OFM 0425 Autism - FINAL - SWEST_DEPT 3 / 11 / 25 3 : 09 PM Page 2 you start , the sooner the skills are in place that will help develop a child’s social skills — and the sooner their family will learn how to accommodate them so they’re more comfortable in their environment . ” Having a range of diagnostic expression and needs - based support present in one community should serve as a demonstrative reminder that no two people are alike in how autism impacts their lives , though hearing the community’s collective voice is crucial in supporting them : Allies and advocates typically mean well and are instrumental in continuing the conversation around advancing beyond awareness to make that more accessible , inclusive world a reality , but actively responding to firsthand accounts describing the framework necessary to get there is how truly impactful change is realized . And it begins with building a community that’s equal to the task , informed enough to know what challenges need to be bested and ready to shed any outdated perceptions that need to be unlearned to move forward , all of which starts with listening when autistic people assert their boundaries and preferences . “ When I first started working in this field , we had person - first language , where you always said ‘ a person with autism . ’ The autistic community has told us that they don’t appreciate that because they can’t separate themselves from their autism : It’s who they are , it’s the way they think , and so they are ‘ an autistic person ’ — you can’t remove that from their identity , ” Carpenter explains . “ For years , it’s been other people saying what’s best for autistic people instead of everyone listening to them when they tell us what’s best for them . It’s really about recognizing that , just like everyone else , they have individual voices and opinions that need to be heard . ” “ What we’re seeing amongst many young adults with autism is them taking ownership of their voice and how they define themselves , ” adds Aragon . “ Most of the industry uses people - first language , which , when established , was viewed as more humanizing in its approach . We’re now seeing young adults with autism taking hold of the identifier and saying , ‘ No , I’m autistic . ’ It is a development of empowerment to own one’s voice and articulate how they would like to be addressed . It is by definition , autism awareness . ” SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION AUTISM RESOURCES Beckman & Associates Maitland | ( 407 ) 647 - 4740 BeckmanAndAssociates.com Collaborate Solutions by Dr . Nikki Keefer & Associates Winter Park and Oviedo | ( 407 ) 489 - 2121 Collaborative - Solutions.org Quest Kids Therapy Orlando : ( 407 ) 218 - 4300 | Tampa : ( 813 ) 423 - 7700 QuestInc.org ORLANDOFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM april 2025 ORLANDO FAMILY 37