#RedInstead

[-Ash-]

So, as you know, April is coming up. But April is more than just a month of the year, at least to me and many others.

April, to people who support #RedInstead, is Autism Acceptance Month. For the people who do not know what #RedInstead is, here are a few articles.

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Now many people have asked, why not Autism Speaks? Well... a lot of reasons. Autism Speaks is a hategroup that aims to find a "cure" towards autism and spreads a general load of misinformation and hate about the disorder. They profit off of their campaigns and their statistics shows that only 2% of their annual income actually goes to help autistic people. Not to mention they've also partnered with white supremacists groups and racist communities. Autism Speaks is despised among Autistic people and therefore any help to this group is negative and is causing harm to the autistic community

April 2, in the eyes of #RedInstead, is Autism Acceptance Day, a day dedicated accepting and appreciating autistic people and their achievements.

So here I give you a story, written by a close, autistic friend. Actually you might remember her from here, Arie.

"A girl with secrets
A woman in shackles to the government
A country divided by a forest
The story of Verm of Afros is a lengthy one. A girl, from who knows where, with mechanical limbs and obscure allegiances. Whom does she serve? What does she believe in? What are friends and why do they matter?
Welcome to Afros, a nation filled with ice and permafrost for 9 months out of the 12 in the year.
Where freezing and frostbite is nothing new, where starving if you fail to secure enough food during Wintertide is a common sight.
Where the mages sit on power, but are well and truly shackled to their magic.
What is the game? What is being played at? Is there truly a game?
Who are you? How long can you keep the beast, the monster inside you, when it's not really a monster, but who you are?
Follow the story of Verm of Afros, a story of self-discovery where the mask can only last for so long."

The Shackled Song

Whether it be wearing red, or showing off an infinity symbol - a symbol that represents being neurodivergent, and the many kinds of autism.

Whether it be a red hair tie, or wearing all red, any act of kindness and support is appreciated.

Happy almost-AUtism Acceptance Month!

[-Ash-]

and if you do do something supportive, posting pictures [if youre comfortable] is a great way to show support!

[-Ash-]

if youd like to join the #RedInstead discord i made, heres the link: https://discord.gg/XpJr2s7Rp3