What Autistic Pride means to our community

Every year on 18 June, our community celebrates Autistic Pride Day. Here at Amaze, Autistic Pride is about celebrating both the differences that make us unique and the shared experiences that unite us. But Autistic Pride means a lot of things to a lot of people. That’s why we asked our vibrant, diverse Autistic community to share what it means to them and their families.

“It reframes some of the negative narratives I internalised when I was little and didn’t know I was Autistic. It gives me power over my own narrative. Pride also connects me to my huge and diverse community 💕”

“Autistic self love and self liberation is the best response to fight systemic ableism. It brings inner peace, a place to forgive yourself.”

“I want my daughter to feel confident in who she is and love herself. I want her to know her difference make her valuable and amazing, and not let prejudice bring her down.”

“My son feels connected & like, he’s a part of the community. It makes me happy to see him passionate about something he feels strongly about💟”

“My autistic teen struggles so much with self love.  If only they could turn this around with some pride they may find some peace.”

“It’s important to me because I should not be ashamed of how my brain works.”

“It would give my son such a better quality of life if I can get him to a place where he feels this.”

“I think things differently and see parts of the world where others can’t.”

“For generations my family have been ashamed of their differences, finally we’re beginning to embrace our neurodiversity.”

“Because if it wasn’t for the autistic community I wouldn’t even know that I was autistic. Representation matters!”

“I want others to see my visible neurodivergent pride to allow others to feel proud about theirs.”

“We have the right to be ourselves.”

“I will no longer be silent or ashamed.”

“It celebrates my differences as opposed to pathologizing them #DIFFERENTNOTLESS”

“I love who I am for my Autistic self, not in spite of my autism.”

“I am proud of my neurodivergent community and culture!”

There’s no one Autistic experience, and every member of our community is on a different journey when it comes to Autistic Pride. Wherever you are on yours, we hope you feel accepted, appreciated and included. Happy Autistic Pride Day!