Dear Parents, I’m an Autistic Self-Advocate, and I See You

Thomas A. McKean was diagnosed in 1979 at age 14. As one of the original autism self-advocates he has served on the board of Autism Society of America, has written two books on autism, has spoken at numerous conferences, has done private consulting, and has even appeared on Oprah. He currently lives in Ohio with his sister, her husband, and their pomeranian. Learn more about Thomas at www.thomasamckean.com.

For those who came in late, my name is Thomas. I am an advocate with autism. I have been working internationally in the field for thirty years. And I see you.

I do not hate parents, ABA therapy, or Autism Speaks. I do not consider anyone who has a difference of opinion with me about anything related to autism to be a “pro-eugenics ableist nazi.” I was part of creating both autism awareness month and the autism awareness ribbon.

The dictionary defines advocacy as “the act of pleading for, supporting, or recommending; active espousal.” Granted, that definition is incomplete, vague, and even confusing at best, so let me translate this into English as it relates to Level-3 autism.

When you are in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting speaking for your child, that’s advocacy.