AUTISTIC AS FXXK - Manifesto

I wrote this manifesto in 2016, after quitting a job I was placed in by a job training programme from an autism organisation.

A family friend suggested to my parents that I should join this programme because he didn’t think I had the appropriate social skills for the working world. So I joined shortly after I graduated.

When I told the people from the programme that I wanted to be a graphic designer, they told me to forget about that dream (they weren’t the only ones; growing up, several people told me that I wouldn’t be able to work as a graphic designer because of my disabilities).

The programme placed me in an office clerk job (it was either that or a cleaning job) and I was miserable for the two years I worked there.

There were job coaches from the programme watching us all day, and if we did anything “inappropriate” or “weird” they would have a talk with us.

It was a stifling environment. I felt like I couldn’t relax and had to be on my best behaviour at all times.

I also had to put up with lots of ableist and infantilising BS in the programme. (They’d talk to me as if I were a child, they’d ask my parents to make decisions for me…)

It took a toll and I eventually had Autistic burnout.

My self-esteem was fucked after I quit. So I started writing this manifesto to articulate what I was no longer willing to accept, and to remind myself of my inherent self-worth.

It took a long time, but things got better. I got lucky and found a job (as a graphic designer!) where people accept me in all my quirky glory.

I’m now sharing this manifesto for anyone who needs it. I hope it helps you as much as it has helped me!

The Manifesto

1. I will live life on my own terms, not according to societal expectations.

2. I will not settle for less just because I’m Autistic.

3. I demand to be presumed competent.

4. I will question and reject ableist beliefs and attitudes.

5. My worth does not depend on:

• How well I mask.

• How independent I am.

• How gifted or intelligent I am.

• How productive I am.

• How useful I am to society.

• How inspirational I am to neurotypicals.

6. I will honour my limits.

7. I will not apologise for needing accommodations.

8. I will not force myself to do anything that makes me uncomfortable, even if it seems rude to others.

9. I will not sacrifice my well-being just to make others comfortable.

10. I will love and accept myself exactly the way I am.

Editor’s Note: You can download a PDF printable of Rachel’s manifesto and/or order the poster version on her website here.