This is AutismHWY.com’s biggest wish for the new year. More minds open to learning inside information about Autism from Autistic people themselves. 
Without all of the resistance. Sometimes occurring on both sides of understanding.
A lot has happened since 2010 when we set out on this virtual journey reaching out to the positive side of Autistic culture. Intending to make fun and creative ways for connections. As any year generally goes 2013 was full of positive and negative events to go around this community of “ours.” There were many eye opening moments as well. Here’s hoping those eye-opening moments have people ready to expand their radar and thinking on Autism. AutismHWY on-ramps to opening hearts and minds to a harmonious and inclusive future. Wrapping your brain around not only your own thinking, but the thinking of others, whom are thinking differently. Still with me?
Hope so.
To dream the seemingly impossible dream, you say? Huzzah! It’s where this HWY is heading. We can’t afford to continue spinning our wheels with friction. Everyone needs to understand and recognize how Autism is real and affects people in ways seen and unseen. That there most definitely are real deficits and advantages of each neurology. That we all have recognizable triggers we can actively choose to avoid to benefit ourselves and others. If guidelines of respect are created and followed as closely as possible we have a shot. A shot at working together beautifully while changing the world and it’s dynamic workforce. Working together forces us to breakdown the actual mechanics of interaction and the authentic ways we should all be communicating with each other. No more clashing and colliding all over each others boundaries. No more messy verbal fender benders, drive-bys or those occasional head on collisions we all can engage in or “lookie- loo” upon. The highway of understanding can be treacherous out there. Learning to be aware of others needs and sensitivities is truly at the heart of Autism and of being behind the wheel out on the road! What a great way to free-associate the navigations between Autistic people and ‘Neurotypical’ people.
Imagine our communication highways and how we need to respect driving styles that differ, yet get us to the same destinations. New and beautiful ways for people to communicate are here.
A huge project to work on in 2014 and beyond. Understanding and allowing for each other’s neurologies without expecting everyone to get it perfect all of the time. Allowing our differences to shine or to be supported equally. The road rules of the AutismHWY, where we lead with mindful brain awareness and respect. No longer centering interaction around ego, competition and self righteousness. Understanding we all have love and issues surrounding the very fluid Autism equations we uniquely calculate. That it is time, that we can and will, work together. Rebooting our mindsets and admitting there is certain language and practices that must cease for peace. Integrating Autistic activists, scientists, artists and scholars into the International Plan for Autism is what this planet aches for! A very long awaited balance. This understanding of brainstyles is critical. It is not a joke or a walk in the park. At times it has quite literally been life or death. From medical professionals that do not believe a person with Autism is in pain (because they don’t experience it like other people.) To a society that has been branded through uninformed messaging to hate, fear and exclude all things Autism. Misguided and seriously scary for Autistic people and those of us that love them.
We do not need to settle for this misguided thinking anymore. Autistic people working together with Parents and Professionals can erase that fear, misinformation and hate. When Autistic people take the lead it can turn the world on it’s head. A world where simple connections matter again. Where it is less about you and more about the other guy. I have noticed that most Autistic people are different then everyone else in my life. They have a particular radar of respect toward one and other. Treating each other with emotional care, safety and kindness. Autistic people have taught me to navigate and most importantly respect the “thinking” and “feeling” differences we all share. Let’s jointly define ourselves and our needs, to each other then kindly get started with this plan!
Not always taking the lead, sometimes being guided. A two-way highway.
