Written by Jada Thompson for the Autistic Self Advocacy Network
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Growing up as an autistic individual, I went through a lot of hardships. I was often pushed aside, dismissed, misunderstood – I felt like an alien who had just landed on Earth.
When I was in fourth grade, a kid in my class called me the most disrespectful thing that I ever heard… “special ed girl.” It was the first time that I heard my autism talked about negatively in front of me, but I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone.
Being autistic and having an intellectual disability doesn’t make you less than – or even “behind” – your other peers. Just like all of us autistic and other disabled peers, we need lots of support and guidance. Right now, we are dealing with a lot of changes that are affecting each one of us. We have to make sure we are acknowledging and centering joy any chance we get.
Here are some ways you can open up and affirm both your autistic experience as well as your intellectual disability:
- Receiving clarity is not failure.
I had the privilege of receiving my autism diagnosis at a very young age (2 years old), but it wasn’t until I had gotten older that I realized that it gave me the courage to advocate for myself and others. As a child, I always thought that there was something wrong with me because I needed more help than others and was basically “labeled” when I just needed someone to step on my level. I was misunderstood.
If you’re now in a place where you’re just figuring it out, it’s okay. This beautiful thing about a journey is that it has its highs and lows, and given this current climate we’re living in, clarity is needed now more than ever. A diagnosis is not a setback, but a new beginning.
- You don’t have to mask to belong.
Now, first off, I want to hold for those that are black and brown who have to mask as a form of survival. I, too, have masked a lot and still do to survive, but know it is not a requirement. Growing up, I didn’t know that masking was a thing until I went on social media and followed other autistic centered accounts. I thought I had to mask to be accepted and heard, but man, was I wrong.
The moment when I graduated high school and attended more social events, I just realized that masking wasn’t a requirement, and I didn’t have to shrink myself to belong anymore. Hearing from other autistic and neurodivergent adults and speaking up helped me realize that I am not alone. You will always belong, whether you are masked or unmasked. There will be people in your life who will embrace you for who you are. Although masking helps you navigate the world, your autism doesn’t diminish your worth – full stop.
- Your joy is revolutionary.
One thing that brings me endless joy is getting into my special interests again. I have been reclaiming joy in various ways, such as reading, listening to music, and other activities that help me view the world in a more positive light. I see joy as advocacy – fighting back and reclaiming what’s been stolen from me and many of my peers and ancestors. Even when I advocate for change and inclusion, I always center joy.
Society may tell you that carrying a plush is “childish” or watching Disney movies makes you “immature,” but it doesn’t; it makes you human. Your humanity is joy. Even with all the hardships and struggles, your autistic and disabled body is an act of resistance. Whether you’re taking time to rest or speaking up for yourself, your joy is essential.
If you get anything from this, and I hope you do because there are some hidden gems here, know that your autistic experience and your intellectual disability don’t make you broken. It doesn’t make you less human. It doesn’t make you weird. This society needs to do better when it comes to accommodating our disabled experience. Keep shining.
Jada Thompson (she/they) is an activist, content creator, speaker, and singer-songwriter from Chicago, Illinois. Jada is a Best Buddies Global Ambassador and serves as a board member for Chicagoland Autism Connection and Chicago Disabled People of Color Coalition. They are passionate about radical inclusion, disability justice, and spiritual liberation. Jada uses her voice to uplift autistic individuals and advocate for equality and change through storytelling, music, and social media.