Orion Kelly, Autistic advocate, discusses the flaws of Autism awareness campaigns, challenges of expectations in the Autistic community, and critiques societal acceptance and government policies towards Autistic individuals.
Transitioning from surviving to thriving for autistic individuals requires societal support and realistic progress steps.
Autism awareness campaigns should focus on genuine understanding and acceptance rather than shallow awareness.
Deep dives
In Focus: World Autism Awareness Day and Month
World Autism Awareness Day, established by the UN, focuses on themes to support autistic people. This year's theme aims to transition autistic individuals from surviving to thriving, highlighting the need for significant improvement in their quality of life. The UN's emphasis on moving beyond survival mode sheds light on the challenges faced by autistic individuals worldwide. While the theme sets ambitious goals, transitioning from survival to thriving involves complex steps and societal changes.
Challenges in Transitioning from Surviving to Thriving
The podcast delves into whether progressing from surviving to thriving is a natural progression for autistic individuals. The host questions the feasibility of such a leap, comparing it to going from never running to becoming a gold medalist without considering the intermediate steps required for growth. The notion of moving directly to thriving is criticized as overly idealistic and disconnected from the reality of gradual progress and support needed for autistic individuals.
Autistic Voices in Advocacy and Support
The discussion shifts to the importance of autistic individuals sharing their experiences and advocating for themselves. While the UN theme promotes the idea of transition, the podcast highlights the potential pitfalls of non-autistic individuals interviewing autistic individuals, potentially leading to rushed, unfulfilling interactions. The hope lies in these stories being heard, understood, and accepted by the wider community to foster genuine support and progress.
Critique of Autism Awareness Approaches
The podcast critiques the concept of autism awareness month, emphasizing the need for deeper understanding and active acceptance rather than mere awareness. It challenges the notion of 'awareness' as a superficial term and advocates for genuine learning and appreciation of autism. The host highlights the discrepancy between awareness campaigns and the stark realities faced by autistic individuals, questioning the effectiveness of such initiatives in creating tangible positive change.
On this episode of 'My Friend Autism', Orion Kelly explores the topic of Autism awareness campaigns. Orion Kelly is an Autistic YouTuber, podcaster, author, actor and Autistic advocate. Find out more and check out his podcasts & YouTube videos at Orion's website: https://orionkelly.com.au
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