Why Advocacy is Important

 


You have a diagnosis, whoopie! You're neurodiverse!!  Now what do you do?! 

Did you know that there is still misunderstanding and false misconceptions not only about certain mental health condition, but autism importantly?!  The first official diagnosis of autism was in 1943, but the cause has been argued by many over the years.  Some people blamed mothers for causing autism (this is known as the Refrigerator Mothers Theory). (see below explained) 

There's also been beliefs that autism is caused by vaccines.  That was proven false.  The only known cause to autism is genetics. 

So, where does advocacy fall in?  There is or shouldn't be a cure for autism.  It is a neurodiverse condition.  It isn't a disease.  Is it a challenge?  Yes! It can be, especially when your child's behavior can be difficult to manage.   However, we shouldn't have to go about trying to change and/or adjust their behavior to be "normal".  We should teach or learn appropriate ways to perform the behavior.  

Advocating comes in many ways, shapes, and forms.  I am publicly advocating by posting on line and sharing ways you can stand up for yourself and informing others on autism and ADHD (especially autism right now).  Most mental health conditions are invisible.  This is a reason why there's been stigma and society is like "oh, you don't need to be sad..." or "well, your energy is because you're always happy..."  If anything, emotions demand to be felt.  Sometimes, they can be hard and heavy.  The key is, you have to find a balance with feeling the emotions that can weigh you down.  

You can also advocating by speaking up for yourself.  You can say things like "I can't go swimming when it's hot outside, I'm sensitive to the heat" or "can you be patient with me, I struggle with sitting still".  You don't have to say your diagnosis (it can help, but it's not necessary) when advocating for yourself.

Advocacy is a journey.  I started this blog a little under two years ago with little to no knowledge about autism and a lot on ADHD.  I've learned so much and I am excited to continue on with this journey! 

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