Reframing Autism is different. We are a charity run by Autistic people, for Autistic people, and for our families and allies. Everything we do is informed by our own personal lived experiences as Autistic individuals ourselves, who love, work with, support and parent other Autistic people. But we also look to the most innovative, respectful, inclusive research, coproduced with the Autistic community, to supplement our knowledge and experiential expertise.
This combination of lived experience and research means that Reframing Autism offers a respectful, affirming, and evidence-informed approach to Autism.
The stigma surrounding Autism derives from the sense that Autistic people are “broken normal” people, and is fuelled by misperceptions, misunderstandings and a pathologising ideology. This stigma compromises Autistic holistic wellbeing and results in denying the Autistic community the basic human need for belonging and connection that is their right, regardless of intersectional identities, or communication and support needs.
Reframing Autism aims to transform the lives of Autistic people and those who care about them by changing the frame through which society views Autism, so that Autistic people can flourish – authentically – to achieve genuine acceptance, inclusion and active citizenship.
RESPECT. We respect all neurodivergences, and uphold the worth and dignity of the full diversity of humanity.
ACCEPT. We accept the reality of neurodiversity, and work to build self- and social acceptance. We work to foster acceptance and inclusion.
EMBRACE. We embrace all diversity. And we embrace our Autistic identity by nurturing Autistic culture.
EMPOWER. We empower the Autistic and Autism communities alike to focus on thriving, and we encourage Autistic people to be active, autonomous, and self-determined citizens of their communities.
You can learn more about the evolution of Reframing Autism, and why we do what we do, by listening to the first episode of our Amplified podcast series.
Plumtree is a not-for-profit organisation that provides support for young children aged birth to 8 years old with a developmental delay or disability and their families.
Kindred is a not-for-profit organisation that supports families with children aged birth to 8 years old with a developmental delay or disability and medical needs.
Established in 2013, Autism CRC is the world’s first national, cooperative research effort focused on autism. They are the independent national source of evidence for best practice in relation to autism across the lifespan and the spectrum.
Griffith University’s Autism Centre of Excellence has a mission to improve the quality of life for Autistic children and adults by supporting learning - from early childhood to education and employment.
QUT is an ambitious and collaborative institution that seeks to equip its students and graduates with the skills they'll need in an increasingly disrupted and challenged world.
The Reframing Autism team would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we have the privilege to learn, work, and grow. Whilst we gather on many different parts of this Country, the RA team walk on the land of the Amangu, Awabakal, Bindjareb, Birpai, Whadjak, Wiradjuri and Yugambeh peoples.
We are committed to honouring the rich culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this Country, and the diversity and learning opportunities with which they provide us. We extend our gratitude and respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to all Elders past and present, for their wisdom, their resilience, and for helping this Country to heal.
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