Even events that seem neutral/positive in their coverage can be upsetting if they use puzzle piece imagery or are sponsored by Autism Speaks. [7] X Research source
Try dressing in #RedInstead together. Use the neurodiversity symbol. Go to (or organize!) local Autism Acceptance events and discuss acceptance in your community.
Puzzle piece motifs tend to be associated with Autism Speaks and their cohorts, so stay away from these. [9] X Research source “Light It Up Blue” is from Autism Speaks. [10] X Research source Autism acceptance proponents tend to use infinity signs (which symbolize neurodiversity[11] X Research source ), rainbows, and red (from #RedInstead, formerly #WalkInRed).
Ethical, fun/neutral therapy is absolutely okay. Extinguishing harmless symptoms, like non-destructive stimming, special interests, or personal oddities (e. g. , not wanting many friends) is damaging and not okay.
This can help distract them from hate speech and ethical problems.
Pay especially close attention if they are a self-advocate or if they fight stigma. Autistic people have a strong sense of justice and may need to be reminded that they cannot solve the world’s problems, no matter how hard they work.
Use this month to practice your patience and listening skills. Give them age-appropriate opportunities to help out and feel useful. Encourage their strengths and applaud their successes.
Validate their feelings. It’s okay if you need to pause to think before responding. Autistic people understand, and this is a difficult problem with no easy answers. It’s okay to simply say “I’m so sorry to hear that” and “That’s too bad. " Sometimes that’s all you can say.
