My name is Navarro Jose Orozco. More than just a name, it represents a life lived, a unique perspective shaped by being someone with Asperger's — a part of the vast & beautiful spectrum of neurodivergence. But today, my name, & the identities of countless others, feel threatened by the shadow of a proposed autism registry. This isn't an abstract political issue for me; it's a profound, gut-level terror that vibrates through my very existence.

I wanna share with you why this feels so personal, so deeply unsettling. I remember moments throughout my life, perhaps like many of you resonate with, where being "different" felt like wearing a label, a spotlight that invited misunderstanding, judgment, or unwelcome scrutiny. There were times I felt seen only through the lens of my diagnosis, my complex personhood reduced to a single category. I recall the anxiety of disclosing my neurology to others, the internal debate of if & when to share, & the vulnerability that followed, always bracing for potential negative reactions — from awkward pity to outright discrimination. This personal history, this lived experience of navigating a world that doesn't always understand or accept neurological diversity, makes the idea of a government-mandated registry feel like the ultimate invasion of that private, sensitive space. It feels like taking that vulnerable feeling I've sometimes carried & amplifying it onto a public, potentially weaponized stage. It feels like the walls of my personal sanctuary are being dissolved, leaving me exposed & cataloged.

This isn't paranoia; it's a fear deeply rooted in both personal experience & historical lessons. Think about it — throughout history, the systematic identification & categorization of specific groups have often been the 1st step towards marginalization, discrimination, & even persecution. While we might hope this registry is intended for benign purposes, the potential for misuse, for it to become a tool for profiling, controlling, or disadvantaging neurodivergent individuals, is a clear & present danger that we all just can't ignore. The very act of being listed, singled out based on our neurological makeup, carries disturbing echoes that we must heed with utmost seriousness.

Leading disability rights organizations, like the Autism Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) a certain autism activist once mentioned, have rightly voiced grave concerns. They highlight the very real risks: increased discrimination in areas like employment, housing, insurance, & even social services; stigmatization that further 'others' autistic individuals; & the inherent violation of privacy regarding sensitive health information. In a world where data breaches are increasingly common, & where unconscious biases against the neurodivergent people still exist, creating a centralized database of autistic individuals opens a door to potential harm that is simply unacceptable. We're not statistics to be tracked & managed without our full, informed consent; we're human beings with rights, dignity, & the right to control our personal information.

This threat doesn't just ask for our names; it demands our silence & our acquiescence. It seeks to normalize the idea that our neurological differences justify being singled out & monitored in ways that would be unthinkable for the general population. But this doesn't have to be our reality. We don't have to surrender our autonomy or hide in fear. We mustn't look away, step back, or run from this challenge.

This moment calls for us to stand tall, together. It's time to channel the fear & anxiety into powerful, collective determination. It's time to replace the quiet murmur of trepidation with a unified roar for change, for justice, for the fundamental human right to privacy & dignity for everyone. This isn't just a personal battle; it's a fight for the soul of a society that claims to value diversity & inclusion. It’s a fight to affirm that being neurodivergent is a part of the rich tapestry of human experience, not a condition that warrants being listed on a registry.

Starting this revolutionary movement against the proposed autism registry is about reclaiming our narrative, asserting our rights, & building a future where all individuals, regardless of their neurology, can live free from the fear of unwarranted surveillance or discrimination simply for being who they are.

For we have the power to make a difference. We have the power to protect ourselves & future generations. But most importantly, we have the power to demand a better way, all of us.

Be a part of this force. Lend your voice, your strength, your resolve to this critical fight. By adding your name to the petition to abolish the proposed autism registry, for you're not just signing a document; you're casting a vote for privacy, for dignity, for safety, & for a world that respects & values the autonomy of every single person.

Let's all stand together, united by compassion & a shared vision of a future where our neurodivergent community, & indeed all communities, are celebrated for their differences, not cataloged because of them. This is our stand. This is our time to rise.

Sign the petition today to abolish the proposed autism registry & uphold inviolable individual privacy rights. Let's start this revolution — together.