What is Autism?

We focus on the social model of autism, rather than models which pathologise the condition and frame autism through the lens of deficit. We recognise autism as an identity and a culture, and as such, celebrate neurodiversity.

We believe in treating each person with dignity, humanity, empathy and respect and endorse the words of Dr Melanie Heyworth the founder and CEO of organisation Reframing Autism. Below is an excerpt from her article “Manifesto for allies adopting an acceptance approach to Autism"

What is Autism?

Autism is a complex neurological developmental variant, which begins in utero and is lifelong. Autism is a difference in the nervous system (primarily affecting the brain and nerves) that is intrinsic to an individual. Autism manifests as developmental differences, so that Autistic individuals think, move, interact, sense and process atypically or differently to a standardised norm.

It also means that Autistic individuals have certain characteristic qualities, including differences in the way they:

· communicate, with many classed as non-traditional communicators,

· experience and display emotions,

· interact with others,

· form and define friendships and relationships,

· engage in areas of passion or expertise,

· innovate, imagine, and play,

· see patterns and connections, and

· perceive or sense the world.

The exact nature of these Autistic brain differences is unique to each Autistic individual so there is no one “Autistic” way of communicating, interacting, reacting, perceiving and sensing.

This Autistic understanding of Autism replaces the concept of ‘disorder’ with ‘difference’. It is the cornerstone of adopting an acceptance approach to Autism. When an Autistic individual perceives Autism as an identifiable difference, rather than an diagnosable disorder this can be a vital step to self-acceptance and self-advocacy.

Links to the ‘Autistic Voice’

https://www.reframingautism.com.au/a-manifesto-for-allies-adopting-an-acceptance-approach-to-autism/