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Today is Friday and I am listening to Life of a Showgirl while I work on the newly launched Ocelot Consulting. I sit with my black, sweet coffee and snuggle in my oversized shirt. Autumn is upon us and the nights creep slowly earlier into the day. The leaves turn from green to reds and golds. It would seem cosy and peaceful if the backdrop of the last few weeks had not been my right to exist. 

Over in the United States of America we are seeing elected officials denounce Tylenol, or as we know it in the UK paracetamol. This is the cause of Autism, they say; not acknowledging that Autism was first written about long before the approval of paracetamol in the USA. Many of my colleagues and friends have presented clear and concise arguments as to why the announcement of Tylenol Autism is utter hogswash. Let us be clear paracetamol is not a new thalidomide scandal waiting in the wings. The real horror comes when one stops to think for a moment as to the social conditioning behind the message. Do Not Be Autistic - it is not even quiet or soft eugenic rhetoric, it is loud and proudly stated. 

We live in a time where Autism is once again becoming a poster child for the new eugenics movement. As governing parties promote misinformation, fearmongering and governmental control of Autistic people at the same time they strip funding and silence Autistic researchers - it feels at times hopeless. Faced by tides of articles that argue for and against our right to exist, I sometimes wonder if I should disappear into my oversized shirt and not come out. 

What can we do to fight a tide of misinformation and fearmongering? We follow the practices of so many marginalised groups before us, we produce and disseminate our own information - we tell our stories louder and prouder than ever before. When it comes to social media, boost Neurodivergent voices, promote those working for a Neurodivergent affirming future. While we are talking about social media, do not hate post those who would see us removed from the face of the earth (even if it is to laugh at them, the algorithms don’t care if you’re laughing or agreeing). Where possible engage with Neurodivergent-led, Neurodivergent-affirming media, support your Autistic creators - media by us not just about us (we do not need another Sheldon Cooper thank you very much). 

There is another form of resistance that I take solace in from rights movements across time and space, the power of community. We build strength through working together. These don't need to be huge acts, from having group dinners to supporting each other with child care or sharing resources - my books are in permanent circulation in my queer Neurodivergent circles. Take time to build spaces to support those around you and be supported. In supporting each other we fight the despair that washes over us with the daily media barrage. Starting with community care can be difficult and if you're looking for somewhere to begin with community action “Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice” by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha is an excellent starting point. 

As winter approaches the days match the darkness that politics is drawing over us. I'm not despairing though, by promoting our voice and by building our communities we will find strength to overcome the misinformation and fear mongering. Now if you excuse me a friend has just messaged and I'm going to practice what I preach.

“Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice” by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha can be purchased here.