Many autism organisations in Singapore operate in tiny silos. They ignore the offers of other stakeholders to collaborate with them including autistics, researchers and other autism organisations. There is a need for a neutral, open organisation to bypass these silos.
This new organisation will work with different inclusion models (e.g. medical, charity, social and equality). It should have connections to autistics, caregivers, changemakers, social entrepreneurs, service providers and researchers. It will actively network Singaporean stakeholders with their international counterparts to create Strategic Change.
Many vocal autistics spend their free time to attack and undermine the work of those they disagree with rather than constructing solutions. This contributes to the perception that autistics are emotionally sensitive and difficult to work with. Those who want to help out of altruism and passion are discouraged, while those who seek only financial profits remain undeterred.
Visible and vocal autistics are, by default, role models for other autistics. When autistics see their role models engaging in divisive combat, they also think it is appropriate to do the same, joining the fray too. It is essential to model reconciliation and forgiveness so that they know of alternative ways to deal with conflict.
This organisation will act as a neutral and supportive party to promote unity for the autism community. Moderate autistic advocates who promote unity, reconciliation and implementing pragmatic solutions are the key to ending the negative cycle of vocal autistic advocates clashing with caregivers on autism issues.
It is a platform where all stakeholders can offer help and support to each other in practical ways. For instance, non-autistic people can sponsor individual autistics who are having financial difficulties. Autistics can support initiatives by non-autistics relating to autism such as by watching out for their autistic peers participating in events.