Change the term "Autism awareness" to "Autism Acceptance" in Lewisville ISD
The Issue
My name is Abigail Dressell, and I’m an autistic student at Lewisville Independent School Distict. My goal is to change the terms that are being used at our school for autism, as well as educate others about the autisic community.
Recently, I have become aware of the usage of the term “autism awareness” in my school. While the intention is pure, I believe the word “awareness” is treating autism like a disease that needs a cure. Acceptance and appreciation are better terms that are preferred because we are able to focus on celebrating our differences. We are all one united group of children with the common goal of learning. It is important that every student, regardless of their different abilities, are accepted and celebrated. I believe that the change of this term will help to highlight this.
In addition, “autism awareness” originated from a well-known organization that uses 48% of their budget searching for a cure for autism. This implies:
Autism can, and should be cured.
Autism shouldn’t exist
Not only am I disgusted by this line of thinking, but I am also shocked that our district has not made changes. Through this petition, I am hoping to educate our administration and create more awareness about this controversy.
I have circulated a paper petition around my school, and it’s received around one hundred signatures including students, staff, parents, and administration - voices of our wonderful community. When I asked for signatures, I was flabbergasted at how unaware my school was about autistics. However, I was also uplifted by the amount of people who wanted to educate themselves and ask questions to better understand autism. I believe people would like to educate themselves but are not given the incentive, resources, or dedication from LISD’s educational system to fully understand.
Another objective of mine is to educate those in my community on the difference between “autism awareness” versus “autism appreciation”. I see this being accomplished by emailing and meeting with administration to help them further understand why this is so important to the autistic community.
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The Issue
My name is Abigail Dressell, and I’m an autistic student at Lewisville Independent School Distict. My goal is to change the terms that are being used at our school for autism, as well as educate others about the autisic community.
Recently, I have become aware of the usage of the term “autism awareness” in my school. While the intention is pure, I believe the word “awareness” is treating autism like a disease that needs a cure. Acceptance and appreciation are better terms that are preferred because we are able to focus on celebrating our differences. We are all one united group of children with the common goal of learning. It is important that every student, regardless of their different abilities, are accepted and celebrated. I believe that the change of this term will help to highlight this.
In addition, “autism awareness” originated from a well-known organization that uses 48% of their budget searching for a cure for autism. This implies:
Autism can, and should be cured.
Autism shouldn’t exist
Not only am I disgusted by this line of thinking, but I am also shocked that our district has not made changes. Through this petition, I am hoping to educate our administration and create more awareness about this controversy.
I have circulated a paper petition around my school, and it’s received around one hundred signatures including students, staff, parents, and administration - voices of our wonderful community. When I asked for signatures, I was flabbergasted at how unaware my school was about autistics. However, I was also uplifted by the amount of people who wanted to educate themselves and ask questions to better understand autism. I believe people would like to educate themselves but are not given the incentive, resources, or dedication from LISD’s educational system to fully understand.
Another objective of mine is to educate those in my community on the difference between “autism awareness” versus “autism appreciation”. I see this being accomplished by emailing and meeting with administration to help them further understand why this is so important to the autistic community.
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Petition created on September 8, 2022