Autistic Adults Exist and Deserve a Voice

Back in 2022, I experienced something that highlighted a serious problem: being an autistic adult completely excluded from events focused on autistic or neurodivergent children and their families.

I want to be clear. I am not diminishing the vital role parents play in their child’s life. Many parents are neurodivergent themselves, and autism is genetic. Parents deserve support and resources. But too often, autistic adults—advocates, community members, and lived-experience experts—are left out of the conversations, planning, and narratives about autism.

In one instance, I challenged a local group that was hosting a “Let’s Talk Neurodiversity” panel. They invited professionals who work closely with neurodivergent youth, but not a single neurodivergent adult was included. When I asked why, and pointed out that actively excluding the very group being discussed is a problem, the repeated response was, “But it’s for parents.”

I was frustrated but allowed to give an introduction. I was told I would participate in the panel discussion and the Q&A session, but that did not happen. My introduction was the only contribution I was permitted.

Later in 2022, I noticed an Autism Acceptance Day event at the Museum of Vancouver advertised on Facebook. I asked if any autistic adults were involved in the planning. After multiple messages, it became clear that none were.

The most ironic part is that these organizations work hard to support families and children with neurodivergence, but they seem to forget that those children will grow up. How are we supposed to empower autistic children if, as adults, they are excluded from conversations, events, and spaces about autism?

Inclusion cannot be selective. True inclusion means creating opportunities for autistic adults, centering our voices in planning and discussions, and valuing our lived experience. Children deserve to see a future where they are recognized, heard, and empowered, not a future where they are invisible once they grow up.

It is time to do better. We need to empower each other, include all voices, and make sure autistic adults are part of the conversation.