Educating about Autism.
Empathy.
Inclusion. Awareness. Acceptance.
ABOUT RAFI
"Everyone can benefit from neurodiversity education. We all have challenges. What makes life fulfilling is working through them and building communities of love, respect, and innovation."
When I was diagnosed with Autism, a first goal for my parents was to help me with language acquisition. They took me to a pediatrician in Jersey City and he gave them unique advice. He told them to hold a cookie up to my face, and if I didn’t respond with “cookie”, they should eat it in front of me.
Hearing that story today sends chills down my spine but reminds me why I do why I do. My parents didn’t listen to this pediatrician - they listened to their hearts. They prioritized inclusivity, empathy and advocacy. With my family’s support I grew: I learned how to tie my shoes, I created lifelong friendships, I sat through loud bar/bat mitzvot.
In my last weeks of middle school I realized something. I am blessed. I am surrounded by so many people that “get it”. But, there was so much that needed to be changed. Why weren’t my peers getting an education about disability? Why was professional development not including the voices of self-advocates? I needed to be part of the change. I needed to share my own story and experience.
So I started writing. First for MATAN, then for JDIN and this website. Then I started speaking. With students of all ages, lay leadership, camp counselors, educators and more. And most recently I started to record, for my podcast, B’Tzelem Elohim. I’ve talked with nonprofit leaders, self-advocates and special educators.
The work that I do isn’t trivial. It can save lives. It’s through a collective push for empathy, inclusion, awareness and acceptance that will shape the vibrant spaces of the future, and I hope you’ll join me.