Ten Commandments for Including Autistics
by Rafi Josselson
It’s time for Shavuot: the Jewish holiday where the Moshe delivers the Torah from Mount Sinai. I thought this would be a great opportunity to share my personal Ten “Commandments” including Autistics. These are just my observations - don’t feel commanded to do any of these things, but it would be much appreciated if you did! And I am sure I missed something – so share with me what you would add in th e comments below!
You shall treat Autistics with respect, acknowledging that they face challenges and enjoy success just like any other human being.
You shall not discriminate against Autistics. You shall not exclude them because they are different, or stand by when others exclude them. You must include them while giving them space to take a break.
You shall respect how each Autistic wishes to identify and allow them to decide how they challenge themselves.
You shall value self-advocacy and encourage a holy partnership (see my latest blog on self-advocacy).
Parents! Honor your Autistic child by giving them guidance, support, and love. Help your Autistic child achieve what is best for them. Do not be angry with your child for being different; nurture your child’s beautiful and unique talents just like any other child.
You shall not spread stereotypes.
You shall not treat all Autistics as a monolith.
You shall not spread misinformation.
You shall not forget the importance of sharing the values of inclusion with others in a non-judgmental way.
You shall not be frustrated or angry with an Autistic because they are working through a challenge. Instead, be there to support them and give them help.
Rafi Josselson is an autistic junior at the Leffell School in Westchester County. Rafi has spoken at multiple places across the Northeast including; Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County, Temple Israel Center, and, the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School. He also has written blogs for MATAN, for his own website and now for Jewish Disability Inclusion News. Rafi hopes to spread a message of Empathy, Inclusion, Awareness, and, Acceptance through his work. Outside of Autism Advocacy; Rafi is the co-president of his shul’s USY Chapter, a Hartman Teen Fellow, a counselor at Ramah Day Camp in Nyack, a section editor for his school’s newspaper, and, an avid reader of both books and the news.