#autismacceptancemonth2020

[amymyoung]

April 30: What would you like your final message of Autism Acceptance Month to be?

If you have met one autistic person, you've only met one autistic person. I was diagnosed late in life, and it's only because of my daughter being diagnosed that I was.

I have so many things I want to say that I could honestly go on for days. Being "different" isn't easy or fun. It's definitely not "cute". But I am thankful for people like Temple Grandin, and even Courtney Love - all different expressions of the spectrum.

And don't give money to Autism Speaks. They don't speak for anyone but themselves.

[amymyoung]

April 29: Why is acceptance important? What does it mean to you?

It means that people aren't judged for their differences. That the difference is considered a part of being human. Like having blue eyes instead of brown eyes.

[amymyoung]

April 28: Are you LGBT? Discuss the intersection between both identities.

Yes. I am pansexual, and yes I'm married to a man. Doesn't change that I'm attracted to men, women and non-binary folks.

I knew I was pansexual before I had a definite autism diagnosis. Both are misunderstood and the bullshit we have to deal with is off the charts.

[amymyoung]

April 27: Do you have any vocal stims or echolalia? Can you give any examples?

I will hum while I'm working out something stressful. I used to repeat sounds (quietly) as a child. I kind of grew out of it. Sounds still interest me (hence music being one of my special interests)

[amymyoung]

April 26: In what ways can allistic people better accommodate you and other autistic people? What would you consider helpful?

The big one - LISTEN TO US. Not every autistic person has the same issues. My issues are with food texture and light/sound. Being able to make sure that these things are being accommodated helps me.

[amymyoung]

April 25: Do you know any other autistic people off the internet? Is anyone else in your family autistic or are you the only one? Do you wish you knew more?

My spouse and daughter are. I was the last of the three of us to be diagnosed. It was suspected for a long time. Not too many of my family are neurotypical.

I know a lot of people who are neurodiverse. In fact "normal" people are the rarity in my life!

[amymyoung]

April 24: Talk about community. What does the autistic community mean to you? Is it important? How does it feel?

My daughter is more in the community than I am. At least locally there is not a lot of things aimed at adults. Plus, I am a huge introvert to start.

I like being able to reach out when I need to and when I can help others. I have a deep psychology background so there are things that I wholly disagree with. But I understand why things are that way.

[amymyoung]

April 23: Do you have any internal rules? What are they?

My basic rule is to treat others the way I want to be treated.