Nothing About Us Without Us

MASAA works to shift the narrative around autism from a "medical tragedy" to a natural part of human diversity. Our primary objectives include:

Legislative Advocacy: Lobbying the Massachusetts State House on bills related to healthcare access, banning the use of painful aversive interventions (such as those historically used at the Judge Rotenberg Center), and ensuring fair wages for autistic workers.

Neurodiversity Education: Providing training to state agencies, businesses, and schools on how to support autistic people without forcing "masking" or behavioral compliance.

Self-Advocacy Training: Equipping autistic residents with the tools to navigate the state's Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and to advocate for their own Individualized Education Programs (IEP) or workplace accommodations.

MASAA distinguishes itself from traditional organizations by shifting the focus from "support for the family" to the autonomy of the individual. Our approach is defined by several unique organizational pillars:

Autistic-Led Leadership: While many legacy non-profits are governed by parents, researchers, or medical professionals, MASAA is led by autistic individuals. This ensures that the lived experience of autism informs every policy decision and advocacy goal.

The Social Model of Disability: Unlike groups that operate on a medical model (viewing autism as a condition to be "fixed"), MASAA utilizes the Social Model. This framework argues that "disability" is caused by societal barriers—like lack of sensory-friendly spaces or rigid workplace norms—rather than the person’s neurological makeup.

Acceptance Over Awareness: MASAA moves beyond simple "Awareness" campaigns, which we argue can sometimes stigmatize autism. Instead, we promote Autism Acceptance, which focuses on inclusion, civil rights, and the right for autistic people to exist as their authentic selves without being forced to "mask" or appear "normal."

Systemic Policy Reform: While other local groups may focus on providing direct family services (like respite care or support groups), MASAA focuses on high-level legislative change. They prioritize dismantling systemic issues, such as sub-minimum wage for disabled workers and the use of physical restraints in schools.

Autism Acceptance Month: Every April, MASAA leads local events that prioritize autistic voices over corporate "awareness" campaigns, often focusing on the history of the disability rights movement in New England.

The Day of Mourning: Participating in the annual March 1st vigil to honor people with disabilities who were lost to caregiver violence, a somber but critical part of their advocacy for safety and legal protection.

Intersectional Advocacy: The alliance frequently collaborates with other Massachusetts groups like Mass Advocates Standing Strong (MASS) to ensure that the needs of autistic people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with high support needs are represented.