“There is no one way to be autistic. Some autistic people can speak, and some autistic people need to communicate in other ways. Some autistic people also have intellectual disabilities, and some autistic people don’t. Some autistic people need a lot of help in their day-to-day lives, and some autistic people only need a little help. All of these people are autistic, because there is no right or wrong way to be autistic. All of us experience autism differently, but we all contribute to the world in meaningful ways. We all deserve understanding and acceptance.”
- Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
In 2011, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) declared a shift from Autism Awareness Month to Autism Acceptance Month. This change in language was accompanied by a call to make acceptance of people with autism a year-round priority. In 2021, other organizations nationwide are following suit with this language shift. In order to become more aware of the experiences of individuals with autism it is vital to listen to the perspectives of self-advocates. “Self-advocacy” is a term rooted in the disability rights movement and refers to people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) expressing their own views and perspectives rather than others speaking for them. The ASAN has many resources on the topic of self-advocacy including materials on language, accessibility, and policy issues.
At the University of New Mexico and statewide there are many resources to better educate oneself on the experiences of people with autism. The UNM Center for Development and Disability (CDD) has an Autism Portal which includes a library of online trainings. The UNM CDD also offers trainings to community organizations to support them in becoming more accessible spaces for people with autism. The Accessibility Resource Center offers many resources and support services for UNM students with disabilities. For those who are interested in policy issues related to the rights of individuals with autism in our state, Disability Rights New Mexico has detailed reports on topics covered in the most recent legislative session. Finally, the New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Council has several programs for people with IDD including the Center for Self Advocacy Program.