Ableism and infantilization

This week we will be focusing on infantilization and ableism. These are important because nearly everyone with a disability has experienced ableism and infantilization. Ableism is discriminating against people with disabilities based on the belief that those who are able-bodied are superior. Infantilizing is treating someone with a disability as less than they are. Treating individuals as if they were children or pets. Our mission is to treat people with disabilities as equals.

What are some behaviors that are anti-autism ableism? Determining autistic characteristics as undesirable traits, labeling undesirable autistic characteristics as a disorder and Making autism an issue that only non-autistic people can control.

How can we work to be anti-ableist? As a non-autistic person, you do not own autism and are not entitled to be at the center of autism and in control. Think about how you see and think about autism. Autistic options are the only right opinions about autism because autistic people are the only people who can truly understand what it feels like to have autism.

What is infantilization? Infantilization is treating those with disabilities as less than they are, treating them as a child, victim, or pet. For example, using phrases/terms to describe people with disabilities that are offensive, and patronizing (ex. cute, adorable, etc.). Also, changing your behaviors around people with disabilities, such as talking at an extremely slow pace or using baby talk, over explaining or over simplifying concepts, talking to the caretaker or parent rather than the individual with a disability and not allowing them to be independent. We mention it a lot, but remember to address the friend with a disability and not their peer if you want to talk to the friend with an IDD.

How can we stop infantilization? First, be mindful of who you are speaking to, keep the person’s age/school year in mind and talk to them appropriately (no baby talk). Don’t use patronizing phrases such as “you’re so cute” and “aww she’s adorable”. Use phrases that empower the individual and are reflective of their character “you did a fantastic job taking the lead on our project” and “Sally is a terrific friend”. Use phrases that you would use with any of your friends. Do not use baby talk or over explain things, talk to them as you would any of your friends. If they need you to explain something, then it’s okay to do so. If they ask you to slow down or repeat yourself, then do that so they can understand better. Just don’t assume that they immediately don’t understand what you’re talking about. Think before you speak, sometimes we unconsciously infantilize those with disabilities but it’s extremely important we don’t so that they feel worthy and that they’re being treated respectfully and for their age.

Information provided by Best Buddies Illinois.