Being autistic is hard enough. To add skin colour or other factors on top where society doesn’t give you an equal voice is even worse. In this blog, I’m going to break down how we can show up for our fellow autistics from different minorities this Autism Acceptance month.
1. Understand Your Privilege
More than likely, because of how our society works, if you’re white you will have a bigger voice in any groups.
What I’m asking here is that you acknowledge that so you can use your position. This means we can help those with less voice get the chance to speak up.
2. Listen/Read Material From The Minorities
There are some incredible voices out there who share their experiences of being black and autistic. Kala Allen Omeiza wrote a book about it called Autistic and Black.
Learn from the minorities to educate yourself. This will also help others to see all the beautiful diversity of our community.
3. Spotlight Their Work
As an autistic white female, I know I have more of a platform than others. I hope to use that to allow the incredible work the vocal advocates are doing to be recognised. That means giving a platform and recognition of their expertise for others to learn from.
Want to check out more points of view? Check out Kaishawna, Oli, Kaligirwa, Kelechi Okafor, Tiffany L Hammond and Nadia on Instagram to learn something new.
4. Let Them Speak
Should there be a point where you have sway or any kind of influence, try not to speak for what you don’t know. I won’t say I know what it’s like to be autistic and black. I can’t speak of experience because I don’t have any.
Instead, I would try and point people in the direction of those who have the lived experience to inform us better. Admitting that allows those with that experience to speak where they may not have been able to before.
5. Work Together
Surprisingly enough, if we want our society to be fairer to all, we have to work together. We have to show a united front. Our diversity as a community is what we need to make out society better.
We need every member standing together and showing what we’re capable of. It could get us the support we need to live our best lives. One voice isn’t enough. Multiple voices from all backgrounds will show just how diverse we are.
These are only five points as to how to show up for autistic minorities, giving them a voice in a world not necessarily made for them. Striving to listen to those voices and give them the respect they deserve can make our communities better, stronger and bring us together. And who wouldn’t want to be seen and valued for who they are?