AWN both recognizes and affirms each individual’s gender identity. We will not tolerate abusive behavior based on perceived or actual gender identity and presentation. We recognize that gender is not a binary, and that one can identify with “woman” and a non-binary gender at the same time. We also recognize that some people may have a varying gender identity, and may identify as a woman at some times but not others. We would like to take this opportunity to welcome all women, and supporters of women, to join our community.

I am usually a very happy person. I am not happy all the time and my face does not always show the depth of my emotions. Sometimes my body reaction to situations is very similar, even when I experience opposite emotions. 

It seems a little complicated but the fact is that I am happy. I can even be happy after a seizure. That is because I am very comfortable being myself, despite all my needs, despite the seizures and despite all the bad things that happened or were said to me. 

I am writing this because I am an autistic who does not want to be cured.

Why am I writing a letter to Disney? Click >>> here <<< for the story. When I receive a response from Disney, you'll be the first to hear about it. 

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Subject: Disability Grievance 

My child is eight years old and autistic. During a visit to Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in June 2012, we discovered system-wide problems with your disability policy, accommodations request system, and providing accommodations to autistic persons. This letter describes our disability grievance and recommendations to correct those issues. 

I. Facts 

1. My son is 8 years old and is diagnosed with autism. His autism includes hypotonia, high sensory reactivity, motor skills problems, auditory and visual perception problems. Hypotonia means he has very low physical endurance. He can neither walk long distances, nor sit for a long time (sitting takes core muscle strength), no tolerate temperature extremes. He has difficulty judging depth and distance, which means I often must carry him (off and on vehicles, toys, play structures, bathtubs, carousels, beds, etc), or guide him physically, or move his limbs. He is highly reactive to certain visuals, like flags, dresses, crowds, and to certain sounds, like people talking at once and to crowds. He doesn't climb, balance, or coordinate movements well. He's photosensitive to bright light, sunlight, and flash photography. His autism means he can't communicate when he's near a breaking point, only after he's reached a breaking point caused by the stress of managing these challenges.

We Unicorns seldom have a chance to gather in the magical wild lands of Manhattan, but thanks to a press pass arranged by Sharon daVanport, president of Autism Women's Network, I got to meet another of my species at a panel entitled Autistic and Female: They say That's Rare and so Many Other Things at the Disability Studies in Education conference at Hunter College, on May 27.

I've heard that what makes me different
Also makes me wrong or bad
That just because I'm different
Means that I should be sad.
But I am here to tell you
That different's not all plight
That this thing which makes me different
Is the reason why I write.
Without my brand of different
I might not have a voice unique
Rather than express myself via keyboard
I might be prone to speak.
Now, there's nothing wrong with speaking
Please do hear me through
I just happen to love typing
Each day sparks my mind anew.
Next time you might curse different
Clothe your cursing in this shawl
That it's not so bad, this different
It can be beautiful, after all.