Inclusivity Newsletter
April 2023 Edition VII
Hello Creekside!
April is Autism Acceptance Month!! This newsletter will talk about how we can be more accepting to the Autistic community.
Please reach out if you have any questions!
Autism
What it is?
Autism is NOT bad, wrong, and does not need to be cured. It does not mean anti-social, poorly behaved, or unintelligent. It does not mean a child will not make progress, communicate, have friends, excel in school, have a job, get married, or anything else. Autism is not a word to be avoided and is not anything to be ashamed of.
Strengths in Autism
Excellent Memory Skills
Hyperlexia
Hyperfocus
Attention to Detail
Visual Learner
Analytical
Creative Thinking
Strong Sense of Justice
Accepting of Others’ Differences
How can we be more neurodiveristy affirming?
Vocabulary to use and avoid
Neurotypicals - those who do not have a brain difference; someone who thinks and processes information in ways that are typical within their culture
Neurodivergents - those with a brain difference (e.g., ADHD, Autism); people who experience and interact with the world around them in different ways
Autistic vs. Person with Autism
A majority of individuals in the autistic community prefer identity-first language because their autism makes them who they are - Autistic
Functioning Labels
Using functioning labels (e.g., high/low functioning) can be offensive and we don't use it to describe neurotypicals, so why should we use it to describe autistics
Instead describe the individual's ability and challenges with specificity (e.g., Student communicates differently and has challenges with their regulation)
Asperger’s Syndrome
This is no longer a diagnosis so please do not describe an individual as having this
Many autistics also do not like this label as Hans Asperger had strong ties to the Nazis
A resource for more neurodiversity affirming vocabulary: https://reframingautism.org.au/neurodiversity-affirming-language-a-letter-to-your-childs-support-network/
How can we celebrate autism acceptance?
Light it Up Red
The autistic community is moving away from the “Light it up Blue” campaign because it was initiated by the Autism Speaks organization
In the past, this organization has sought a “cure” for autism and has created the stigma that autism is “bad” and a huge “burden” for the community
In 2019, only .16% of the Autism Speaks budget went to supporting autistic individuals and families
Blue was chosen originally as it was thought that autism occurred mostly in boys (which is not the case)
“Light it up Red” is what the majority of the autistic community is participating in
It is the counter campaign for “Light it up Blue”
Red represents love, ambition, and respect
Puzzle Piece vs Infinity Symbol
A majority of the autistic community do not like the puzzle piece
They are not a riddle to be solved nor does their autism make them incomplete
In 2018, the puzzle piece was replaced with a rainbow colored infinity symbol
Represents a spectrum, diversity, and differences
It removes the idea that autistics are lacking something that makes them less human than the rest of the world
Books celebrating differences
Aurora's Gift: https://youtu.be/zsfvSbHpOqc
My Brother Charlie: https://youtu.be/CxdxMw1OvTw
Autism Is...?: https://youtu.be/l55N8AcvpcA
A Friend for Henry: https://youtu.be/ZA8EY7fXuhc
Ian's Walk: https://youtu.be/zwzsGrUxzTc
My Friend Has Autism: https://youtu.be/zHw4qaDDFvk
All My Stripes: https://youtu.be/5gaLxpifMcQ
Uniquely Wired: https://youtu.be/l5B37mgNlvs
A Friend Like Simon: https://youtu.be/28vWoGvkEp4
The Girl Who Though in Pictures: https://www.youtube.com/embed/jcruLjS0PJY
Benny Doesn't Like to be Hugged: https://www.youtube.com/embed/QuVbq2Rx3AE
Noah Chases the Wind: https://www.youtube.com/embed/KVtmova3mwI
Leah's Voice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwA8iVYWcGA
It's Okay to be Different: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zrm4dC3Poe0
The Cow that Laid an Egg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOYQJOGnIUM
Neurodiversity Affirming Resources
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) - https://autisticadvocacy.org/
Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN) - https://awnnetwork.org/
Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) - https://www.sabeusa.org/
Autistic People of Color Fund - https://autismandrace.com/autistic-people-of-color-fund/
CommunicationFIRST - https://communicationfirst.org/
Previous Newsletters
Edition II - Sensory Processing Disorder and Autism
Edition III - International Day of Persons with Disabilities and Riyalynn
Edition IV - Autism: https://www.smore.com/jryt5
Edition V - Inclusion: https://www.smore.com/bygj2
Edition VI - Neurodiversity Celebration Week and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: https://www.smore.com/4uv5a
Connect With:
Speech-Language Pathologist
Email: ahauke@powayusd.com