Image Description: A selfie of Charlie sitting at a pub wearing silvery-blue headphones and a rainbow-coloured jumper.

As an Autistic person, I’m calling for Autism acceptance, not awareness in April. Why? Because awareness - “Be aware! Here be Autistics!” - makes us out to be creatures to be avoided. Whereas accepting Autism – “Rejoice! Here be Autistics!” – requires understanding and inclusion of Autistic folk. How do we achieve Autism acceptance?

First is understanding what Autism is (it's a type of brain), how it influences functioning (thinking, feelings, sensations, movement), and what the needs of Autistic people are (low sensory environments, visual supports, brain and movement breaks, literal communication, patience with question-asking, etc). For a deeper dive, check out @reframing_autism and @yellowladybugs_autism.

Next comes acceptance that the Autistic brain is different to the neurotypical brain. This sounds obvious. However, when I tell people that I’m Autistic, a common response is – “we’re all a little bit Autistic” or “we are all somewhere on the spectrum”. No! You can’t have a little bit of an Autistic brain any more than you can be a little bit pregnant. The Autistic brain is built and wired differently from the neurotypical brain.

The hardest thing for most people to accept is that Autistic adults have Autistic access needs that are real and valid. An online troll has asked me if I expect “special treatment?” While I don’t expect a red carpet and horns to herald my every departure from the house, I know that the standard neurotypical treatment doesn’t allow me to fully participate in the community. That’s unfair.

For example, I requested that a local swimming pool stop playing loud pop music all the time, everywhere. My request was denied because “staff enjoy the party atmosphere”, as if I was a party-pooper. However, their loud music was so draining and disruptive to my Autistic brain that I had to stop using the pool. I need people to accept that my Autistic need for low-sensory environments is just as vital to my participation as my need for ramps when I’m using my mobility scooter.

For Autism Acceptance Month, I ask you to understand, respect and include Autistic-me.

About the author:

Charlie Park (she/they) is an influential disability writer, educator and consultant working on Boon Wurrang Lands in Melbourne. They retired early from their career in clinical child psychology due to disabling chronic illnesses and late diagnosed Autism. Charlie now uses her lived and professional experience to advocate for a world that is more accommodating of neurodivergence and patients with chronic illnesses. Charlie is represented by @championhealthagency. Follow them @meanderingpark.