Opinion

Acceptance the way forward Have you got a photo you want to share with Wairarapa?

April is Autism Acceptance Month. As someone with many close friends who are autistic, and as a member of the neurodiverse community, it’s a cause dear to my heart.

Autism, a neurodevelopmental condition, is typically characterised by struggles with social communication, preference for routine, sensory hypersensitivity, and atypical speech. Autism also brings many strengths: honesty, innovative thinking, pattern recognition, and excellent memory, to name a few.

The te reo for “autistic” is “takiwatanga” - literally translating as “in their own time and space”.

Awareness of autism has increased in recent years. However, as the autistic community rightly argues, awareness is half the battle.

“Awareness is knowing somebody has autism,” says Christopher Banks, CEO of the Autism Society of America. “Acceptance is when you include them in your activities and help them develop in their communities.”

In Aotearoa, takiwatanga face many barriers. Children struggle to navigate an education system built around neurotypical brains. Support services can be inaccessible. It’s estimated only 10 percent of autistic New Zealanders work fulltime.

As psychologist and neurodiverse advocate Dr Nancy Doyle put it, many difficulties autistics face would be reduced if people “simply understood their neurobiology and accommodated it”.

In education, this could be providing low sensory spaces, ear plugs to help tune out distracting noises, and clear visual instructions. Public spaces, like supermarkets, can offer “quiet hours” (as Countdown has done), reducing stimuli like bright lights and loud noises. Takiwatanga can thrive at work when businesses use straightforward communication, offer mentorship, and foster supportive, inclusive workplace cultures.

To use a terrible cliché, it’d be a dull world if we were all the same. If we’re committed to as a colourful a society as we claim, that involves celebrating the rich diversity all neurotypes contribute. Not dismissing takiwatanga as naughty kids or “risky” employees - but accepting their identities, acknowledging their challenges, and providing the tools they need to succeed.

I’ll end with a quote from Dr Temple Grandin, autistic scientist, author one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People: “The most interesting people…are ones that don’t fit into your average cardboard box. They’ll make what they need — they’ll make their own boxes.”

Young(ish), scrappy & hungry Erin Kavanagh-Hall

The Wairarapa Midweek is subject to New Zealand Media Council procedures. A complaint must rst be directed in writing to the editor’s email address. If not satis ed with the response, the complaint may be referred to the Media Council P.O Box 10-879, Wellington 6143. Or use the online complaint form at www. presscouncil.org.nz. Please include copies of the article and all correspondence with the publication. Whether it’s a reader photo, a cutie, or a snap of you with your Midweek, email it to midweek@age.co.nz with ‘Midweek Photo’ in the subject line, and it could be featured in this segment. CUTIE OF THE WEEK

Seamus Choat, age 2, has a blast on the tyre swing at his Dad’s work. Proud mum Siobhan Choat sent in this super cute photo. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

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Easter is a time for…

Richard Alan Dahlberg Overloading the mokos [with] chocolate.

Cheryl Cavanagh Renewal and review.

Daniel Borrie Getting some days off.

Pip Clement Family and making memories.

Emily Rose Family and a little bit of chocolate.

Graeme Burnard Nothing special. As a non-God, retired, and a diabetic, there is no religious signiÿ cance, no long weekend, and no chocolate. It just passes me by!

Coral Grifÿ s Cider making.

Catherine RowePenny Letting go of resentments and looking forwards.

Margaret Mcnaughton Family to get together and have fun hunting for Easter eggs.

Kendal Duthie Given it is the most signiÿ cant event on the Christian calendar, need I say more?

Karen Roberts Going on annual leave. Jeniah Janet Te WhituPeterson Autumn weather, warm ÿ res and re° ecting on peace, love, and family. Katie Grace Milne Eating chocolate and pretending it’s a carrot stick!

Fern Cameron Taking advantage of the four- day weekend to hang out with family and best friends! And all bets are off on the chocolate!

Christina Schoÿ eld Resting, eating hot cross buns, and seeing family. Mandy Gibbins Celebrating Samhain – the harvest festival. Or, in the Northern hemisphere, Beltaine: the spring/fertility festival that the Christians plagiarised. At least there’s bunnies and eggs which symbolise fertility. Oh, and sleeping in.

PHOTO/ STOCK. ADOBE.COM

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