Celebrating Autism Month

Welcome to April, the start of Autism Month, a time dedicated to celebrating and embracing the unique perspectives and experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum. It all kicks off on 2 April with World Autism Awareness Day, an initiative by the United Nations to foster acceptance, inclusion, and above all, understanding.

You might have heard the phrase, "We're all a little bit autistic," tossed around. It's often meant to bridge gaps, downplay differences and promote inclusivity. But what does it truly mean to be autistic, and why does it warrant a month of recognition?

Autism isn't a one-size-fits-all experience; it's a spectrum. Picture a bingo grid, each box representing a different aspect of how individuals think, feel, and interact with the world. Some boxes contain sensory sensitivities, others hold exceptional attention to detail, memory or logic skills. There are boxes for unique communication styles, different ways of experiencing emotions, and difficulty coping with change. While these might be familiar experiences to many of us, it's the pattern and intensity that distinguishes those on the spectrum.

We each have a copy of the same bingo grid but the marked squares in front of us vary in number and significance. While some may only have a handful, others may have almost completed the entire board. Saying "we're all autistic" diminishes the challenges faced by those who have more marked squares than others.

"I won neurodiversity bingo. The prize was autism."

Understanding the "double empathy problem" is crucial to appreciating the autistic experience. Autistic individuals often think, act and communicate in ways that differ from neurotypical individuals. It's not that our communication is flawed; it's just different. However, this variance can lead to a disconnect, making it challenging for both parties to truly understand each other. Imagine a game of "telephone" with teams divided by communication styles – an autistic team, a neurotypical team, and a mixed team. The first two teams are evenly matched but the third team always loses – it's clear that communication flows more smoothly when everyone speaks the same language.

Yet the burden of bridging this communication gap often falls on the autistic individual. In a world where neurotypical communication is deemed the norm, autistic individuals are frequently expected to conform, rather than meeting halfway. This imbalance underscores the importance of empathy and understanding flowing in both directions.

As we navigate Autism Month, let's pause and reflect on how we can foster genuine connections and celebrate the richness of neurodiversity. It's not about fitting into a predetermined mould but rather embracing the beautifully diverse bingo grid of humanity. I invite you to join me on this journey of understanding, compassion, and acceptance.

And, if you bump into me in the office, feel free to ask me anything.

Hi, I'm Amber.

As an ex-full-stack-developer-turned-people-manager, I'm currently leading a team to deliver innovative and powerful software solutions in the legal tech space.

In addition to being technical leader, I have extensive business experience in both the legal and construction industries. This unique insight into business processes and user-driven software requirements helps me to exploit market opportunities and deliver genuinely usable software.

As an #actuallyautistic manager with lived experience of hidden disability, I am a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion within the workplace. I lead with empathy and I strive to ensure that all voices are heard and that everyone I work with has my support to be their best, most genuine selves.

Banner image by Freepik.

#autismmonth #autismunderstanding #autismacceptance #autismawareness #actuallyautistic

Find out more: https://www.aspect.org.au/waud