Why do you advocate for the autism community?
The Alliance for Justice defines advocacy as when someone “recommends, argues for a cause, supports or defends, or pleads on behalf of others”. To be an autism advocate means standing up for the rights of people with autism and amplifying the voices of the community when they are faced with obstacles. This can be done through many ways, such as educating others, volunteering or donating to autism advocacy organizations, and defending their rights. We asked people on our Instagram (@myautism) why they considered themselves to be autism advocates, and these were their responses:
“Because protecting my son means educating on autism. I will forever be an advocate and voice.” - @constantsmiles89
“Because I’m my daughter’s keeper and will do so for others! It’s important to educate others so we can create opportunities for them. Inclusion matters!” - @sclaudio0318
“I am an Autism Advocate because I love my son unconditionally. Me and my son and the rest of moms and their kids who's going the same path are exceptionally brave. Why? Because our kids despite of what they are going through are exceptionally beautiful.” - @marilouagbinf
“I’m my sons safe haven and I will help pave the way just like he’s helped me save myself from abuse and toxicity. I’m my son’s savior, but he is also mine “- @glamourrghoul
“Because my daughter and all others need inclusion and opportunities! “ - @samanthajasjr83
“Because our grandson needs us to be his voice while he develops his confidence to self advocate” - @loloskrill
“I’m an Autism Advocate for my nephew with autism who is the kindest and coolest kid I know and his words and the words of every awesome kid with autism should be heard and empowered!” - @allyvengeance17
“Because I'm on the spectrum too.” - @blackthornthegay
“I have autism- I advocate for myself and others.” - @faratrucchio
“Because I have autism and it's worth fighting for.” - @jaaallibee
“As a barber who provides haircuts for individuals with sensory sensitivity it's so amazing to be the voice that they may not have and help change the community to see them. And not look past them. I walk this earth with intentions to be a voice for the discrimination that occurs across the world for individuals who are autistic! Let's be a change for them not expect them to change for us! Autism is awesome lets embrace it!” - @sensorycutsfw
“As my mother used to say, there’s no one waiting in line behind you to advocate for your child. Additionally, she also said there’s nothing in life worth fighting for more than your child. I not only advocated for my own child with autism, but I became a professional special education advocate for students with autism. I’d like to say, it chose me. My son was diagnosed in 1997, long before there was much awareness around autism. I’ve been doing it for 20+ years now. There is so much emotional currency in advocacy” - @lifeskillslady
”Because even all those years ago when autism was misunderstood and not recognized as any kind of major diagnosis…… I believe it is still the case today in education and society as we know it!!!!! I refuse to let my daughter be alienated because of autism !!!! #iloveyouautumndobson” - @alandobson41
“Because when I was first diagnosed (March 2012) there wasn't anybody like me standing up for me, and not many autistic people were on platforms like YouTube or Facebook, but especially Instagram. I'd like to think that I was part of the first or second wave of autistic advocates in those spaces, along with Agony Autie, Invisible & @theaspieworld” - @the_aspie_perspective
“Because I love my son who is autistic, and I want to educate myself and others all about it so we can get autistic children and adults to be accepted in society.” - @nikasar008
“My son is autistic and i think he is the most amazing human being! My one regret is not knowing he is autistic until he was diagnosed at age 18.” - @kellyjld
“Because I have three daughters and they have autism, autism doesn’t have us.” - @dilligaf760
“Because why shouldn't we?” - @knuttyknits
You can get involved with autism advocacy through the American Autism Association by joining our newsletter, donating, and volunteering, and more. Visit our Get Involved page to learn more about how you can benefit the cause and become an autism advocate.