2-8 April 2024 is World Autism Acceptance Week.
We hear more today than we used to about Autism
Awareness. But the idea of Autism Awareness is somewhat problematic. The
diagnostic conditions for Autism are based on how autistic people respond to
stressful situations (and diagnostic interviews are incredibly stressful).
These might include situational mutism, where someone finds themselves so
overwhelmed that they are unable to speak, that their voice is stolen from
them.
But if we take the time to reflect on it, we will
recognise that for all of us, for anyone, how we operate when we are under
stress is not the same as how we operate in environments where we are relaxed,
where we feel well-supported. Imagine how you would feel if I were to define
neurotypical people by how you operate under extreme stress! Neurotypicals don’t sleep, lack focus, have short tempers, and may be
prone to violence.
And so, the unwelcome result of growing Autism Awareness
is more people saying, ‘You
don’t come across as autistic.’ Or even, ‘We know that you aren’t meant to say “You don’t look autistic”—see how autism-aware we are!—but you just don’t come across as autistic.’
Perhaps my autistic engagement with rest and joy
doesn’t match your stress-based expectations. Perhaps I
am not autistic enough for you when I am running alongside someone (who I can
talk to without having to look at).
Acceptance goes beyond Awareness
because acceptance opens us to the lived experience of the
other. It is marked by taking a genuine interest in another person, rather than
prejudice based on stereotype. It does not mean (in any context) that we must
fully agree or fully affirm everything about one another; but it does require
of us a commitment to everyone having what they need for their wellbeing, their
wholeness, which the Bible calls shalom.
Awareness is unlikely to lead to acceptance. But
Acceptance might just result in a more rounded awareness.
What will you do to take part in World Autism
Acceptance Week?
