The #ActuallyAutistic Guide to Advocacy: Step-by-Step Advice on How to Ally and Speak Up with Autistic People and the Autism Community

by Jenna Gensic, Jennifer Brunton

Overview

The #ActuallyAutistic Guide to Advocacy takes an in-depth look at the key elements of effective, respectful, inclusive advocacy and allyship. Every topic was chosen, shaped, and informed by #ActuallyAutistic perspectives.

The step-by-step guide discusses various aspects of how autism is perceived, explores how best to speak up for individual needs, and introduces advocacy for the wider autistic community. Each step outlines one vital aspect of advocacy and allyship, such as emphasizing acceptance, avoiding assumptions and assuming competence. The advice and strategies laid out in this guide center the wisdom and experiences of Autistic people and enable the reader to confidently speak up with insight and understanding.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781787759732
Publisher:	Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publication date:	02/21/2022
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	5.35(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.79(d)

About the Author

Dr. Jennifer Elizabeth Brunton is a neurodivergent academic turned freelance writer and editor. She has extensive writing and editing experience with a variety of diverse publications. She also runs the neurodiverse parenting and advocacy blog, Full Spectrum Mama.

Jenna Gensic is a freelance writer and disability advocate. Jenna is the author of What Your Child on the Spectrum Really Needs: Advice From 12 Autistic Adults, and she manages the Learn from Autistics website and regularly engages with the autistic community and shares autistic expertise. She has an autistic brother and son and writes and speaks about parenting issues related to prematurity, cerebral palsy, and autism.

Table of Contents

Introduction 11

Stage 1 Building an Advocacy Base by Learning and Listening

Step 1 Emphasize Acceptance 35

Replace panic with steady growth in awareness/acceptance 37

Reframe autism as a way of being (not a tragedy) 41

Focus on eliminating barriers instead of so-called "bad" behaviors/attributes 51

Work for change in society, cultures, and institutions, not Autistic people 56

Be sensitive to the details but work towards the bigger picture 61

Step 2 Adopt a Balanced Perspective 68

Avoid assumptions about savantism 69

Take the entire lifespan into account 72

Avoid stereotyping by gender 77

Acknowledge strengths and weaknesses as with all humans 80

Step 3 Presume Competence 86

Distinguish between autism and other intellectual differences and disabilities 87

Understand that neuro-normalized methods are often used to determine competence 90

Listen, listen, listen-even when someone isn't talking at the speed you'd prefer 92

Be aware that over-sheltering can prevent people from growing 96

Step 4 Advocate for Individuals 102

Embrace respectful story sharing 103

Be aware of the perils of blanket assumptions 107

Always get to know the Autistic person first 112

Never expect a one-size-fits-all-solution 115

Beware of inspiration porn 118

Honor the diverse aspects of Autistic people 122

Stage 2 Implementing #Actually Autistic Advice in Your Own ND Family, Classroom, or Practice

Step 5 Advocate for Things Autistic People Actually Want 131

Explore only Autistic-initiated therapies 132

Honor diverse relationships 150

Use language carefully-person-first language versus identity-first language 154

Consider the social model of disability 158

Practice neurodiversity-friendly school and workplace advocacy 161

Step 6 Stay Centered on the Autistic Person's Needs and Dreams 176

Remember that many Autistic people don't want to look or act NT 177

Recognize that a neurotypical's vision of a happy life might not be the same as an Autistic person's vision 184

Listen to Autistic people (and your child) over NT parents and other "experts" 189

Be sensitive to using intent as an excuse 194

Distinguish between meltdowns and tantrums 197

Practice appropriate aspects of independent living at every age 200

Step 7 Include All Autistic People 210

Defer to Autistic people as the experts in autism 211

Acknowledge and respect the authority of all Autistic people of varying skills sets 218

Remember that while one particular Autistic person may have unique autism characteristics, they may nonetheless have broadly useful insights 222

Stage 3 Public Advocacy for Autism Understanding and Acceptance

Step 8 Connect Respectfully with Actually Autistic People 232

Reach out to the Autistic community (take the first step) 233

Conduct inclusive research 244

Treat Autistic people as people, not study subjects 248

Learn about the intersection of race and disability 252

Support and/or work with/for organizations that are disability-friendly 259

Step 9 Put Theory into Practice 265

Be a continual student and implement your own advice 266

Stay on top of technology trends 270

Recognize and acknowledge past flaws, and move forward 271

Advocacy Goals Checklist for Easy Self-Improvement 275

Interviewee Bios 280

References 305

Subject Index 311

Author Index 316

Editorial Reviews

Brunton and Gensic have created a tremendous resource with The #ActuallyAutistic Guide to Advocacy, a book that takes much of the ponderous burden of self-advocacy off our Autistic shoulders. I am deeply grateful for their work. Instead of burning myself out, explaining the same things over and over, I can hand a copy of this book to my supervisor, professor, clients' parents, or potential friends and partners. Every person who cares for, cares about, or interacts with Autistic people must read this book!

Maxfield Sparrow

An essential social justice tool for our times, The #ActuallyAutistic Guide to Advocacy brings together dozens of professionals and advocates from a spectrum of backgrounds to unfold a complex topic into a practical guidebook for allyship and advocacy. Filled with wisdom about the Autistic community and culture, the book provides direct approaches to fostering inclusivity, belonging, and equity for Autistics of all ages. The authors present sensitive topics in a diplomatic and linear way, which serves to broaden the reader's perspective and awareness. As a bonus, the comprehensive list of interviewee bios-a powerful mix of neurovariant and neurodivergent individuals-is a launchpad to additional neurodiversity resources. I gladly recommend The #ActuallyAutistic Guide to Advocacy to caregivers, allies, and advocates alike, and to any person wishing to expand their understanding of life on the spectrum.

Samantha Craft (aka Marcelle Ciampi)

The #ActuallyAutistic Guide thoughtfully presents a wide range of Autistic voices seeking to shape advocacy and allyship strategies that will not only improve the lives of neurodivergent people, but make the world a better place for everyone.

John Elder Robison

The disability model needs to be eliminated and autistic abilities in music, art, math, and memory should be celebrated. This book will guide advocates and help change negative perceptions of autism. Guidance from autistic people is essential for understanding how autistics perceive the world differently.

Temple Grandin