Although autistic perspectives have historically little influence on autism discourse, with the autistic advocacy movement only emerging in the 1990s and then as a relatively marginal force, autistic advocacy has recently begun to have considerably more influence.  Much of this advocacy is related to the broader neurodiversity movement and approach/paradigm, with widespread calls for autism supports to be provided in a neurodiversity-affirming manner.  However, not only is the neurodiversity movement leaderless and evolving, with some internal debate regarding its purpose and aims, there are also many outright myths, misunderstandings, and misrepresentations of the neurodiversity movement.  Many of these myths create fear by suggesting that the neurodiversity movement is more radical than it truly is, while other misrepresentations focus on token cosmetic changes while ignoring the larger purposes of neurodiversity. 

This presentation will discuss what the neurodiversity movement and neuro-affirming practice are really about, and will include quantitative and qualitative data about the types of support and practices that community members view as more socially-valid and acceptable.