Kiwi Farms

Since it it #AutismAcceptanceMonth, please try and be less ableist to those with autism. This forum needs a lot of work in reforming their attitudes towards those with autism, so here are some tips in order to be a better ally (from someone that is actually autistic):

• Respect the way someone with autism wants to be referred to as. If they are uncomfortable with you calling them “autistic” and would rather you use the person-first language of “person with autism” instead, then do it. It’s easy
• Refrain from using “autistic” as an insult. It isn’t clever. “Bigot” is an all-encompassing insult that can work without being ableist
• Advocate for those with autism by paying those with autism for their labor instead of taking advantage of them. Teaching you about their lived experiences is labor that needs to be paid for
• Do not, under any circumstances, support Autism Speaks. It is an ableist organization that is trying to “cure” autism and doesn’t have any representation from people that are actually autistic
• Do not say you want to “cure” autism. That is ableist thinking and highly damaging
• Do not use puzzle pieces to refer to autism. It is a highly damaging symbol that can cause intense distress. There are new symbols to use

If you must use a symbol to signify autism, use this instead:


That is all. Please don’t rate this autistic. That is ableist.