As someone who has struggled my whole life with people in authoritative roles, I have been mistreated, not believed, judged, and misunderstood. After receiving an autism diagnosis at the age of 40, I became very aware that this same thing could be happening to many others. When reporting an assault to police nearly a decade ago, I was not believed because I wasn't communicating the same way. I had a broken collar bone from the assault that was ignored because I was autistic without a diagnosis.

Currently, systems in place to support people with neurodivergent conditions, such as autism, primarily focus on individuals who have received a formal diagnosis. While this is beneficial for those who have been diagnosed, it leaves a significant gap in support for many who are either waiting for a diagnosis or may never receive one. The lack of support for these individuals can gravely impact their communication with police, social services, doctors, and other authority figures, leading to misunderstandings, neglect, and injustice.

It is crucial to implement neurodivergence support teams to assist in all public encounters. These teams, trained in recognizing and accommodating various neurodivergent traits, can bridge the communication gap and ensure equitable treatment for all individuals. Incorporating such teams in police departments, social services offices, and healthcare facilities will help ensure that everyone's needs are understood and addressed appropriately.

Statistics show that many individuals on the autism spectrum or with other neurodivergent conditions face systemic barriers and experience higher rates of discrimination and mistreatment. In a study conducted by the National Autistic Society, it was revealed that only 16% of autistic adults are in full-time employment, partly due to systemic misunderstandings. Moreover, a report by Autism Speaks indicated that autistic individuals are seven times more likely to encounter law enforcement than their neurotypical counterparts, often resulting in unfavorable outcomes.

Our goal is to create a more inclusive society where everyone receives the understanding and support they deserve. With neurodivergence support teams, we can take significant steps toward reducing unnecessary challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals daily, ensuring their voices are heard and respected. Not every autistic person has a diagnosis and can not ask for help in these situations because they are unaware of what is happening. We need equality and support in place for both neurodivergent and neurotypical people in these situations.

Support this initiative by signing the petition. Together, we can advocate for a system that genuinely accommodates the needs of all its citizens, preventing instances of neglect or misunderstanding based on an outdated focus on formal diagnoses.