Autistic Speaking Day
Every year on November 1st, the world observes Autistics Speaking Day, an annual event that began in 2010. This day was created to give autistic individuals a platform to share their perspectives, experiences, and stories, emphasizing the need to amplify autistic voices in conversations about autism. It was initiated as a response to initiatives like “Communication Shutdown,” which encouraged non-autistic people to abstain from using social media for a day to mimic the struggles of being autistic. However, autistic advocates felt this silenced the voices of those who need to be heard the most.
Autistics Speaking Day offers a powerful alternative—a celebration of neurodiversity where the focus is on inclusion, acceptance, and understanding. It provides an opportunity for autistic individuals to express themselves freely, share their experiences with the world, and dismantle stereotypes surrounding autism.
The Importance of Autistics Speaking Day
Autistics Speaking Day is more than just a social media event; it is a movement for advocacy, awareness, and the empowerment of autistic people. The day encourages individuals to:
- Share their stories about living with autism, addressing misconceptions, and fostering understanding of the autistic experience.
- Promote the idea that autistic individuals should be given the opportunity to speak for themselves, rather than having others speak on their behalf.
- Highlight the diversity of experiences within the autism spectrum, as autism affects each person differently, with varying strengths and challenges.
Scheduled Events for 2024
Many organizations, advocates, and online communities are hosting events and discussions to mark Autistics Speaking Day. Below are some scheduled events:
Online Panel Discussions
Several advocacy groups will host panel discussions featuring autistic individuals, caregivers, and autism professionals. These discussions will cover a wide range of topics, including autism in the workplace, autistic identity, and mental health. One notable event is being organized by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), which will stream a panel of autistic speakers addressing how the media portrays autism and the importance of authentic representation.
#AutisticsSpeakingDay Social Media Campaign
Social media will play a central role in this year’s celebrations, with the hashtag #AutisticsSpeakingDay trending across platforms. Autistic individuals are encouraged to share their thoughts, experiences, poetry, artwork, or any form of self-expression. Allies and supporters are invited to share posts that elevate autistic voices and spread awareness about the event.
Virtual Art Exhibitions
Autistic artists will have the chance to showcase their work through virtual galleries and online exhibitions. This will not only provide a platform for autistic artists to gain visibility but will also offer insight into the unique ways autism can influence creativity.
Advocacy Webinars
Several organizations, including the National Autistic Society and Autism Speaks, will host webinars focusing on various aspects of autism, such as advocacy, education, and healthcare. These webinars aim to educate the public and provide practical tools for supporting autistic people in all aspects of life.
Here is a list of links to sites celebrating or acknowledging Autistics Speaking Day:
- Autistics Speaking Day Blog
A central platform for sharing stories and experiences on Autistics Speaking Day. The blog has contributions from autistic individuals worldwide, encouraging discussions about autism and neurodiversity.
Autistics Speaking Day Blog​ - Autistic Inclusive Meets
A UK-based autism advocacy group, this site provides a detailed history of Autistics Speaking Day and highlights its importance in promoting autism acceptance and inclusion.
Autistic Inclusive Meets​ - Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
One of the most prominent organizations run by and for autistic individuals, ASAN promotes self-advocacy and organizes events around Autistics Speaking Day. They also publish blogs and resources on autism.
ASAN - Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
This organization celebrates Autistics Speaking Day and focuses on the voices of autistic women and nonbinary people, offering resources and advocacy opportunities.
AWN - The Mighty – Autistics Speaking Day
The Mighty often features articles and personal stories from autistic individuals, particularly around Autistics Speaking Day, to promote awareness and understanding.
The Mighty – Autistics Speaking Day
These sites offer a wealth of content, from personal experiences to educational resources, for both autistic individuals and their allies.
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How To Acknowledge
While events and social media participation are important, there are other meaningful ways to acknowledge Autistics Speaking Day:
Listen to Autistic Voices
Whether it’s following autistic advocates on social media, reading books written by autistic authors, or listening to podcasts, actively seeking out and learning from autistic voices is a powerful way to support the movement. Some prominent autistic voices to follow include Temple Grandin, Julia Bascom, and Carly Fleischmann.
Promote Neurodiversity
Celebrate neurodiversity in your workplace, school, or community by fostering an inclusive environment. This can be done through workshops, awareness campaigns, or even just conversations that center the strengths and contributions of autistic individuals.
Challenge Stereotypes
If you encounter misconceptions about autism—such as the myth that all autistic individuals are non-verbal or socially disconnected—use the opportunity to provide accurate information. Encourage others to see autism as a spectrum of experiences and abilities, rather than a monolithic condition.
Support Autistic-Led Organizations
Many organizations are run by and for autistic individuals, advocating for policies that improve the quality of life for those on the autism spectrum. Consider donating to or volunteering with these organizations, such as the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN) or ASAN.
Create Safe Spaces
If you’re a business owner, educator, or community leader, ensure that your environment is accessible and welcoming to people with sensory sensitivities or communication differences. Small changes, like quiet spaces or alternative communication methods, can make a big difference.
Conclusion
Autistics Speaking Day is a vital reminder that the voices of autistic individuals should not only be heard but celebrated. It’s an opportunity for autistic people to express themselves, for allies to listen and learn, and for society to move towards greater inclusion and understanding. As the world becomes more aware of the importance of neurodiversity, Autistics Speaking Day serves as a critical moment to spotlight the unique perspectives that autistic individuals bring to the table.
This year, let’s commit to amplifying autistic voices, challenging stereotypes, and creating a world where neurodiversity is embraced every day.