The Autistic Pride Symbol represents our infinite variations and infinite possibilities.
Autistic People Supporting Each Other-Pride Day is June 18th.
Autistic Pride Day was first celebrated in 2005 by Aspies For Freedom (AFF), "The most important thing to note about the day is that it is an autistic community event: it originated from and is still led by autistic people ourselves". The rainbow infinity symbol is used as the symbol of this day, representing "diversity with infinite variations and infinite possibilities".[2] New Scientist magazine released an article entitled "Autistic and proud" on the first Autistic Pride Day that discussed the idea.[6]
Organizations around the world celebrate Autistic Pride Day, with events around the world, to connect with one another through autistic events and demonstrate to allistic people (those not on the autism spectrum) that autistic people are unique individuals who should not be seen as cases for treatment.[1]
Autistic pride points out that autistic people have always been an important part of human society. Being autistic is a form of neurodiversity. As with all forms of neurodiversity, most of the challenges autistic people face come from other people's attitudes about autism and a lack of supports and accommodations (ableism), rather than being essential to the autistic condition. [7] Autistic activists have contributed to a shift in attitudes away from the notion that autism is a deviation from the norm that must be treated or cured. Autistic self-advocacy organizations, which are led and run by autistic people, are a key force in the movement for autistic acceptance and autistic pride.[8] Wikipedia
Observations about Autistic Pride and the autistic experience.
Autistic pride rejects the idea that autism needs to be cured. It centers the experiences of autistic people and promotes understanding. The autistic brain is structured differently than the neurotypical brain. It is not a disease to be cured.
Many autistic pride events are small, personal celebrations! Stimming (self-stimulation) openly and expressing yourself in the way that feels most comfortable, defending your passions, and discarding social rules (as long as it won't harm others) are all examples of autistic pride.
In 2016, Kat Humble was quoted in the Independent saying: “The time has come for Autistic Pride. Being part of a neurological minority group does not mean that you have a medical condition. Homosexuality used to be regarded as a 'perversion' and was later defined as a psychiatric illness. That has changed and attitudes towards people with minority neurotypes need to change too.”
Even though the autistic brain is structured differently, allistics are more similar to us than they think. For example, when COVID-19 hit and disrupted the day-to-day routine of society, many neurotypical people reacted with 'meltdowns' and other symptoms generally attributed to autistic people. Autistic people aren't unusual in our reactions to disrupted routines; we simply have a lower tolerance range.
Society is structured around the neurotypical brain. Autistic pride calls not just for awareness, but acceptance; embracing the autistic experience and accommodating autistic needs. We are here; we are valuable; we deserve respect.
-Ambs Paré
Co-Writer & Editor
