advocacy: If they need to understand autism, they must be willing to enter their world, not force them to enter our own. They must be willing to validate self-advocates & seek knowledge about the autistic mode of being from those who actually live it each day.

e. Respect: It is necessary for respect to exist & this means as well that they do nothing to force, coerce, or manipulate the person. They regard them as a person worthy of dignity. Our role is to advocate & support, not seek to adjust the person in to something they are not nor need be.

Do not see my disability as the issue. Recognize that my disability is an attribute. Do not see my disability as a deficit. It is you who see me as deviant & helpless. Do not try to fix me because I am not broken. Support me. I can make my contribution to the community in my own way. Do not see me as your client. I am your fellow citizen. See me as your neighbor. Keep in mind, none of us can be self-sufficient. Do not try to modify my behavior. Be still & listen. What you define as inappropriate may be my try to communicate with you in the only way I can. Do not try to modify me. You have no right. Help me to learn what I need to know. Do not hide your uncertainty behind 'professional' distance.

Be a that listens & does not take my struggle away from me by trying to make it all better. Do not use theories & strategies on me. Be with me. & when they struggle with each other, Let that give rise to self-reflection. Do not try to control me. I have a right to my power as a person. What you call noncompliance or alteration may very well be the only way I can exert some control over my life. Do not teach me to be obedient, submissive, & polite. I need to feel entitled to say 'no' if I am to protect myself.

Do not be charitable towards me. Be my ally as I fight against those who exploit me for their own gratification. Do not try to be my mate. I deserve over that. Get to know me. They may become friends. Do not help me, even if it does make you feel lovely. Ask me if I need your help. Let me show you the way you can best assist me. Do not admire me. A desire to live a full life does not warrant adoration. Respect me, for respect presumes equity. Do not tell, teach, & lead. Listen, support, & follow. Do not work on me. Work with me.