Transitioning from autism self-advocacy to advocating for the neurodiverse community

Abstract

Background: In this article, I reflect on my continuing journey of becoming an autism self-advocate and how this has extended to advocate for the broader neurodiverse community.

Objectives: I aimed to provide an academic analysis of the value of autism self-advocacy with special reference to building resilience to confront discrimination and advocating for equal opportunities, support and inclusion.

Method: My autoethnographic reflections are fused with those of my co-constructors to present critical incidents that defined my journey of becoming an internationally recognised advocate for autism.

Results: Education has been the transformative force that has changed my life, granting me opportunities to advocate for my broader neurodiverse community on various local and international platforms and guiding me to create an ecosystem of family and professionals who continuously support me and others who are neurodiverse. My advocacy, which aims at raising autism awareness, has changed the perceptions of the community of practice as well as others with an interest in supporting and including individuals living with autism in a significant way.

Conclusion: A network of care and support is required to sustain autism self-advocacy and to build on it to advocate for the broader neurodiverse community.

Contribution: This demonstrates the need for educating stakeholders to raise their expectations for autistic children and adults and for teachers and psychologists to continue supporting families and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to realise their full human potential.