Autism Speaks

According to statistics reported by CDC in 2020, 1 in 54 children in the USA were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 2016. The latest statistics in the UK show that there are 700,000 autistic diagnoses. It is suggested that boys are four times more likely to get a diagnosis of autism than girls.

Despite the horror of seeing 15-month-old Elizabeth slip away into autism, her mother knew that her bright little girl was still in there. When Elizabeth eventually learned to communicate, first by using a letterboard and later by typing, the poetry she wrote became proof of a glorious, life-affirming victory for this young girl and her family. I Am in Here is the spiritual journey of a mother and daughter who refuse to give up hope.

The step-by-step guide discusses various aspects of how autism is perceived, explores how best to speak up for individual needs and introduces advocacy for the wider autistic community. Each step outlines one vital aspect of advocacy and allyship, such as emphasizing acceptance, avoiding assumptions and assuming competence. The advice and strategies laid out in this guide center the wisdom and experiences of autistic people and enable the listener to confidently speak up with insight and understanding.