This blog was written by a guest blogger T Jamaica Pogue. T is an AuDHD writer, podcaster and travel vlogger with a passion for challenging stereotypes and misconceptions by transforming society views on autism, ADHD and anxiety. She is the host of Beyond Deconstructing Podcast and Untethered Vlog Series. You can follow her @deconstructing.neuro on Instagram, TikTok, and Threads.
The journey from autism awareness to autism acceptance is crucial for creating a more inclusive and equitable society. While awareness helps to identify and acknowledge autism, acceptance means understanding, valuing, and supporting autistic individuals as equals rather than trying to force us to conform to a neurotypical standard. This transition begins with decolonizing our views on mental health and embracing neuro-affirming approaches rooted in the principles of neurodiversity.
To make this shift, we must first recognize that the current mental health system is deeply entrenched in a framework shaped by colonialism, white supremacy, and ableism. Historically, the medical model of disability has pathologized autism and neurodivergence as deviations from the "normal" human condition, casting them as deficits to be fixed rather than differences to be respected and embraced. But to truly move from awareness to acceptance, we must critically examine and dismantle the exclusionary foundations that uphold this flawed system.
Decolonizing Mental Health: Challenging the Foundation
The foundation of modern mental health practices is built on colonial ideals of normalcy, intelligence, and ability. These ideals have not only centered whiteness and Eurocentric ways of thinking but have also marginalized, excluded, and pathologized BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals. The diagnosis and treatment of autism
have been shaped by these biases, leading to a system that privileges white, middle-class experiences and often misinterprets the behaviors of autistic individuals from marginalized communities.
For example, historical practices like the Hiawatha Asylum for Insane Indians show how colonial violence extended to mental health, where Indigenous practices and ways of knowing were criminalized, and Indigenous individuals were pathologized for their cultural differences. Such practices have set a precedent for modern mental health systems that still struggle to accommodate cultural diversity and alternative ways of being. Decolonizing mental health requires us to dismantle these legacies of colonialism and reframe our understanding of autism and neurodiversity within a more inclusive and respectful context.
This involves questioning the dominant narrative that sees neurotypicality as the ideal state of being. Rather than viewing autism and other forms of neurodivergence as
deviations from this ideal, we must embrace them as natural variations in human cognition. By decolonizing our views on mental health, we open the door to a more expansive understanding of autism that acknowledges and values our experiences, rather than trying to force us into a narrow, neurotypical mold.
Understanding Neurodiversity: A Path to Acceptance
The neurodiversity movement, which gained prominence in the 1990s, offers a powerful framework for this shift. It posits that neurological differences, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others, are natural variations in the human experience rather than deficits to be "fixed" or "cured." Neurodiversity challenges the idea that there is one "right" way of thinking, learning, or processing information, and instead celebrates the rich diversity of human cognition.
At the heart of neurodiversity is the recognition that different does not mean less than. This perspective aligns with the social model of disability, which affirms that disability arises not from the individual's differences but from the societal barriers that fail to accommodate those differences. In the context of autism, this means that autistic individuals are not solely disabled by our neurological makeup, but primarily by the societal expectations and structures that privilege neurotypical ways of being.
To make the leap from autism awareness to autism acceptance, we must embrace this neuro-affirming approach. Acceptance means creating environments that are inclusive and supportive of autistic and other neurodivergent individuals, where our needs are understood and respected, and where we are free to be our authentic selves without pressure to mask or conform to neurotypical norms. It means challenging ableist assumptions and practices that seek to "fix" autistic individuals, and instead focusing on providing the accommodations and support we need to thrive on our terms.
What Autism Acceptance Looks Like
Autism acceptance is not just about tolerating differences—it’s about actively valuing and embracing those differences as part of the rich tapestry of human diversity. This shift requires both individual and systemic change. On a personal level, it involves educating ourselves about neurodiversity, challenging our biases, and listening to the voices of autistic individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities who have historically been excluded from the conversation.
On a systemic level, autism acceptance means creating policies and practices that are truly inclusive. This includes revising diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches to
better reflect the diverse ways that autism presents in different individuals and communities. It also means ensuring that neurodivergent voices are centered in discussions about autism and mental health, and that our experiences are recognized as valid and valuable contributions to our understanding of the human mind.
In education, workplaces, and healthcare, we must adopt neuro-affirming practices that prioritize the needs and preferences of neurodivergent people. For example, instead of using behavioral interventions that seek to suppress autistic traits, we should focus on
creating environments that are sensory-friendly and supportive of different communication styles. In schools, this could mean offering alternative learning methods that cater to different cognitive styles. In the workplace, it could mean providing flexible schedules, work from home accommodations, or quiet spaces that accommodate sensory sensitivities. And in healthcare, it means shifting away from a deficit-based model of autism and towards one that focuses on supporting autistic people in living fulfilling lives - moving from simply surviving to thriving.
Moving Forward: A Call to Action
The journey to shift our minds from autism awareness to autism acceptance is a journey of decolonization and re-education. It requires us to challenge deeply ingrained beliefs about normalcy, intelligence, and ability, and to embrace a more expansive understanding of human diversity. It demands that we listen to and center the voices of autistic individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities.
At its core, this journey is about shifting from a model of pathology to one of acceptance and celebration. It is about recognizing that autistic people have unique strengths, perspectives, and contributions to offer, and that these should be valued and supported rather than suppressed or "fixed." It is about creating a world where neurodivergent individuals can thrive as our authentic selves, free from the pressures of conformity and ableism.
Autism acceptance is not just a moral imperative—it is a necessary step towards a more just and inclusive society. By decolonizing our views on mental health and embracing neuro-affirming approaches, we can begin to build a world that truly values and supports all minds, not just those that fit into a narrow definition of normalcy.
Sources
"Decolonizing Mental Health: A Reflection on Race, Communities, and the Mental Healthcare System." WORLD Channel. Published April 21, 2021.
"Neurodivergent, adj." Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford University Press. Accessed [13 Aug 2024]. https://www.oed.com.
"Neurotypical, adj." Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford University Press. Accessed [13 Aug 2024]. https://www.oed.com.
This is a great article! I am the mother of 2 children with autism and have my own non-profit for autism awareness and acceptance called JCole Advocacy, Inc. I will definitely reference this article as I share my journey with people.