Autistic people spoke.

At least two of them did. They spoke on our behalf, eloquently and without drama or hyperbole.

Michael John Carley and Ari Ne’eman spoke about, to and for us, autistics. Not only about one group of autistics, but about all autistics. Because, in the end, we all need and want the same things: respect, acceptance, inclusion and support/services. 

The Congressional Hearing was about the Federal Response to the Rising Rates of Autism. Several people were invited to talk about us. As it is sadly the practice, no one from our community was considered worth of listening to. But, as we have learnt, we must not be silenced. As a result of our protest, Michael J. Carley, from GRASP, and Ari Ne’eman, from ASAN, received the late invitation. 

And that made all the difference.

Many of you have contacted Autism Women’s Network with concerns that autistic women were not invited to testify before the Nov. 29, 2012 House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to speak in behalf of their unique needs.

First, please understand that initially no autistic people were even invited until yesterday, and this late-hour invitation came about only after the onset of social media protests along with ASAN’s petition about the exclusion of autistic input. At this point, we are grateful that the Autistic community will indeed be present at the Hearing with Michael John Carley of Grasp and Ari Ne’eman of Autistic Self Advocacy Network to speak about the needs of all autistic people.

Happy Five Year Anniversary ASAN! Tonight, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network’s celebration will take place at The National Press Club in Washington, DC from 6:30–9:00 pm.

The 1st Annual Award for Exceptional Services to the Autistic Community will be given to Kathryn Bjornstad and Autism Women's Network Director of Networking, Corina Becker. Bjornstad and Becker are the creators of Autistics Speaking Day. This award is given to those who have helped to build the Autistic community through exceptional advocacy, ingenuity or service.