Autism Advocacy
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Autism (noun): a neurological condition of variable severity with lifelong effects that can be recognized from early childhood, chiefly characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication, and by restricted or repetitive patterns of thought and behavior.
Let's get this out of the way at the beginning: I am autistic. I was officially diagnosed over 20 years ago with a form of high-functioning autism that used to be known as Asperger's Syndrome (A.S.), so if I seem to have an unusually passionate defense of those who might be considered "different" -- regardless of the "difference" -- I think I have good reason to be.
But I think I need to apologize because in my previous articles about the issue, I tried (unsuccessfully) to compare what each political party thought about the topic. Further research on my part made me realize that trying to make such a comparison was really unfair, not just to the Old Parties, but to anyone who read the article. It's unfair because autism advocacy touches on so many other policy areas that even if their hearts are in the right place, their execution sometimes resembles a chaotic improv show.
So, let's take a more humorous look at how each political party views autism advocacy.
Republicans on Autism Advocacy
"Autism Awareness: Because Every Kid Deserves a Future—Even If It Comes with a Side of Red Tape!"
For Republicans, discussions around autism advocacy are usually influenced by broader debates about healthcare spending and budgetary priorities. Since Republicans generally advocate for reductions in federal spending, especially on social services, discussions surrounding autism advocacy and funding autism services are a delicate dance whose complex choreography rivals that of almost any Broadway musical. It's a lot of "less government", a little bit of "more choice", and just a dash of "personal empowerment", all performed to a rhythm as chaotic as tap dancing during a waltz.
For instance, have you ever seen a buffet line at a wedding? That’s how Republicans often view educational options for autistic students. They promote school choice options like a “Choose your own adventure!” book. When it comes to educational choices, Republicans believe that variety is the spice of life whether it’s a charter school that looks like Hogwarts or a private school that resembles an elite society of "Mini-Me's". This approach can also leave you wondering if you're at an all-you-can-eat buffet or a one-size-fits-all buffet because, let's face it, you never know what's going to come out of *that* policy kitchen.
"Making arrows out of pointed words, giant killers at the call."
Democrats on Autism Advocacy
"Autism Awareness: Let's Build a Support System So Good, Even Congress Can’t Mess It Up!"
For Democrats, discussions around autism advocacy reflect the party's commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and support for individuals with disabilities. Admittedly, Democrats generally support the concept of neurodiversity, which recognizes and values the differences in neurological development and cognitive functioning. This view promotes acceptance and support for individuals with autism, rather than focusing solely on "fixing" or "curing" autism.
The problem comes when they propose initiatives with the same zeal as a contestant on a game show who has just won the "mystery box." One week it’s universal pre-K programs; the next, it’s legislation mandating that all public spaces include sensory-friendly rooms. Then, there's what can only be described as the "social media shuffle" whose primary goal is to overflow everyone's feed with the digital equivalent of throwing a giant, glittery parade that makes everyone feel good but doesn’t quite resolve the underlying issues. Each message is a carefully curated masterpiece of empathy, but the follow-up often involves a crash course in understanding how many re-posts it takes to actually make a difference in real-world policy.
"Too much fuss and bother. Too much contradiction and confusion."
Libertarians on Autism Advocacy
"Autism Awareness: Support What Works, Skip the Red Tape—Freedom to Fidget!"
The Libertarian approach to autism advocacy often seems like watching a unicorn — beautiful, elusive, and occasionally prone to galloping off in unexpected directions. While we may champion the freedom of choice and market solutions, the reality is that every Libertarian has their own unique spin on advocacy. Some of us might dive into the world of autism support with the enthusiasm of a kid in a candy store, while others might prefer to cheer from the sidelines (with a “You do you!” bumper sticker).
"Different eyes see different things. Different hearts beat on different strings."
When it comes to autism advocacy, Libertarians are all about giving parents the power to choose the best path for their children - as long as autism programs aren't government-funded, the thought of which makes Libertarians break out in hives and is usually met with the same enthusiasm as a root canal. Want to enroll your child in a Montessori school run by an autonomous collective of freelance educators? Go for it! Prefer a private therapist who moonlights as a ninja? Also, your call!
"Peel away the mystery, here's a clue to some real motivation."
In Libertarian-land, the first principle is freedom — freedom to choose, freedom to act, and, of course, freedom to build your own fidget spinner if you don’t like the ones at the store. While our approach to autism advocacy might sound like a never-ending free-for-all, our commitment to individual rights and anti-discrimination efforts assure people living with autism that we can live our lives without facing societal hurdles. And with that freedom comes views that we believe add a distinctive flavor to the conversation, and maybe that our unique approach will lead to some innovative solutions
As with all political perspectives, there’s no single tune that fits everyone. In the end, autism advocacy may be a rollercoaster of grand plans, enthusiastic gestures, and well-intentioned missteps, but it’s a reminder that even in the wild world of politics, there’s always room for a little humor. And who knows? Perhaps one day, someone's approach will hit the sweet spot between idealism and practicality, making their advocacy not just entertaining but genuinely transformative.
Some of my opinions regarding autism advocacy:
- Understanding Autism [Article Link]
- My Struggles with Asperger's Syndrome [Article Link]