Letters spelling the word 'Autism'. Photo: By Annie Spratt on Unsplash.
Cause for concern: Roger Tuckett on autism exclusion
‘There is much scope for greater understanding.’
During worship at my Local Meeting in September, I was moved to speak and act under concern. This text summarises what I said:
‘I am moved to take action. Those like myself who are diagnosed or who identify as autistic may be acknowledged as such, but are much less understood and accepted and far less included within society as a whole. This needs to be changed. The outcome of autistic exclusion is considerable. Poor life expectancy, employment possibilities, mental health including suicidality, education attainment; fragile relationships and much more. Many need support and help, but this need is largely unrecognised and unmet. Before resources can be allocated to provide it, there needs to be commitment. For a decade or more, this has existed in the UK through legislation, regulation and statutory guidance. But it has not happened in practice. Often, there is no accountability as to who should provide it. Poor lifetime outcomes have continued with minimal improvement. There needs first to be a major change in general public understanding and societal recognition of the differences autism brings. Without this, further progress will remain limited. Advantages, not problems and difficulties. Different not less. Autism is not a flaw in the person, it is society which creates the difficulties autistic people face simply because of their minority neurological differences. Similar issues are faced by other neurodivergent people including those identifying or diagnosed as ADHD or dyslexic. I look to others to adopt this cause and to provide support and resource towards changing attitudes and culture towards each and every autistic person in this country.’
The text initially included a reference to exclusion within the Society of Friends itself, about which a number of autistic and neurodivergent Friends continue to speak, but I now consider this best addressed separately.
The concern speaks only to autism. This is deliberate; it is my own condition. But similar concerns might be addressed in parallel under the general heading of neurodivergence.
My words have already been considered by Quaker Disability Equality Group and Neurodivergent Friends. Both have sent minutes expressing support. Thirsk Meeting endorsed and referred my concern to York Area Meeting, which considered it a week later. In January, the Area is expected to appoint a group of five Friends to examine it. The text has also been sent to the trustees of The Retreat, and the co-clerks of Young Friends General Meeting.
Both York and North Yorkshire councils are developing new autism strategies; I am already engaged in conversations with both. There is much scope for greater understanding of vulnerability and unmet need.
Quakers have provided a considerable historical legacy for York. The city and the region could still benefit from our involvement, seeking consensus and dissipating mistrust by hosting workshops and summits at our Meeting house in the heart of the city… and initiating other projects too.
