April brings along a time which many autistics find incredibly uncomfortable due to Autism Speaks’ Light It Up Blue campaign. While I am a very firm supporter of Autism acceptance, I am NOT a supporter of Autism speaks. There’s a brilliant article here that explains far better than I could ever do:
So…how can you show your acceptance of the autistics in your life without support an organization that has never shown acceptance? Here’s a few tips:
– keep your voice low.
– include us in your invitations to parties & social gatherings, but don’t pressure us. Take no at face value.
– ask before hugging.
– don’t wear strong perfume or cologne.
– understand we don’t stim to embarrass you, we stim because it is necessary.
– we’re not always aware of what conversations are socially acceptable, and we often forget how a conversation is supposed to flow. We aren’t being self-absorbed or disrespectful, our brains jsut don’t trigger on the social cues which others do.
Author Dahlia Donovan 
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