Temple Grandin Has Some Great Tips to Help Kids With Autism Cope During the Coronavirus Quarantine (Parade)

One of the practices I have made a habit of in the last year is intentionally listening and deferring to voices from historically marginalized communities, including neurodivergent folks and autistic adults specifically. Something that I have had the opportunity to read about has been a criticism of Temple Grandin, and the reason I think that it is important to acknowledge is because the voices of these autistic individuals are often clear about the harm and trauma she has contributed to their community; though they also acknowledge how groundbreaking she was many years ago. This harm has been particularly due to her use of functioning labels, and support of eugenics, ABA, and organizations such as Autism Speaks. I don't say any of this to be argumentative, but I believe uplifting these voices is important and that that we have these conversations as an opportunity to recognize multiple sides of a story 

Here are the words shared by someone in response to this article in another space recently:

Sigh. I really, really, *really* wish neurotypicals realized there are so many other autistic advocates out there besides Temple Grandin. We autistics greatly appreciate what she did to change the face of autism, but desperately wish she would stop putting herself forward as an autism expert. She is steeped in classism and ableism, even to the point of preaching eugenics. 

There are some good points in that article. There are also lots of bad ones. Look to Autistic Advocate, The Neurodivergent Teacher, Autistic Not Weird, Kristy Forbes - Autism & Neurodiversity Support Specialist, The Autistic OT, or Autistic, Typing instead. Read The Thinking Person's Guide to Autism, NeuroClastic, or The Autistic Self Advocacy Network. Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint isn't necessarily doing anything COVID-19 specific, but they are doing great work. Temple Grandin was groundbreaking for her time and she may still be great at the science she does, but she actually sets autistics back every time she speaks.

Another article that helped me have a better grasp was this one. I hope that by bringing this up, we can spark new insights!