How to Protect the Civil Rights of an Autistic Person

Autism refers to a group of communication and sensorimotor impairments categorized as Pervasive Developmental Disorders. Autism occurs in one out of every 166 births. While gains in understanding autism have been made, many autistic people need assistance in protecting their rights. Follow these steps to protect the civil rights of a person with autism.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Understand that autism is classified as a disability, which makes it illegal to discriminate against an autistic person in the following areas: employment, public transportation, education, health care, employment and housing. Each government entity has its own procedure for filing complaints for violation of civil rights.
2. Recognize that the Rehabilitation Act is a main law supporting civil rights for people with autism as it bars discrimination in any federal program or program receiving federal assistance.
3. Know that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people with autism against discrimination in employment. The protection also extends to people who are associated with an autistic person.
4. Protect the educational rights of children who have been diagnosed with autism. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, autistic children are entitled to public education in the least restrictive environment until age 21. This includes all the services provided in public education for special needs and other students.
5. Advocate that people with autism need to be individually assessed due to the wide variations in the effects and treatment of autism. Labels are ineffectual. Each child with autism is entitled to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to meet his or her educational needs.
6. Join the Autism National Committee (AUTCOM), an advocacy group working to protecting the civil rights of people with autism and related communication/behavioral disorders.
7. Network with other families affected by autism. Sharing knowledge and support empowers autistic individuals and their families and friends.

Tips & Warnings

• Subscribe to the AUTCOM newsletter. Find further information at the website.
• Data indicates that non-white children with disabilities are more likely than white students to be disciplined or suspended from school.