Autistic Magazine was founded and is staffed by actually Autistic adults to share the stories and opinions of the Autistic Community. We are a publication made by the autistic community, for the autistic community, accepting submissions from the wider community of autistic writers and artists. We grew tired of seeing the conversation being driven by those who are not actually autistic, whether tha
t be concerning disability rights, inclusion, education, supports, and even the lived experience of being autistic. Until now, this space has been dominated by researchers, therapists and the parents or caregivers of autistic people. These conversations and stories need to be owned and driven by those who are actually autistic. The purpose of Autistic Magazine to amplify the voices of autistic people. Autistic Magazine promotes neurodiversity with an unconditionally positive regard towards members of the wider autistic community. This is a safe space for diversity and inclusion of all kinds. We promote Autistic inclusion on all Autistic matters: “Nothing About Us Without Us.”
We use Identity-First language – “autistic” rather than “person with autism”. We are not a problem to be solved - The puzzle piece is associated with organisations run by non-Autistic people. We adhere to the Social Model of Disability – While impairments and chronic illness do present challenges, the main obstacle is that the world is not designed to be inclusive. People are disabled by barriers in society not by their impairment or difference. Social barriers can be physical in the environment like inaccessible buildings; they can be attitudes like discrimination; and they can be organisations with inflexible procedures and practices. We adhere to the Neurodiversity Paradigm – Autism is not a disease or disorder that needs to be irradicated, prevented or cured. We see Autism as part of the natural variation of brain type and function. There is no such thing as a normal brain - We are all just different. No Functioning Labels. Terms like high and low functioning harm the autistic community. Until now those who have been classified as higher functioning have been considered too high functioning to understand the difficulties of being autistic, and those deemed low functioning have been classified as not being aware enough to advocate for themselves. Both of these are wrong. The experience of Autism is not linear (like a line). It is a multi-faceted experience more like a pie
We avoid the use of Non-neutral expressions, such as “suffers with”. We are against the use of abusive or conformist therapies such as ABA, restraints, seclusion etc. We are pro-stimming of all kinds. Autistic people are entitled to move in a way that feels natural to them – loud hands! We really appreciate feedback and comments from the autistic community. In order to advocate for the wider community, we need to hear from you. [email protected]
