My Time with Autism Speaks

Abstract

In this chapter John Elder Robison describes his mid-life autism diagnosis, and how that inspired his public autism advocacy. He began by writing Look Me in the Eye, a popular memoir of life on the autism spectrum. That led to his being invited to advise scientists, which in turn led him to engage with the research charity Autism Speaks in an attempt to change what he regarded as toxic and non-productive views of autism. Robison abandoned those efforts in 2013 but continues writing and teaching about autism and the emergent neurodiversity. He also remains involved in advising government agencies on autism policy. In this chapter he reflects on his decision to resign from advising Autism Speaks and the aftermath.