Awareness Is Not Enough

Acceptance is about respect, loving people for who they are, and apologizing when something you’ve done or said inadvertently hurts people.

My Definition of Autism

I am who I am and there is no changing me. Accept me for who I am and you will see autism in a whole new light.

Acceptance vs. Awareness

Acceptance of autistic people, like acceptance of pretty much all people, involves moving past surface impressions.

Brotherly Bond

We’ve always been close and though he is clear across the world, I hope to always have our brotherly bond.

Becoming Whole: A Sibling’s Story

Standing in solidarity with Willie is the boldest statement I can make. I’m saying: not only is my brother worthy of love and belonging, not only is he uniquely gifted…he’s akin to me, and he’s my friend.

What advice would you give a family member about the importance of a person getting involved in self advocacy?

In the fall of 2011, Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered collaborated with six self-advocacy organizations to run focus forums with 10 to 30 peer leaders with developmental disabilities. Here are their responses.

Asperger’s Means That

Not having Asperger’s would mean not being me.

The Important Issues Self-Advocates are Speaking Up About

In the fall of 2011, Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered collaborated with eight self-advocacy organizations to run focus forums with 10 to 30 peer leaders with developmental disabilities. Here are their responses.

Empowerment

The way you are is OK. You don’t need to hide it.

Growing Up in an Institution

Disclaimer: The following contains the author’s recount of graphic events and may not be suitable for all ages.