As April 2 approaches, marking World Autism Awareness Day, many people prepare to participate in the “Light It Up Blue” campaign, a well-known initiative brought forth by Autism Speaks, a major non-profit organization in the realm of autism advocacy. This movement encourages individuals to adorn their social media profiles with blue frames, express their affection for autistic individuals, and contribute financially to Autism Speaks.
While the intentions behind these actions seem commendable, it is essential to recognize that Autism Speaks is not universally embraced within the autistic community. Many autistic individuals assert, “Autism Speaks does not represent me.”
If you choose to join in with Autism Speaks and their campaign, that’s your choice, and I am not here to criticize or judge. Prior to my child’s diagnosis, Autism Speaks was the sole autism organization I was aware of, and I believed their symbols, like the blue color and puzzle piece, were widely accepted.
However, I’ve since discovered that this belief is far from the truth.
Numerous autistic individuals have voiced their concerns about Autism Speaks, indicating a myriad of reasons for their discontent. While the organization has made efforts to rebrand, many still feel alienated due to its history of portraying autism in a negative light and prioritizing the perspectives of “autism parents” over those of autistic people.
Instead of reiterating my thoughts, I urge you to take some time to explore firsthand accounts from autistic individuals. Here are a few insights from autistic adults regarding their views on Autism Speaks:
Amy Sequenzia
Writing for the Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network, she expresses, “Autism Speaks reaches out to families by listing the deficits, difficulties and ‘pain’ that an Autistic child will face ‘forever.’ They create videos that suggest autism is the root of all the problems in the world.”
Cassandra Crosman
On her blog In The Loop About Neurodiversity, she states, “Many autistic people dislike the blue color used by Autism Speaks due to its association with outdated stereotypes about autism being primarily a male condition. This stereotype complicates the process for women and non-binary individuals seeking a diagnosis.”
Donnie Denome
In an opinion piece for The Student Life, he remarks, “My distrust for Autism Speaks stems from their portrayal of disabled individuals as burdens. I have no faith that they will genuinely embrace neurodiversity without distorting its meaning.”
This topic holds personal significance for me, as my son, Leo, was diagnosed with autism at an early age. From the moment I first saw him on an ultrasound, my love for him was unwavering. Upon his diagnosis, our developmental pediatrician cautioned us about Autism Speaks. He emphasized that their focus on finding a “cure” paints autism as a terrifying condition rather than a neurological variation. He directed us toward resources that view autism positively and encouraged us to embrace our child’s uniqueness.
We’ve chosen to support Leo by allowing him to be himself, focusing on therapies that nurture his interests, such as speech. Our goal is not for him to appear neurotypical but to thrive as his authentic self.
In our family, we choose to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day in a way that aligns with our values. Instead of “lighting it up blue,” we may follow the Red Instead movement, which promotes acceptance rather than mere awareness. The color red symbolizes passion and heart, contrasting with the blue often associated with loss and grief.
Another option is to “Light It Up Gold.” The Au suffix, representing gold, has become a popular self-identification for the autistic community. We love this idea and proudly share our message: “Gold is valuable, just like Leo! He’s AUtistic and AUsome!”
So, as April 2 nears, consider how you can show your support for the autistic community in a way that resonates with them. You can wear red, light it up gold, or simply acknowledge the remarkable autistic individuals in your life. Just remember, for many, the blue campaign does not feel like support, irrespective of the organization’s attempts to reframe their narrative.
For more insights on autism and effective ways to support autistic individuals, check out this article and resources from Cleveland Clinic that provide valuable information on related topics.
Summary
As World Autism Awareness Day approaches, it’s crucial to understand that not all autistic individuals support Autism Speaks or its initiatives like “Light It Up Blue.” Many prefer alternatives like the Red Instead movement or “Light It Up Gold,” which focus on acceptance and celebrate the uniqueness of autistic individuals. It’s important to listen to the voices of the autistic community and choose ways to support them that align with their perspectives.
Keyphrase
Autism Awareness Alternatives
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