I Am Autistic, and I Am Not Disabled
Rethinking Disability and the Complexities of Identity: A Vision Quest to Reimagine Systems That Support All Human Experiences.
There’s a kind of alchemy that happens when we reframe our understanding of systems—when we look beyond the obvious structures, labels, and categorizations that have been handed down to us, and instead, envision what could be. In the spirit of transformation, today’s quest takes us on a journey to reimagine the systems around disability and neurodivergence, exploring how we can break free from paradigms that limit, define, and confine.
This reflection began with a conversation—or rather, a confrontation. I recently watched a video from an autistic advocate who argued that autism should always be considered a disability. They suggested that denying one’s disability status is inherently ableist or an expression of “aspie supremacism.” Further, they claimed that if you don’t feel disabled, it’s simply because you are accommodated—a position that not only feels exclusionary but also deeply misunderstands the complexity of neurodivergent experiences. The advocate opened with an exclusionary tone: “If your autism doesn’t disable you, you are not autistic.” That statement served as the catalyst for today’s exploration.
In mainstream discourse, the concept of disability is often viewed through a narrow lens: one that positions it as a deficit, something to be fixed or accommodated for, but always something “less than.” For me, however, the language and framework of disability often don’t align with my lived experience. To claim “disability” as an identity marker would be to accept a role in a system that feels more like a labyrinth of limitations rather than a space for liberation. I’ve tried to navigate that system before, only to find it incredibly ableist, classist, and ultimately exclusionary. I found myself more boxed in than empowered.
Disability Isn’t Neutral—It’s a Loaded Concept
Disability, as a concept, isn’t neutral. It’s laden with stigma, expectations, and power dynamics. It’s tied to a system that, despite its intent to support, too often segregates and marginalizes those it claims to help. And that’s why I choose not to identify as disabled. Instead, I tell people I’m autistic and that I might need something a little different. This is not about diminishing the experiences of those who do identify as disabled, nor is it about rejecting support or accommodations. It’s about reimagining a system that doesn’t force us to label ourselves in ways that feel disempowering.
Today’s quest is about visioning a world where such binary understandings are not only questioned but dismantled. Can we create a new language, a new paradigm, a new system where people are supported not because they are “different” but because they are human?
From Labels to Liberation: A New Vision for Autism and Disability
In “The Unbearable (In)Visibility of Being Trans” by Chase Strangio, the author explores how the complexity of transgender identity is often flattened by societal expectations and rigid categories. Strangio’s experience navigating invisibility and invalidation resonates deeply with many late-diagnosed and self-diagnosed autistic individuals. When I read their work, I saw a mirror of my own struggles. Like transgender individuals who are erased or simplified within both mainstream narratives and the broader LGBTQ+ community, those of us who don’t fit the traditional mold of “disabled” are often left feeling like outsiders within our own advocacy spaces.
Likewise, Cherríe Moraga’s chapter, “La Güera,” delves into the intersections of privilege and oppression, complicating the narrative around identity. Moraga speaks to the experience of being both light-skinned and Chicana, creating a paradox of being both privileged and marginalized. This complexity reflects my own experience of being an autistic individual who doesn’t identify as disabled. My discomfort with the term “disability” is not about rejecting the social model of disability itself—it’s about recognizing that it can be too rigid to capture the nuanced realities of people with intersecting identities.
“Untangling the Racialization of Disabilities”: A Model for Intersectional Analysis
The need for a more nuanced approach is echoed in Alfredo J. Artiles’ article, “Untangling the Racialization of Disabilities: An Intersectionality Critique Across Disability Models.” Artiles critiques the traditional social model of disability, which claims that disability arises from societal barriers rather than individual impairments. While powerful, the social model can sometimes oversimplify the experience of those who don’t fit neatly into the disabled/able-bodied binary.
Artiles argues for an intersectional approach that considers how race, class, and other factors influence one’s experience of disability. My own story as a late-diagnosed autistic person navigating a classist system contrasts significantly with those who have identified as disabled from an early age and have had access to robust support systems. This reading validated my understanding that discomfort with identifying as disabled is not necessarily a rejection of the social model itself but a critique of its limitations in capturing the full spectrum of lived experiences.
Visioning a World Without Binary Barriers
What if we moved beyond the binaries of disabled versus able-bodied? What if we didn’t need the category of “disability” at all to ensure people received the support they need? What if, instead of focusing on deficits and differences, we shifted our gaze toward creating a world that is accommodating by design, not by exception?
We can dream bigger. In a world where the term “disability” no longer carries weight, we wouldn’t need separate accommodations for people labeled as “disabled” or “different.” Instead, we would have universal systems that support the full range of human experiences. No one would have to justify their needs or prove their struggles to access what they require to thrive.
This isn’t just a utopian fantasy—it’s a call to reimagine the systems we have now. It’s a vision quest to build a new paradigm where inclusion is embedded in the fabric of our social structures, where we focus on creating environments that embrace diversity in all its forms, not as something that needs special attention, but as the norm.
Vision Quest Reflection: Building Bridges, Not Binaries
Today’s vision quest is a call to action. It’s an invitation to reimagine what it means to support one another without resorting to limiting labels and stigmatizing structures. We have the opportunity to build systems that are fluid, responsive, and rooted in shared humanity.
Let’s create a world where all people, regardless of labels or categories, have the space to exist authentically and access the support they need—not because they are “different” or “less than,” but because they are part of the human tapestry we are all weaving together.
With this vision, I invite you to reflect on your own relationship to these labels. How can we collectively redefine what it means to belong in a society that is truly inclusive? How can we challenge ourselves and others to move beyond the binaries that confine us?
Our Vision and Mission at The Compassion Collective
At The Compassion Collective, we envision a world where every human experience is valued and supported—not despite our differences, but because of them. We are committed to creating systems that celebrate neurodiversity, honor lived experiences, and foster genuine inclusion. Our mission is to build a community where every voice matters and every perspective is welcome.
Shared Values:
Compassion and Empathy: We believe in meeting each person with empathy and understanding, honoring their unique journey without judgment.
Collective Wisdom: Our community thrives on shared knowledge and co-created solutions, valuing every contribution.
Transformative Change: We aim to reimagine systems and structures that perpetuate division and exclusion, advocating for frameworks that embrace the full spectrum of human experiences.
Respect and Inclusivity: We hold space for respectful dialogue and seek to include all voices, recognizing that meaningful change begins with true inclusivity.
If you’re engaging with this piece and have questions or reflections, we encourage you to respond with these values in mind. Let’s build this new world together, one conversation at a time.