04/12/2026
Ableism is the idea that disabled people are “less than,” and that “typical” ways of communicating, learning, and being are superior.
Many people grow up with ableist beliefs woven into their lives. Part of being neurodiversity affirming is recognizing our own internalized ableism and how it shapes our perspectives.
Most people would not intentionally say something harmful, dismissive, or rude about autistic individuals, but many common statements are still ableist.