THIS is how we treat #autism. Not by trying to “cure” it through eradication and ignorance, but by curing the world with empathy and compassion. It’s as simple as that.

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#StandUpForScience #fucktrump #fuckRFK #impeachRFK #vaccines #impeachtrump #MakeAmericaSaneAgain

That’s not a radical or dangerous idea. It’s really not much at all.

So how about instead of trying to “fix” autism, we fix the perception of autism? How about instead of trying to erase autism from the world, we make one that includes autistic people?

We are not lab rats. We don’t want to be cured. And you’re telling us you’d see your child dead than autistic. That says you see us as less than human when we are, in fact, just as human.

All we want is our existence respected, to be included, and a more accommodating world.

We are different, and that’s okay. Being different shouldn’t come at the cost of having our existence squandered and demonized just to score brownie points.

You insult autistic people everywhere by trying to erase autism with “cures” and “studies” and spreading vaccine misinformation.

We’re all human. And we deserve to be respected and treated as such. Not turned into memes or being made the butt of jokes. Not used to justify your fear and ignorance of science. Not as a scapegoat to push your political agenda or spread misinformation.

And there are millions of autistic people out there who are just like me. Trying to live normal lives and navigate a world that can be confusing or overwhelming at times, like everyone else. Yeah there’s some of us that need more support and care, but we all have one thing in common.

And I’m not afraid to speak up about my autism and it’s shaped me and my life. My diagnosis is part of me, but I don’t let it define me. Because in the end, I’m just as human as you, the person reading this. I am more than just a word. And I am not the stereotypes or stigma that go with it.

And I am most certainly not voiceless. On the last No Kings Day, I was one of the many thousands in my city who marched against Trump. I’ve circulated and signed petitions. I’ve canvassed for candidates. I’ve sent letters to Congress and other agencies. I’m involved in a local progressive group.