This month’s Autism 200 series class is Autism 210 – Finding Common Ground: A panel discussion between Autistic and Parent Advocates.
Facilitated by: Zack Siddeek, MSW
Often, communication between Autistic self-advocates and parent advocates are heated, hostile discussions. This happens in all contexts, be it online or in person. There have not been many attempts at bridging the gaps of communication, leading many to ask if understanding is possible. We all can agree that this approach does not serve anyone, either Autistic or family members.
In Seattle, local leaders on both sides met using a facilitated form of communication called “Intergroup Dialogue” with an intention of building alliances around advocacy and empathy. This panel will reflect on the experiences from members of both groups, and identify ways that both sides can work together to ensure that everyone’s needs and thoughts are met in an equitable manner.
There will be time for Q&A at the end of the session.
This class will be held Thursday, November 15, 2018, at Seattle Children’s Hospital in Wright Auditorium from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Please join us in person or watch on Facebook live. For more information see the Autism 200 Series webpage.
Thank you – this is a much needed conversation. Recently, there has been so much misunderstanding and people are being shut out of conversations that affect their lives due to others interpretation of issues.
This is an issue that is not just for autistic self-advocates and parents of autistic people but also people with other similar types of disabilities – many times these other people get overlooked under the autism umbrella.
We all need understanding and collaboration. Pitting one person against another, taking away choices of others just because they are not what another person thinks is the best way, is devaluing the other person’s choice. This is the opposite of Person-centered planning when choices are removed.