Addressing Misrepresentation and Injustice in Autism Awareness Campaigns

As someone with autism and ADHD, I feel compelled to share my perspective on the "Blue Week" campaign and the broader issues it represents. After researching its origins, I find it disrespectful and misaligned with the needs of the autistic community. This isn’t just an abstract concern—it’s personal. When I reported a harasser targeting my ex-partner (who is also autistic), the Cordoba-based company DW, where I worked, responded by dismissing us both. This experience highlights a troubling disconnect: while awareness campaigns like "Blue Week" generate conversation, they often fail to translate into real support or action for autistic individuals.

For 35 years, I’ve lived with the challenges and prejudices tied to autism. I’ve endured bullying and communication difficulties, yet I’ve also traveled independently, maintained relationships, and lived on my own. Today, however, I find myself unemployed—not due to a lack of capability, but because too few understand that, for me, injustice is intolerable. After five years of dedication at DW, where I contributed transformative ideas, my dismissal—alongside another autistic colleague—revealed how little progress has been made in workplace inclusion.

I’ve seen the email sent by DW after our termination, as well as background on "Blue Week" and Autism Speaks, an organization that shapes much of the global narrative around autism. Both the campaign and Autism Speaks raise significant concerns:

1. Lack of Representation: Autism Speaks often excludes autistic individuals from leadership roles, resulting in campaigns that don’t reflect our realities or needs.

2. Focus on "Curing" Autism: The blue color and puzzle piece symbol associated with "Blue Week" imply that autism needs to be "fixed." This narrative is dehumanizing—many of us seek acceptance, not a cure.

3. Imposition of Blue: The heavy reliance on blue alienates parts of the autistic community, including women and people of color, who are already underrepresented in these discussions.

These issues aren’t just symbolic; they reflect a failure to listen to those of us who have lived with autism for decades, rather than relying solely on external perspectives. Awareness should amplify autistic voices, not overshadow them with outdated or harmful ideas.

Despite these setbacks, I’m optimistic about the future. I’m working to start my own business, with the goal of creating opportunities for others on the spectrum. Correcting how we discuss and address autism—prioritizing authenticity, inclusion, and justice—is a vital step toward change. I’m grateful for the chance to raise this issue and hope it sparks meaningful dialogue.