I do not accept that society cannot change.

Society constantly changes, albeit sometimes rather laboriously and slowly. 

I believe our societal views on autism—and on accepting others’ differences at large—will improve.

I believe that each time we support messages that invoke fear of differences and the “devastation” these supposedly cause, people want to conform. Swallow their words. Stop expressing themselves authentically. Shutdown. 

I believe that we come closer to healing our world each time we honor one another as individuals, intricately entwined with all life. We are unique yet connected. And there is no reason to follow “the crowd.” 

I believe we will get better as a society and begin seeing one another as whole, without bypassing challenges…

…but recognize these challenges can be addressed with the intention of respecting diversity and divergence, not pathologizing/medicalizing them — hence, fearing them. 

As this happens, I believe we will have children and adults grow into themselves, with self-honor and dignity, knowing they matter and are valued, regardless of appearances or what anyone else has to say … including so-called “experts.”

And then, we will reduce this lie of separation, of better-than/worse than (hierarchy) … these lies that tell us only some people belong, that some lives are better than others.

Lies that feed into all the “isms” out there (and there are far too many!), that are at the root of all war (internally and externally) and separation.

Lies that cause so much pain, that it provokes violence and isolation—whether self inflicted or imposed on others.

I believe we will begin understanding just how magnificently interconnected and entwined we are.

We will understand that when we do not serve that/those which have the greatest need—with absolute integrity and dignity toward their autonomous sovereignty, which is still inexplicably interconnected to ours—we are not serving ourselves or our world. We are instead harming others, the land, and ourselves, as we are one.

I do not accept that we cannot change the world.

I believe we will.