I am an #actuallyautistic #SLT2B. And let me tell you why that was a scary thing to say.

I often talk about the move to #autismacceptance not #AutismAwareness
Acceptance to me meaning listening to the voices, the needs, and experiences of Autistic people.

I belive that autism isn't just one thing, one way of being. Autistic people are so widely varied in their abilities, needs, and lives that any generalisation is difficult.

Some people need lots of obvious support, some people need subtle support networks, some people need nothing. Many people move up and down the scale throughout their lives.

You cannot prejudge someone based off their diagnosis.
No one should should fear disclosing their diagnosis.

So why do I, someone who will tell a stranger within 5 minutes that they are autistic, spend so much effort controlling that information in their professional life?

Experience.
I know what it is like to have someone make a snapshot decision from reading a word on a page. Or to have the perception of everything you do put through the autism lens.

(note - sometimes it's not social communication difficulties, sometimes its you)

I have established a habit of not disclosing until I have secured a job. Until I have proved I am capable without prejudgement. And I hate that.

I am proudly #autistic. I know it gives me an insight into the worlds of the children I work with that a neurotypical person can't have. It's allowed me to build bonds on shared experience.

I problem solve by seeing what no one else does. I read atypical body langue faster. Being autistic is a strength for me.

So for #worldautismday2020 I am practicing what I preach. #autismacceptence. I am a proudly unflinchingly #ActuallyAutistic #SLT2b