Autism rights movement: Difference between revisions
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== Autism Rights Movement == | |||
[[File:Autism_spectrum_infinity_awareness_symbol.svg|thumb|right|The infinity symbol is often used to represent the autism rights movement.]] | |||
The movement | The '''autism rights movement''' is a social movement that advocates for the rights and acceptance of individuals on the [[autism spectrum]]. It seeks to challenge the perception of autism as a disorder that needs to be cured and instead promotes the idea of [[neurodiversity]], which views autism as a variation in human functioning. | ||
== History == | |||
==Related | The autism rights movement began to gain momentum in the late 20th century as autistic individuals and their allies started to organize and advocate for their rights. The movement was influenced by the broader [[disability rights movement]] and the concept of [[self-advocacy]]. | ||
[[File:Autistic_Self_Advocacy_Network_symbol.gif|thumb|left|The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a prominent organization within the autism rights movement.]] | |||
== Key Concepts == | |||
=== Neurodiversity === | |||
The concept of [[neurodiversity]] is central to the autism rights movement. It posits that neurological differences, such as autism, are natural variations of the human genome and should be respected as such. This perspective challenges the traditional view of autism as a disorder that requires treatment or a cure. | |||
=== Self-Advocacy === | |||
Self-advocacy is a crucial aspect of the autism rights movement. It empowers autistic individuals to speak for themselves and make decisions about their own lives. Organizations like the [[Autistic Self Advocacy Network]] (ASAN) play a significant role in promoting self-advocacy. | |||
== Criticism of Traditional Approaches == | |||
The autism rights movement often criticizes traditional approaches to autism, such as [[Applied Behavior Analysis]] (ABA) and the search for a "cure" for autism. Activists argue that these approaches can be harmful and disrespectful to autistic individuals. | |||
[[File:Neurodiversity_Crowd_2.png|thumb|right|A gathering of neurodiversity advocates.]] | |||
== Organizations == | |||
Several organizations are prominent within the autism rights movement, including: | |||
* The [[Autistic Self Advocacy Network]] (ASAN) | |||
* The [[Autism Network International]] (ANI) | |||
These organizations work to promote the rights and acceptance of autistic individuals through advocacy, education, and policy change. | |||
== Controversies == | |||
The autism rights movement has been involved in controversies, particularly with organizations like [[Autism Speaks]], which some activists criticize for focusing on finding a cure for autism rather than promoting acceptance and support. | |||
== Awareness Campaigns == | |||
The movement promotes awareness campaigns that focus on acceptance and understanding rather than "awareness" in the traditional sense. Campaigns like "[[Autism Acceptance Month]]" are examples of this shift in focus. | |||
[[File:Light_it_Up_Blue_-_World_Autism_Awareness_Day_(8613785933).jpg|thumb|right|"Light It Up Blue" is a campaign associated with World Autism Awareness Day.]] | |||
== Related Pages == | |||
* [[Neurodiversity]] | |||
* [[Disability rights movement]] | |||
* [[Autistic Self Advocacy Network]] | |||
* [[Autism spectrum]] | * [[Autism spectrum]] | ||
== | == External Media == | ||
{{ | |||
{{Listen|filename=Bookbits_-_2011-05-03_John_Elder_Robison-Be_Different.vorb.oga|title=John Elder Robison discusses "Be Different"|description=An audio clip of John Elder Robison discussing his book "Be Different".}} | |||
[[Category:Autism]] | [[Category:Autism]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Disability rights]] | ||
[[Category:Social movements]] | |||
Latest revision as of 15:57, 21 February 2025
Autism Rights Movement[edit]

The autism rights movement is a social movement that advocates for the rights and acceptance of individuals on the autism spectrum. It seeks to challenge the perception of autism as a disorder that needs to be cured and instead promotes the idea of neurodiversity, which views autism as a variation in human functioning.
History[edit]
The autism rights movement began to gain momentum in the late 20th century as autistic individuals and their allies started to organize and advocate for their rights. The movement was influenced by the broader disability rights movement and the concept of self-advocacy.
Key Concepts[edit]
Neurodiversity[edit]
The concept of neurodiversity is central to the autism rights movement. It posits that neurological differences, such as autism, are natural variations of the human genome and should be respected as such. This perspective challenges the traditional view of autism as a disorder that requires treatment or a cure.
Self-Advocacy[edit]
Self-advocacy is a crucial aspect of the autism rights movement. It empowers autistic individuals to speak for themselves and make decisions about their own lives. Organizations like the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) play a significant role in promoting self-advocacy.
Criticism of Traditional Approaches[edit]
The autism rights movement often criticizes traditional approaches to autism, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the search for a "cure" for autism. Activists argue that these approaches can be harmful and disrespectful to autistic individuals.

Organizations[edit]
Several organizations are prominent within the autism rights movement, including:
- The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
- The Autism Network International (ANI)
These organizations work to promote the rights and acceptance of autistic individuals through advocacy, education, and policy change.
Controversies[edit]
The autism rights movement has been involved in controversies, particularly with organizations like Autism Speaks, which some activists criticize for focusing on finding a cure for autism rather than promoting acceptance and support.
Awareness Campaigns[edit]
The movement promotes awareness campaigns that focus on acceptance and understanding rather than "awareness" in the traditional sense. Campaigns like "Autism Acceptance Month" are examples of this shift in focus.
