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The '''autism rights movement''' is a [[social movement]] that wants changes for [[autism|autistic]] people and their [[caregiver]]s. It wants the [[autism spectrum]] to be accepted by [[society]] as just a difference in ability to function in daily life. It does not believe autism is a [[mental disorder]] that needs to be cured.<ref name="Solomon">{{cite news |work=New York |title=The autism rights movement |last=Solomon |first=Andrew |date=25 May 2008 |accessdate= |url=http://nymag.com/news/features/47225/| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20080527025140/http://nymag.com/news/features/47225/| archivedate= 27 May 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>
== Autism Rights Movement ==


The autism rights movement is sometimes [[controversy|controversial]].  It [[argument|argues]] against the [[belief]] that most people with autism have [[mental retardation|low intelligence]]. Some people in the movement do not agree that this is true.<ref name=Synapse>{{cite web|url=http://autism-help.org/points-autism-rights-movement.htm|publisher=Synapse.org.au|title=The autism rights movement}}</ref> There is fear that professionals, such as [[social worker]]s, may try to prevent autistics from being [[marriage|married]] or having children. Also, people in the movement say that autistic people should not be treated differently from anyone else.
[[File:Autism_spectrum_infinity_awareness_symbol.svg|thumb|right|The infinity symbol is often used to represent the autism rights movement.]]


The movement has a variety of goals:
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.
* more acceptance of autistic behavior<ref name=AAP>[http://www.taaproject.com/about-us/mission-statement/ Mission Statement.] Autism Acceptance Project.</ref>
* treatment to teach autistic people how to cope with daily life<ref name=AFF>[http://www.aspiesforfreedom.com/ Mission Statement.] Aspies for Freedom.</ref>
* opposing cures for autism<ref name="Solomon"/>
* creating more [[social network]]s and events for autistic people to attend as they are able<ref name=Autreat>[http://ani.autistics.org/autreat.html Autism Network International presents Autreat.] AIN.</ref>
* recognizing autistic people as a [[minority group]]<ref name=UN>{{cite press release |url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/11/prweb179444.htm |title=Declaration From the Autism Community That They Are a Minority Group |date =18 November 2004|publisher=PRWeb, Press Release Newswire |accessdate=}}</ref>


Autism rights activists are sometimes called [[neurodiversity]] activists. Neurodiversity is a word for how everyone's brains are different. Autistic people have different brains to people who do not have autism. People who do not have autism are called neurotypical people. The word 'neurodiversity' is preferred to 'autism' because it is not saying that autism is a medical condition. 'Neurotypical' is said instead of 'normal' because people think that normal means better.<ref name="Solomon"/>
== History ==


==Related pages==
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]]
* [[Social movement]] and [[Activism]]
* [[Neurodiversity]]


==References==
== External Media ==
{{reflist}}
 
{{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:Controversies]]
[[Category:Autism]]
[[Category:Autism]]
[[Category:Human rights]]
[[Category:Disability rights]]
{{dictionary-stub1}}
[[Category:Social movements]]
<gallery>
File:Autism spectrum infinity awareness symbol.svg|Autism spectrum infinity awareness symbol
File:Autistic Self Advocacy Network symbol.gif|Autistic Self Advocacy Network symbol
File:Neurodiversity Crowd 2.png|Neurodiversity Crowd
File:Autism Speaks Logo.jpg|Autism Speaks Logo
File:Bookbits - 2011-05-03 John Elder Robison-Be Different.vorb.oga|Be Different by John Elder Robison
File:Light it Up Blue - World Autism Awareness Day (8613785933).jpg|Light it Up Blue - World Autism Awareness Day
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 15:57, 21 February 2025

Autism Rights Movement[edit]

The infinity symbol is often used to represent the autism rights 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[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.

File:Autistic Self Advocacy Network symbol.gif
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a prominent organization within the autism rights movement.

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.

A gathering of neurodiversity advocates.

Organizations[edit]

Several organizations are prominent within the autism rights movement, including:

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.

"Light It Up Blue" is a campaign associated with World Autism Awareness Day.

Related Pages[edit]

External Media[edit]