Red Instead!
Why red instead? It’s about the individuals themselves affected by autism taking back their story.
So how did the color blue become synonymous with autism in the first place? In 2005, a group of grandparents founded Autism Speaks. It’s focus is research and finding a cure for autism. They chose a blue puzzle piece for their logo. They have raised a lot of money over the last 16 years for autism research and marketing. Money that came and continues to come from businesses and communities all across the country. Money that could be used to help support individuals and families instead. In 2020, $1.3 million of their $89 million budget went to family grants. You can see how they spent their $89 million in 2020 here. https://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/2020-audited-financial-statements.pdf
Why be Red Instead?
Blue keeps alive the stereotype that autism affects boys only- FALSE, girls oftentimes present their autism traits differently and in more socially acceptable ways- “she’s shy and a dreamer”.
Blue is seen as a symbol of sadness- “feeling blue”. Red represents the passion and heart of those on the autism spectrum.
Almost everyone is “aware” of autism because it is so prevalent in our society. It’s now time to work on ACCEPTANCE! What’s the difference? Awareness is knowing something to be true. Acceptance is taking that knowledge and acting on it. What actions are you taking with your autism knowledge? Do you hire individuals with autism? Are you a friend of someone on the spectrum?
Our understanding of neurodiversity has changed a lot over the last 16 years. It’s time to embrace the variety and differences across the autism spectrum and support individuals and families in a way that’s immediate and tangible. Let’s get rid of these years long wait lists for services and therapies. Let’s get interventions in place more quickly so we can improve the quality of life for those on the spectrum. Let’s understand that autism is a LIFELONG diagnosis and that you don’t outgrow autism by providing more adult supports and addressing the loss of services post high-school.
Red Instead is about amplifying the voices of the individual with autism and calling attention to their needs. Let’s not just listen but act when they tell you what their needs are. Even the most impacted individual can communicate because behavior is communication. I wrote a whole blog post on this very topic here https://www.myautismally.org/blog/behavior-is-communication
I don’t know about you, but I’m going to light it up Red Instead for Autism Acceptance!