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Speaking up for autism
Prue Stevenson is a Prue believes society still has talented young artist some way to go towards greater seeking to bridge the inclusion and equality for everyone . gap between people with “ I believe that people are autism and ‘ neurotypicals ’. somewhat scared of the disability
Next month she will present community and I think a big reason a keynote address for teachers for that is that kids with disability are at the Museum of Contemporary not in mainstream schools ,” she said . Art ( MCA ) in Sydney , where her
“ As a school student , I personally message will be about breaking down flipped between mainstream and barriers and encouraging greater disability schools … and we are acceptance and understanding . for the most part segregated
Prue , 28 , uses some unique from a very young age . hashtags to get her messages
“ This means neurotypicals don ’ t about autism across to the general grow up around this very diverse population - # stimyourheartout , community of people , who then # ilovebeingautistic and in adulthood struggle to find a
# dontfearthemeltdown . place in mainstream society .”
“ My opinions might come Prue is delighted to be involved across as a bit controversial , in the ‘ Engaging students with but I think people need a bit disability ’ forum being held for of a shake-up ,” she said . teachers and educators at MCA and the Sydney Opera House on September 14 and 15 .
“ I just love having the opportunity to educate people on autism , so that we can be better accepted in society and so our culture can be understood ,” she said .
“ Autistic people have their own culture and it ’ s extremely suppressed , which I think comes from the medical model around disability where the language is all about ‘ disorders ’ and ‘ impairment ’.
“ How can you feel proud with these words ? Being part of the teachers ’ workshop is about bridging gaps and having people relate to autism , and I think given the opportunity , many neurotypicals do relate to autistic people and the symptoms .”
One of Prue ’ s key messages at the workshop will be for greater social acceptance of stimming – the repetition of physical movements ,
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