Ten years ago I wrote a novel called The Fridgularity. As I often do, I prefaced it with some quotations I thought applicable to the themes of the book; one of those quotes referred to Autism as an objectionable condition.
Since the book was published I have come to know some Autistic readers and I have been made aware of the Autistic Self-Advocacy movement.
Recently, an Autistic fan pointed out how that quote was offensive and hurtful to Autistic people. This was not my intention, so I have excised the pernicious part of the quote from all the electronic versions of the book. When I have the opportunity, I will do the same thing for the paper editions.
My goal is to always punch up – even if that occasionally includes punching myself in the face – and to be an ally.
And I’d like to thank the reader on Twitter who gave me the opportunity to address this in what I hope is a positive way.