Definition
Nothing About Us Without Us is a disability rights principle stating that decisions affecting disabled people should not be made without their direct involvement. In autism, it means autistic people should help shape the research, policies, services, and conversations that concern their own lives, rather than being talked about by others.
Why It Matters
This principle guides parents toward listening to autistic voices when making choices for their child, and toward raising their child to expect a say in their own life. It also helps families evaluate organizations by whether autistic people actually lead them.
Common Misconception
Some hear this as shutting parents or professionals out entirely. It does not erase their role. It insists that autistic people be present and heard in decisions about autism, alongside the others involved, not spoken for from the outside.