Autism & Pride

1. ASD

Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD is a neuro-developmental and behavioural disorder that specifically affects understanding of social conventions, norms, etiquette and more as well as causes significant problems in communication, forming relationships and so on. Everyone has a sexual orientation and gender identity. People on the autism spectrum are no exception. Sometimes people don’t believe that a person on the autism spectrum can have romantic/sexual feelings towards others or a nonconforming gender identity/sexual orientation, but that is simply NOT TRUE. This area can be a difficult subject to talk about and understand – whether you are on the autism spectrum or not. So let’s take a minute or two to educate ourselves on the same.

2. AUTISM + LGBTQIA

The autism community has a large and diverse representation within it, including a large number of people within the greater LGBTQ+ Community. Thus,LGBTQ people on the autism spectrum certainly exist, and it is okay to be both on the autism spectrum and the LGBTQ Community.

Sometimes it takes a while for them to figure out their sexual orientation and gender identity. For that purpose,many individuals like to try out their options or experiment. For example- Trying to date people of the same gender or trying out different gender roles and expressions to see what feels right. It is okay to explore your options and take your time figuring it out so long as you are respectful of others and take the necessary precautions.

3. RESEARCH & STUDIES

Many studies conducted have indicated that more participants on the autism spectrum reported same sex attraction than the comparison group (of non-autistic individuals). These findings are also supported in previous works indicating a higher prevalence of homosexual feelings and behaviours, increased endorsement of non-heterosexual identity and higher numbers of bisexual orientation among people with ASD as compared to individuals without autistic traits. Hence in simple terms, researches have come up with ample evidences of the close correlation existing between autism and pride.

Now that we know that there is a significantly high rate of gay, bi, trans, ace, and gender-queer people in the autistic community, let’s see how they view themselves and also some of the problems they face.

4. AUTI-GENDER

“Auti-gender” (or “neuro-queer”), is a term that some autistic people use to describe their relationship with gender. Specifically, it means that they feel that their autism affects the way they perceive and feel about their gender. Unfortunately, this makes many people believe that many are referring to “autism” as a gender, which results in a lot of rage-filled posts on social media about how your gender cannot be a disability which of course, it can’t. Autism is a neuro-type, not a gender. But this is a complete misunderstanding of the term. No one who calls themselves “auti-gender” is going to write “autism” next to the word “gender” on a questionnaire.

However, there are some people who feel that their ability to think of themselves as a particular gender is affected by their autism. This feeling is shared by enough autistic people that they have dubbed themselves “auti-gender.” The term tends to give some people a feeling of belonging and helps them describe what must be a very complicated emotional response.

Hence, if someone feels their autism is affecting how they perceive their gender, let them call themselves auti-gender.

5. PROBLEMS FACED BY AUTISTIC LGBTQ+ INDIVIDUALS

Apart from the debate about the use of the term “auti-gender”, there are other problems faced by this community like bullying, lack of social support, sex education, pro-active policies by the government along with a general lack of awareness and knowledge.

Studies focused specifically on those on the autism spectrum who identify as LGBTQIA + are scarce and has led to urgent calls for further research in this area. A limited network of social connections and severe deficits in understanding romantic behaviour reduces their exposure to diversity, leaving them with few, if any, positive LGBTQIA + role models.

In many cases parents or caregivers along with doctors, counsellors and even peers can be unsupportive and not as understanding as they should be.

Furthermore, pride events, which often consist of parties and a big parade, remain incredibly inaccessible to neuro-diverse individuals (including those on the autism spectrum), and little has been done to make them more inclusive. This is why to make pride truly a celebrationfor autistic individuals, the Autistic Pride Day is conducted.

6. AUTISTIC PRIDE DAY

The annual Autistic Pride Day falls every June 18 and was first celebrated in 2005. With an ongoing theme of neurodiversity, it recognises the importance of pride for autistic people and its role in bringing about positive changes. The pride label is intended to encourage a celebration of autistic differences and educates people directly from the experiences of autistic people. It alsoaims to progress a recognition of the achievements of autistic people as well.

Autistic Pride Day is represented by a rainbow infinity symbol. The symbol is intended to represent the diversity of autistic people and the infinite possibilities and variations within the autistic community.

7. CONCLUSION

Society is still some way from understanding and accepting the range of autistic differences. This is why it is OUR RESPONSIBILITY to change attitudes, spread awareness and promote greater inclusion in society. Necessary steps have to be taken towards enabling autistic people to lead fulfilling lives without discrimination, and allowing them to participate in and contribute to all aspects of society. Thus, just as Autistic Pride Day is a true celebration of autistic lives, it is important for us to understand and educate ourselves on the same.

✏️: @dhruv_mathur & @ishani_jaiswal

🎨: @tarini_puri & @divya_pappu