Autism Awareness 101: What To Avoid

Today is World Autism Awareness Day. The challenge is that if you do a quick Google search, you will most likely come across outdated and problematic information about autism. 

Understandings of autism have evolved over time, but as you begin to deepen your understanding of autism, you may not be aware of what is considered problematic by the wider autistic community. Today, I'll go through three things to avoid and explain why they're problematic.

 
Note: Like almost everything that has to do with autism, what is considered problematic or outdated will depend on the individual. Someone who is autistic can choose whatever language, symbols, and concepts work for them.

Autism Awareness 101: What to Avoid

ABA

While ABA is considered the “gold standard” of care for autistic people in the United States and many other countries globally, many people feel that ABA is abusive and harmful. For example, ABA is related to gay conversion therapy and teaches children to stop their self-regulating behaviors. While in ABA, children are not allowed to say “no” or refuse any part of the program, which raises concerns about the importance of teaching children consent. In addition, studies show an increased rate of PTSD in autistics that have been involved in ABA.

Autism Speaks

Sadly, "Autism Speaks" is probably the best-known autism organization based in the United States, but it is also very problematic. Historically, it has been very fear-based and very cure-based (trying to cure autism makes about as much sense as saying you want to cure tallness because if you are tall, you might hit your head more often). Today, it is still problematic in its support of ABA (see above) and not centering the voices of those who are autistic but instead centering the parents of those who are autistic. "Autism Speaks" is known for speaking over the voices of those who are autistic.

Puzzle Piece:

The puzzle piece has a history of being associated with ableist groups claiming to act for the benefit of autistic people. The biggest problem with the puzzle piece logo is that it implies that there is something missing and that autistic people are somehow incomplete. Another problem with the puzzle piece is how infantilizing it is. Puzzles are toys associated with children. Although adults also enjoy them and should be able to, it’s unhelpful to use childish imagery for autism. Autistic people are already infantilized enough, and a common complaint of autistic adults is that we are treated like children.