The Autistic Self-Actualization Paradigm

Autism awareness needs to be overhauled. And I think I know how. 

I'll start with this...

As a society, we're getting autism awareness and support all wrong.

We keep talking and acting like support is the end goal. Where getting autistic people the right support for their individual needs is the target outcome. 

But that's not what autistic people really need.

Support is not the end goal. It's the MEANS we need to get to the REAL end goal.

And even THAT we get wrong.

We focus on compliance (aka ABA style interventions)... controlling the autistic person so they behave as we, as a society, see fit. 

But this completely misses the point for us. Because in this equation... our needs are completely overlooked.

So, what is the end goal then? Or at least, what should it be?

Autistic self-actualization.

This means being able to get to a place of mental calm, physical comfort, and where all of our needs are met. 

Not for survival... but for meaning, purpose, happiness. 

Where our value is no longer measured by how those around us experience us. But rather, where it's measured by how WE experience the world.

And that reframe can completely upend the way the world currently sees autistic people... 

As broken... as burdens to society... as drains on resources... 

And put us back where we belong... 

Viewed as people with inherent worth and dignity. 

People who deserve to exist and be happy.

People who bring value to the world just by existing.

It's no longer about the people AROUND the autistic person being comfortable with the autistic person...

It's about the autistic person themselves finding fulfillment and happiness.

And not at some distant point in the future. Now. 

Because that's achievable with the right understanding and approach to autism support (not compliance based).

That's the paradigm shift we need within the autism awareness space.

Where support is no longer the end goal for us.

Because unless the support we get is the RIGHT support, we're stuck in a perpetual state of survival.

Our end goal needs to be (and we DESERVE for it to be) self-actualization. 

Where the world no longer sees us as needing to be fixed, and instead sees us as deserving of the support we need to live meaningful, happy lives... 

Just like everyone else.

And that... is the Autistic Self-Actualization Paradigm in a nutshell.