The AutCom logo: a red torch being held upright by a hand.

For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the board of the Autism National Committee (AutCom). I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity to work with an organization whose mission of “Social Justice for All Autistics” resonates so strongly with my own values. AutCom’s focus on social justice for all Autistic people—promoting inclusion, self-determination, and respect—has both guided my work and inspired me.

Social justice, to me, is about more than just equity. It’s about recognizing and centering the voices of those who are most often overlooked: Non-speaking Autists, Autistic people of color, Autists living in poverty, Autists with multiple disabilities, and so many other Autistic people with intersected life experiences.

At the same time, social justice calls us to embrace everyone, rejecting gatekeeping and division. AutCom embodies this nuance beautifully, balancing a commitment to all Autistic people while ensuring that marginalized voices are heard, respected, and centered. Centering doesn’t mean one person’s voice is more important than another’s, just that we value a culture where no Autist is left out.

During my time on the board, I have been continually inspired by the work AutCom does to educate and advocate for our community. The organization’s webinars and newsletters are excellent tools for fostering understanding and inclusion, with diverse panels that represent a wide range of lived experiences. These efforts were already underway when I joined, and it’s been an honor to support and contribute to this vital work.

As a board member, I’ve felt heard and valued. Leadership and my fellow board members have welcomed my ideas and contributions and I’ve received positive feedback about my work. I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such like-minded individuals, whose passion for social justice and commitment to the Autistic community have enriched my life in so many ways.

Looking to the future, I hope to see AutCom strengthen our partnerships with other organizations and explore new ways to support the community. One idea I’d love to help create is curating a collection of helpful toolkits and resources from sources that also embrace autistic autonomy and dignity. Not only could we share the collection of tools, we could identify gaps in available resources, potentially developing our own toolkit to address unmet needs. By continuing to listen to the larger community and collaborate with others, I believe we can deepen our impact and remain potent in advancing social justice for Autistic people.

Serving on the board of AutCom has been a deeply fulfilling experience. It’s given me the chance to be part of meaningful work that reflects my personal values, and to build connections with incredible people who share the same vision. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help move the needle toward greater inclusion, respect, and justice for all Autistic people—and I look forward to what the future holds.

Please take a look at today’s AutCom! See if our resources resonate with you, consider joining us if you haven’t already, donate if you have the resources and want to help us create more for the community. Thank you.