Parents of minors on the spectrum can also put the initials of Âû after their names to show the assent to the rules on the minors behalf and show their pride in the child. Elinor Broadbent says:
“I joined the Âutism Ûnion Âû when it first began in 2012 and had only 16 members. Having been newly diagnosed with ASD I spent much of my time scouring the internet looking for information on Autism and Aspergers, and was disheartened to by the immense amount of negative press online. All the sites listed Autistic deficiencies and focused on what Autistic struggles with such as eye contact, socialising and interpreting language.
“I was an inferior damaged human and needed ABA therapy was only good for a very limited range of work and would be a burden on society and those around me for the rest of my life.
“When I stumbled upon Âû in its beginning weeks something inside me shouted “Yes!” Finally there was something that focused on the positive aspects of Autism. It brought Autistics together in an online community where we could share stories, support each other and where we could recognise and celebrate our Autism and not be ashamed of it.”
Âû Elinor explains seeks to rectify the misconceptions of being a burden that needs a cure.
“It embraces the concepts of neurodiversity , awareness and acceptance”.
They have recently appointed a neurotypical as an administrator, Xandra Black to their Facebook page as Âû promote equality between Autistic and neurotypicals , Autistics are not superior to NTs and vice versa. Xandra explains:
“My family is very neurodiverse thus I have a clear understanding of the biological fact of neurodiversity. The norm for me was always having loved ones with different perceptual realities around me. Roughly 3 years ago, I became aware of all the misinformation, misconceptions & general wrongness occurring when it came to Autists specifically. I was completely shocked & also rather enraged by the commentary online, by newspaper articles & even scientific studies. I truly believe that the neurodiversity movement is the most important civil rights battle of our time.
“I discovered the Âûtistic Union when I entered the Autist community on Facebook. I spent a couple years adminning different support groups for Adults on the Spectrum. My participation in the leadership aspect of Âû began roughly 6 months ago. I am absolutely honored to be part of the team. I have always received a warm welcome from the Âûtistic Union, regardless of my neurology”.
With April being Autism Awareness month people will have been aware of The Light it up Blue campaign that’s associated with Autism Speaks who’s depiction of Autism as a bleak, epidemic type disease is extremely negative and indeed offensive to Autists in general.
Âû s ideal is that one day we will no longer need an acceptance month, that Autism will and should be accepted in society. The Light it up Blue campaign is for awareness and to raise funds for Autism Speaks who’s main adjective is to find a cure for Autism. Many Autistics do not support Autism Speaks, their press image worsened by their spokeswoman Suzanne Wrights speech at the Vatican likening people looking into the eyes of their loved ones with Autism as St. Francis did with the leper.
So came the campaign for Autistic acceptance by Âû, Light it up Gold.
La Lione Âû has pointed out:
“Gold, the element, comes in many different colours allowing us to celebrate our individuality within our unity and community. We adopted gold as our element for a few reasons. The chemical symbol for gold on the periodic table us A U , the first letters of Autism and also our name the Autism Union. Gold holds great value, is sought after around the world , is diverse in its uses and an important element in the workings of the modern world.”
Âutism Unions aim with Light it up Gold is not to make money and they accept no charity.
It’s primarily to raise acceptance and celebrate Autistic individuality, to show the world that Autism is something to embraced and not feared. La Lione Âû continues,
“It has been an honour to see Autistics embrace Light it up Gold over the past two years and to begin to help spread the word that Autism is not a horrible, debilitating condition condition and that there are a great many positives to being Autistic and and embracing our neurology.
“Followers of Autism Union are encouraged not enforced to add the Âû to their names on Facebook to show their support and allegiance to Âû and their acceptance of the rules.”
Some people have been reported to Facebook for adding the moniker which has caused a sadness in the community, and some followers have gone as far as to legally change their name to include the Âû . It’s a way of Autists identifying and connecting with others on the spectrum online as they are automatically identified as having an Autism connection and can connect in a way never before possible.
Âutistic Ûnion are a non profit organisation and are completely voluntary led, they do have an online store named Red Bubble store where you can purchase clothing and stickers adorned with the Âû moniker and the Light it up Gold designs. The profit margin is, I’m told by Elinior zero as its all used on Red Bubble shipping and manufacture. The designs largely created by La Lione Âû are both attractive and eye catching .
The Âû organisation has a global team of admin who work and confer on all decisions made.
Accountability, integrity and transparency are of paramount importance to them all, I’m told by Elinor Broadbent Âû, “Not just for each other, but for all those who follow us.”
“One of the things that put us in the spotlight is that our founders created us under the belief of nothing without us,” say La Lione Âû . “ After creating a community based organisation handed it over to the community to run . It is the ultimate proof of not only the belief it was founded on, but also that the Autistic community is capable of competently and successfully uphold principle of rule 10. A community that is not exclusive either but one that offers all to on and off the spectrum which which is reflected in our leadership.
“Ever since its launch Âû has been surprising, uplifting and a blessing to us Admins as well as its members and beyond. It’s an amazing organisation filled with talents and networks that are astounding.”
The future looks promising for Âû and as they wish next year more people will I’m sure be Lighting it up Gold.