Inner Voice

As a speech therapist, I was taught that all behaviour is communication. Nonspeakers have shown me that this is not true. We are often just seeing dysregulation. Thank you Leane for saying it so eloquently.

It's Autism Acceptance Month. Arguments over my right to exist and how and where I am included are somehow still common. My worth is undervalued, words doubted, humanity questioned. We have work to do. I love and accept all of me. That isn't an act that comes easily in a world that relentlessly tells me I am the wrong kind of human. It takes an effort to be an ally. This Autism Acceptance Month, center disabled voices. Unlearn harmful myths and prejudices. Challenge those on the outside looking in. They are not the authority on autism. We are defining ourselves.



[Imagine: Short, curly, brown haired Bri sitting on a chair, looking at the camera, holding and looking through a large, splatter painted frame. Wearing brown headphones, a black t-shirt, olive green coat and green, braided t-shirt necklace. Background is a splatter painted art studio.]