Hugninn and Muninn’s tips for Autism Acceptance Month!

 

Hugninn and Muninn’s tips for Autism Acceptance Month!

For many years, the puzzle has been used as a symbol of Autism and individuals all over the world have been encouraged to “Light It Up Blue” for Autism Awareness. However, in the recent several years, many with Autism have come forth claiming that the “Light It Up Blue” campaign is actually extremely harmful to Autistic people. Hugninn and Muninn, the ravens of Allfather Odin, have stopped by during their daily surveillance of the Nine Worlds to tell us why and give us tips:

Hugninn: The “Light It Up Blue” campaign by Autism Speaks is actually extremely hurtful to many Autistic people. Autism Speaks is *not* an ally to actual autistic people.

Muninn: Autism Speaks has asserted that autistic people are burdens on society, and must be eradicated. Instead of advocating for the support and acceptance of Autistic people, they advocate for a cure and a “world without Autism.”

Hugninn: Do you know that some scientists (probably Autistic themselves!!!) have claimed that Autism may have actually developed millennia ago in Europe to give an advantage in hunting and tracking?

Muninn: If those claims are indeed the truth, can you imagine how essential Autism was to ancient hunter-gatherer societies? Autism may have ensured that our early ancestors didn’t starve!

Hugninn: Not to mention that many great individuals in history – Albert Einstein, Thomas Jefferson, Nicola Tesla, and Abraham Lincoln are only a few names – showed many Autistic traits.

Muninn: So how do Autistic people want to be treated?

Hugninn: First of all, never assume lower intellect. Most, if not all, have at least average IQ’s if not above average – many are brilliant.

Muninn: Yeah, if someone very obviously has a high IQ, please don’t treat them as someone of lower intelligence – and please don’t infantilize, in other words, don’t treat Autistic teenagers and adults as children.

Hugninn: This goes for non-speaking Autistics as well. Nonverbal does not mean intellectually disabled. In fact, there have been many reports of nonverbal Autistic kids being handed a device to type on and typing out “I can understand everything that you say about me – I’m not retarded!”

Muninn: Yes, and they have been known to then go on to type out how hurt they were to hear all of the negative talk about them, assuming that they were deficient, incapable, and have nothing to say.

Hugninn: Autistic people want to be given a chance. They want to be heard, and have their needs and wants taken into consideration. Hey Muninn, what are some things that Autistic people excel at?

Muninn: Attention to detail and great focus is one! In this age of an increasing need for cyber defenders, Autistics would be up to the task for jobs in cyber security and IT.

Hugninn: Other things that need to be taken into consideration: Many are also LGBT. Also some have alternate religious and spiritual beliefs such as Wicca, Druidry, Gnosticism – some are Asatru, and honor our dad Odin, and his friends and family!

Muninn: Hey Hugninn, do you think that you and I might be Autistic?

Hugninn: Wow Muninn, now that you bring it up, you and I do have Autistic traits – and so does Odin, our dad!

Muninn: We have great attention to detail, not to mention great endurance and perseverance which are big Autistic traits!

Hugninn: Ravens like us? We’re one of the most intelligent species there is. Maybe all ravens are Autistic!

Muninn: When we get back to Valhalla tonight, we’ll pass this information on to dad! Wonder what he’ll say? He is, after all the god of wisdom and shamanism – and through his own perseverance and hard work, he rose up to become the ruler of the gods!

Hugninn: And if the world gives them a chance, all Autistic people can do anything that they set their mind to. Our dad gave the runes to humanity! And, let’s not even mention his friend Heimdall – whose sharp hearing and attention to detail earned him the place as the guardian of the Bifrost and Asgard!

Muninn: Let’s dream of, not a world without Autism, but a world where Autism is embraced and accepted. Do you know the period in history where men who were very likely Autistic pretty much ran the world? It was known as “The Enlightenment” “The Golden Era” and “The Age of Discovery.”

Hugninn: Wow, great point! Autistic people are incredibly intelligent and capable – and we need to fight for a world where the strengths of Autistics are acknowledged!

Muninn: Maybe it’ll take Ragnarök, but it’ll come. But maybe not! The tides may be turning now.

Hugninn: Thank you so much for coming to our presentation! We hope that we gave you some good insight.

Muninn: Autistics, keep showing the world what you can do!

Hugninn: And neurotypicals, if you know Autistic people, please hear them out and take their desires and thoughts into consideration.

Muninn: After all, it’s the right thing to do.

Both: Skal!