Autism Inclusion Month Statement
It has been a notably tumultuous Autism Inclusion Month. Recent headlines have brought it to the top of mind for everyone. As an organization that stands for access, safety, and inclusion in the marching arts and advocates for research and education, MAASIN proudly stands with the autistic people that have always been and will always be part of the marching arts.
Many recent claims make Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) out to be a disease—an “epidemic” that is spreading rapidly due to environmental or vaccine-linked factors. Autism diagnoses have been increasing, but that is due to both changes in diagnostic criteria as researchers discover more about autistic traits and more public awareness and recognition of ASD (to read more about increasing diagnoses: link). Autism is not a “disease”, it is simply a diagnosis that explains neurodivergence, or when a person’s brain behaves differently from a “normal”, or neurotypical brain. There is also existing rhetoric pushing parents to not get their children vaccinated due to fear of autism. This dangerous belief harms unvaccinated children by putting them in physical danger of acquiring long-extinct and deadly diseases, and it harms the autistic community by sending the message that parents would rather have their children die of measles or polio than be diagnosed with ASD. The link between vaccines and autism has been long disproven by the scientific community at large (for more info on vaccines and autism: why the original study was fraudulent, one example of a study showing no connection between ASD and vaccines). The idea that autism is a “new issue” or is “rapidly spreading” is similar to saying that the rise in population of left-handed people at the end of the nineteenth century is due to anything other than teachers who stopped using abusive tactics to fit children to societal norms. There have always been this amount of autistic people, but they were dismissed as “weird”, “awkward”, and “quirky”, and left to struggle on their own.
The marching arts can function as a very welcoming environment for autistic people. Music and marching band function as a special interest for many, and participating in the marching arts means meeting other people who also want to spend their free time talking about band. It also means highly structured, planned social interaction, and consistent routines and expectations. Because of this, autistic people have participated in the marching arts for generations, and continue to create environments where neurodivergent individuals can thrive; however, sensory issues, anxiety, and social issues may make it difficult for autistic people to comfortably participate, or to advance within the marching arts. This is where inclusion is vital.
Whether or not a performer shares their ASD diagnosis with staff, or if they are even formally diagnosed, it is vital that staff be aware that there are likely multiple neurodivergent performers in their section and ensemble. If a performer decides to share their diagnosis, this is a sign of trust due to the social stigma unfortunately associated with autism. ASD presents differently person to person, so talk to that individual and ask how you can help them be successful within your ensemble. Keep communication open throughout the season to make sure that any accommodations are balanced in keeping the autistic performer safe, while still ensuring that they are participating as needed to be successful. Examples of effective teaching techniques that are helpful with autistic performers include monitoring performers’ emotional state during rehearsal (looking for overwhelm especially), providing advance notice of schedule changes, sticking to the rehearsal plan when possible, and communicating instructions and feedback in different ways, such as verbal, visual, etc. Even though autistic people have always been in the marching arts, it has not always been easy for them, and staff members can help autistic marchers shine by creating an inclusive environment.
For autistic marchers—present, past, and future—we stand with you. We are so glad that you have found a home in the marching arts, and hope that your experience has been one of inclusion and acceptance. You are not “diseased”, there is not “something wrong with you”. Your brain works differently from neurotypical people and that is part of what makes you, you. You deserve opportunities, education, and safety within the marching arts community and society at large.