Amy Scurria, Composer

Autism

Resources

Autism isn’t a puzzle to solve. It's not a list of deficits.

It’s a way of being—a way of processing the world that is different from most.

I believe autistic people deserve respect, representation, and resources that center our voices.

Nothing about us without us.

Autism Pride Symbol →

Why I Do Not Support Autism Speaks or ABA

You don’t have to look very far to see why both Autism Speaks and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) are harmful.

Autism Speaks built its reputation on fear-based campaigns, framing autism as a tragedy to be “cured.” Despite its fundraising, very little of its budget has gone to services that actually support autistic people. Autistic advocates have spoken out for years, yet the organization continues to misrepresent us.

ABA therapy grew out of the same behavioral methods once used for conversion therapy. While it is still marketed as the “gold standard,” many autistic adults who experienced ABA report trauma, loss of autonomy, and long-term harm. Its focus is on making autistic people appear “less autistic,” not on supporting our well-being.

Both are promoted heavily in mainstream spaces, which is why so many families encounter them first. But once you listen to autistic voices, the problems are clear: our humanity, our differences, and our right to exist as we are should never be treated as something to erase.

Autistic-Led Organizations to Support Instead

If you want to truly support autistic people, these organizations are run by autistic people, for autistic people and our communities:

Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) — autisticadvocacy.org
A national grassroots organization fighting for disability rights, inclusion, and policy change.

Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN) — awnnetwork.org
Focused on supporting autistic women, girls, and nonbinary people through community, leadership, and advocacy.

NeuroClastic — neuroclastic.com
A collective of autistic writers, researchers, and advocates offering resources, education, and lived perspectives.

Autism Acceptance Month (by Autistic-led groups) — autismacceptance.com
A hub for understanding the difference between “autism awareness” campaigns and true autism acceptance.

Alternatives to ABA

Families often hear that ABA is “the only option.” That’s not true. There are respectful, supportive approaches that center connection, autonomy, and communication instead of compliance and suppression:

DIR/Floortime — A developmental, play-based approach that focuses on relationships and following the child’s lead, rather than forcing them to conform.

Speech and Language Therapy — Especially approaches that honor multiple forms of communication, including AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices, sign language, and picture systems.

Occupational Therapy (OT) — When sensory-informed, OT can help autistic people navigate sensory challenges and build real-world skills.

Strengths-Based Supports — Interest-driven learning, mentoring, and therapies that focus on building skills around an individual’s passions rather than correcting perceived “deficits.”

Peer and Community Support — Sometimes the most effective “therapy” is access to other autistic people, safe social environments, and supportive community.

The goal isn’t to make autistic people appear “less autistic.” It’s to help us thrive as we are. Look for strengths focused therapists. We have WAY more strengths than we have deficits. Just like everyone else.