Reframing Autism aims to create a world in which the Autistic community is supported by families and allies to achieve genuine acceptance, inclusion, and active citizenship, and in which Autistic culture and identity are celebrated and nurtured.
Our mission:
To transform the lives of Autistic people and those who care about them through resources, research and education. We want to change the frame through which society views Autism, so that Autistic people can flourish – authentically – to achieve genuine acceptance, inclusion and active citizenship.
Through Reframing Autism, Autistic people, and non-autistic families and allies of the Autistic community, come together to understand Autism. We promote equity and acceptance. Our vision and goals align with the Australian National Disability Strategy 2010−2020 and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Presuming competence: We presume that people can, rather than assuming that they can’t.
Depathologising Autism: Autism is not a disorder. Autistic people are not “less than” or broken versions of “normal” people. Autism is not a tragedy to be grieved. We are not interested in causes or cures.
Human rights: It is the right of every person, regardless of intersectionality, or support or communication needs, to be offered equity, and to experience acceptance, authenticity, autonomy, and dignity.
Inclusion and Intactness: Inclusion is a human right and comes when you are welcomed as your authentic Autistic self. We believe that every person, regardless of intersectionality, or support or communication needs, are full and whole humans as they are, not as others would have them be.
Amplifying Autistic voices: Regardless of how we communicate, Autistic people themselves are the best experts on Autism, and our lived experiences should be centred in any conversation about us. Nothing about us, without us.
Self-identification: Formal identification or diagnosis is a privilege that is not available to everyone, and those who self-identify are welcome in our Autistic community.
Using respectful language and symbols: We recognise that the language and symbols we use carry ideological weight, and we use the language that the majority of the Autistic community prefers.
Respect. Accept. Embrace. Empower.
Reframing Autism builds hope in the Autistic community by fostering great expectations for a rewarding life grounded in the civil, political and social participation of Autistic people. Reframing Autism also builds hope in the families and allies of Autistic people, moving beyond the narrative of causes, cures and interventions and offering a way to embrace the Autistic community.
Working within the neurodiversity paradigm and movement, Reframing Autism provides both support and education. Through Reframing Autism, families and allies learn from Autistic people to establish inclusion founded in reciprocal respect and a mutually supportive community. We encourage environments in which Autistic individuals can live authentically, and we build the capacity of families, allies and Autistic people themselves to be leaders and change agents.
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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