Inclusion & Acceptance

Candles (photo by Steve Silberman)

Take Action: Help Us Mourn Murders of Disabled People

By Zoe Gross. On March 6th, 2012 George Hodgins, a 22-year old autistic man living in Sunnyvale, California, was murdered by his mother. This past Friday, I helped organize a vigil for George and other disabled people killed by their family members. We’re calling for volunteers to organize vigils in their local communities on or around March 30th.

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Candles at vigil for George Hodgins

Remarks on the Murder of George Hodgins

George Hodgins, an autistic adult living in Sunnyvale, CA, was murdered by his own mother. In the aftermath of his death, much of the public discussion surrounding his killing focused on expressing sympathy for his killer. ASAN Member Zoe Gross of Oakland, CA objected to this and helped organize a candlelit vigil

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A woman holding a sign that says "The Loud Hands Project"

Loud Hands Project Update

We did it! After 80 days, several interviews, too many tumblr posts, an ambitious blog carnival, hundreds of shared facebook updates and tweets, thousands of emails to families, friends, coworkers, and arch-nemeses, and a constant, concerted effort by the Autistic community

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Several version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

Joint ASAN-Autism Society Statement on DSM-5

One of the key principles of the medical profession has always been, “First, do no harm.” As such, it is essential that the DSM-5’s criteria ensure that those who have or would have qualified for a diagnosis under the DSM-IV maintain access to an ASD diagnosis.

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A woman holding a sign that says "The Loud Hands Project"

The Loud Hands Project

The Loud Hands Project, a publishing effort by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, is working towards the creation of our first and foundational anthology and accompanying website. “Loud Hands: Autistic People, Speaking” features essays, long and short, by Autistic authors

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photo of a hand holding a pen over a piece of paper filled with typing

Grant reviewers needed

In response to our Symposium on Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of Autism Research, funded by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, several key federal funders have offered to work with ASAN to identify Autistic adults and other people with disabilities interested in serving on forthcoming federal grant review panels.

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What I need and want

Alicia Lile says: I want to be loved and accepted. I wish others to tell me that it’s wonderful that I was born. I feel guilty of existing, tell me I am wrong.

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