Dear Jon Stewart
I am glad you are learning.
I am glad you finally decided to read something about autism written by an autistic person. Even if the book you read was a translation and some meaning might have been lost.
I am glad because you said, at last, that we are not burdens.
I am glad because you are beginning to understand that autistics have souls, minds, complex thoughts and empathy. Isn’t it obvious since we are human beings?
I am glad because I think you finally believe us when we say many of us don’t want a cure.
I am hopeful that you, who have lent your name to organizations that raise money “for” autism, will start questioning where the money is going and how it is being used.
I am hopeful that you will no longer support Autism Speaks, since you now disagree with them on the burden and tragedy stance.
I am hopeful that you will read more what autistics write about autism because, despite your apparent surprise, we have been doing this for a while.
I am hopeful that you will not only embrace autistic words as valid and important when you read them, but that you embrace and value autistics you may meet in real life, even when they look very disabled or a little “odd”.
I say that because we have met; I typed a question for you; I mentioned I am a proud autistic. You responded with condescension, maybe because I look very disabled. Was it pity? I don’t need it.
But now, you seem really touched by what you’ve read.
I hope you are also curious.
Maybe you will read more autistic words.
Maybe you will learn about Autistic culture.
Maybe you will become an ally.
For now, I want to invite you to Autism 101: “Nothing About Us Without Us”.
Autistics are the real experts on autism.
We are speaking up. Are you going to listen?
Sincerely,
A proud Autistic
I am literally crying right now. I don’t remember exactly, but when Jon Stewart implied it was impossible to support Autism as though we were a cancer, I either cried or punched something. I’m not exactly sure which, since that was five or so years ago. Still, I remember when he said these things. To have someone whom I (still) look up to as an awesome person and role model say these things is incredibly damaging. Him–a person whom will mercilessly attack injustice–supporting Autism Speaks makes me feel as though Suzanne Wright could be right. Jon Stewart has power; if he renounced Autism Speaks, I’d probably just run out into street yelling “have you heard this!?” Neil deGrasse Tyson style. I am excited for what his views could be later this year. Thanks for writing this, Amy, and sorry you had to deal with his vitriol.
But are autistics the ‘real’ experts on all autism, everywhere? Am I an expert on all British people, or all 52 year old women? Experts on themselves, definitely. On what autism means for others, I wouldn’t be so sure.
This is what is needed! Let autistic people have their voices heard ! Embrace and respect them! Banish ignorance and celebrate difference!
Thank you, Amy!! :) <3 <3 <3
Remarkable letter. Thank you Amy.
Thank you for this, Amy!
Beautiful, Amy! Direct, respectful, understated, and very moving. I am proud to call you a friend.
This is beautifull and I am glad he is improving. That segment startled me as well, I anticipated condescension frankly. I am glad he has grown and this does bode well for awareness and hope. (Awareness being that we indeed can be proud autistics).