Autism advocacy

Advocacy is about supporting the interests of a person with autism with the aim of promoting and protecting their rights and welfare.

Anyone can be an advocate, but the strongest advocates are those who have a direct relationship to the individual or group they are supporting or protecting, such as parents and carers, teachers and employers, or an individual advocating on behalf of themselves (a self-advocate).

People who have a direct relationship with a person on the spectrum understand that people with autism bring enormous value to people’s lives, our communities and our world.

Being an advocate is important, but it isn’t always easy. If you want to be an autism advocate or self-advocate, here are some of the specific skills you may need, or that may be helpful.

Help with self-advocacy

Be informed and prepared

Learn as much as you possibly can about autism, and identify how autism presents, specifically to you. Identify your strengths and challenges. As an adult with autism, this could be gaining a better understanding of your abilities as an employee and your rights in seeking employment.

There are a number of organisations and links that can provide information about what you are entitled to by law, in terms of education, employment and in the community settings. So, if you want or need to be self-advocate you should utilise these resources to better understand the system. Knowledge is power.

Stay focused on your own needs

When you’re constantly looking at the bigger-picture, systematic needs of a larger group, it can be easy to lose track of your own individual needs. Make sure you keep in mind what you’re trying to achieve, set clear goals and ensure that everything you do as a self-advocate is in line with reaching those goals.

You may also find it helpful to seek help or support from a close friend or family member who can help advocate with you or on your behalf. A problem shared is a problem halved.

Communicate clearly and assertively

As an advocate, one of the most important things is the ability to communicate with strength and clarity. As a person on the spectrum communication can be difficult, therefore it can be useful to seek help in a trusted advisor, friend or family member who can assist you in communicating your needs clearly.

A great way to keep your communication on track is to write down a goal, and a list of objectives that you will need to achieve in order to reach that goal. Then in every conversation, email, or act of communication as a self-advocate ask yourself, “what will this do to help achieve my goal?”.

As a self-advocate you should also feel comfortable asking questions, if you don’t understand someone or the medical jargon they’re using don’t be afraid to say “I don’t understand, can you please explain that again”. There’s no such thing as a silly question, the more inquisitive you are the more likely you’ll be able to break down barriers and get the outcomes you need.

Seek help when it’s needed

There are a number of professional advocacy agencies, organisations and programs available to people with autism.

These professional organisations will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to advocate for yourself, especially in the challenging legal areas of human rights infringements, inclusion issues and discrimination in the classroom, lecture theatre, office or community.

Help with advocacy

Be informed and prepared

Learn as much as you possibly can about autism, and identify how autism presents specifically in your child, or loved one. Identify their individual strengths and learn about their challenges.

As a parent, this could be gaining a better understanding of the school system and advocating for your child to ensure they are accessing what they are entitled to as a student with a disability.

Learn about the rights and services available to your child, and those available to you as a carer or advocate. There are a number of organisations and links than can provide information about what you or your child are entitled to in regards to the law, education, employment and the community. You can find more resources for support services here.

Stay focused on the person

When you’re fighting against big-picture systematic problems, it’s often easy to lose track of the individual needs of your child, or the person you are advocating for. Make sure you include the person or people you’re advocating for in all discussions, and consider their needs, wants and desires every step of the way.

If you can create positive change together, then everyone can own it.

Communicate clearly and assertively

As an advocate, one of the most important things is the ability to communicate with strength and clarity. To get the most out of your conversations with organisations or institutions (such as school or the doctor), try to be less emotional in your communication, more proactive, and clearer about what you need, why you need it, and what the benefit of change might be e.g. “My son wants to wear a cap in class, because the lights make it hard for him to see, it will allow him to learn more easily.”

A great way to keep your communication on track is to write down a goal, and a list of objectives that you will need to achieve in order to reach that goal. Then in every conversation, email, or act of communication as an advocate ask yourself, “what will this do to help achieve my goal?”.

Also, if you don’t understand someone or the jargon they’re using don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. There’s no such thing as a silly question, the more inquisitive you are the more likely you’ll be able to break down barriers and get the outcomes you need.

Seek help when it’s needed

There are a number of professional advocacy agencies, organisations and programs available to advocates of people on the spectrum.

These professional organisations can give you the skills and knowledge you need to support your loved ones – especially when it comes to the challenging legal areas of human rights infringements, inclusion issues and discrimination in the classroom, office or community.

For more information about advocacy and help in your community go to our Support and services in the community page.