If I am autistic, does that automatically mean that I cannot support NeuroTypicals to develop themselves because I do not understand them? If so, then why is it taken for granted that NeuroTypicals can support autistics to develop themselves?
A disgusting combination of Ableism and Mockery is being served to autistics. I became aware of it when an autism parent told me that autistics who want to pursue their childhood education dreams are not even allowed to sign up for the training course. I know an autistic Singaporean PhD holder who has worked as a childhood teacher for 17 years without incident and an autistic Malaysian PhD holder who works just fine with special needs children. Talk about legalised discrimination!
At a casual meeting in November 2018, an autism parent blurted out: “Your life coaching is only for autistics, why are you teaching it to NeuroTypicals?” My life coaching work was based on the work of numerous NeuroTypical authors and teachers. I have helped over 50 NeuroTypicals resolve their inner pain. I have personally taught 5 NeuroTypicals on how to use my work, one of whom is actively practising her version of my work in Taiwan.
Unfortunately, when most NeuroTypicals become aware that I am openly autistic, they refuse to let me work with them even on a trial donation basis. Just like in my job interviews, I found that disclosure causes doors to slam shut automatically. This has made me acutely aware why most autistic professionals do not identify as autistic. It also made me hesitate to invest in professional qualifications because people will choose other equally qualified professionals over myself.
All of us who attend inclusive events, patronise inclusive social enterprises and support inclusive organisations – please walk the inclusive talk in your life. Don’t serve the Ableist Mocktail for dinner!