As individuals with autism spectrum disorder get older, it’s important that they learn to advocate for themselves to the best of their ability.  Beginning to learn these skills in adolescence will help individuals with autism transition to adulthood and will benefit them throughout their lives.

SELF-ADVOCACY IS:

• speaking up for yourself,
• asking for what you need,
• negotiating for yourself (working with others to reach an agreement that will meet your needs),
• knowing your rights and responsibilities,
• using the resources that are available to you,
• being able to explain your disability either by the use of written words, pictures or gestures.&

There are many wonderful resources for teaching self-advocacy skills to people on the spectrum:

• Autistic Self-Advocacy Network
• Autism Society
• Autism Speaks
• Autism Research Institute