DragonCon 2024: “Still Not Quite Part of Your World” – Advocacy, Autism, and Acceptance
Disclaimers: We want to affirm our commitment to neurodiversity and inclusive language practices. We utilize identity-first language, acknowledging the preferences of the community we serve. Therefore, you may notice us referring to individuals as "autistic people" rather than "people with autism." This choice reflects our dedication to respecting the autonomy and identity of each individual. Studies have indicated that many within the autistic community prefer the term "autistic person," emphasizing the importance of recognizing and honoring diverse perspectives. Thank you for joining us on this journey of understanding and acceptance.
Educational Purposes: The information presented here is for educational purposes, and not meant to diagnose, treat or cure medical conditions or challenges, including neurodivergence (including mental health challenges), or physical health.
At DragonCon 2024, a remarkable panel brought together the unique perspectives and expertise of our CEO and Founder Dr. Jessica Hogan, Billing Admin Rainn Stone, and renowned experts Dr. Stacy Greeter and Dr. Alicia Cho. Titled "Still Not Quite Part of Your World: A Deeper Understanding of and Better World for Autistic People," this innovative session tackled pervasive misunderstandings about autism in a creative and engaging way.
Blending pop culture with advocacy, the panel used The Little Mermaid as an allegory to explore the challenges Autistic people face in navigating a world often built for neurotypicals. Their thought-provoking dialogue and Ursula-inspired critiques shed light on stigmas while offering actionable steps toward creating a more inclusive society. You can watch the full session here.
Meet the Panelists
Dr. Jessica Hogan: As the founder and visionary behind our organization, Dr. Hogan’s leadership is fueled by a deep commitment to neurodivergent advocacy. Her blend of professional expertise and lived experience brings a nuanced understanding of autism to every conversation. At DragonCon, she provided a sharp analysis of societal narratives around autism, advocating for systemic changes to foster equity and inclusion.
Rainn Stone: Our billing admin and a passionate advocate, Rainn shared their own experiences as a late-diagnosed autistic adult. Their contributions focused on combating internalized stigma, amplifying community voices, and promoting a strengths-based perspective of autism.
Dr. Stacy Greeter: A psychologist specializing in neurodivergence, Dr. Greeter brought clinical insights to the panel. She dissected harmful stereotypes about autism perpetuated in media and culture, emphasizing the need for more accurate and affirming representations.
Dr. Alicia Cho: A researcher and advocate, Dr. Cho’s work centers on the intersection of neurodivergence and identity. Her focus at DragonCon was on addressing intersectionality and how factors like race, gender, and culture impact Autistic individuals’ experiences and opportunities.
Breaking Down the Stigma: Ursula’s Commentary on Autism
The panel cleverly used The Little Mermaid to illustrate common misconceptions about autism. Ursula, the sea witch, symbolized societal bias and stigmatizing narratives that isolate Autistic individuals from being fully “part of the world.”
In this reimagining, Ariel and her friends battled not only for the mermaid’s voice but for Autistic voices to be heard and valued. Each panelist addressed a different aspect of these barriers:
Silencing Voices: Dr. Hogan highlighted the importance of self-advocacy and how Autistic voices are often drowned out by caregivers, educators, or media framing autism as a tragedy. “Autistic people should be the protagonists in their own stories,” she asserted.
Misunderstood Traits: Rainn Stone tackled the misconceptions about Autistic traits, such as sensory sensitivities or nontraditional communication styles, often misinterpreted as “odd” or “difficult.” They emphasized celebrating these differences rather than pathologizing them.
Rigid Stereotypes: Dr. Greeter discussed how labels like “high-functioning” or “low-functioning” create harmful expectations and prevent holistic understanding of Autistic individuals’ needs and capabilities.
Intersectional Challenges: Dr. Cho explored how Ursula’s one-size-fits-all villainy mirrored societal neglect of diverse Autistic identities. “Being both Autistic and a person of color, for instance, shapes unique experiences that require more nuanced advocacy,” she explained.
Creating a More Inclusive World
The panel didn’t stop at identifying the problems—they also proposed solutions to combat stigmas and foster inclusivity:
Representation Matters: Dr. Hogan urged creators to move beyond stereotypes when portraying Autistic characters in media. She suggested consulting with Autistic individuals and experts during the creative process to ensure authenticity and respect.
Redefining Normal: Rainn emphasized embracing neurodiversity as part of the human experience. “Normal isn’t a universal standard,” they said. “It’s a construct we can challenge and reshape.”
Shifting Systems: Dr. Greeter called for systemic changes in education, healthcare, and workplaces to accommodate diverse needs. She highlighted the importance of Universal Design, which benefits everyone—not just Autistic individuals.
Empowering Communities: Dr. Cho advocated for grassroots efforts and mutual aid networks within the Autistic community. “True empowerment comes from collective action,” she noted.
The Little Mermaid Reimagined: Lessons for Society
As Ariel defied Ursula’s efforts to control her narrative, the panel invited attendees to reflect on how society can do the same for Autistic people. This metaphor resonated deeply with the DragonCon audience, as it linked familiar storytelling with urgent advocacy issues.
The discussion also celebrated the progress already being made. Panelists highlighted organizations, initiatives, and individuals actively working to dismantle barriers and create spaces where Autistic voices can thrive.
Key Takeaways
Autistic Voices Matter: Centering Autistic perspectives is essential to addressing misconceptions and advocating effectively.
Representation and Respect: Accurate and affirming portrayals in media can challenge stereotypes and build empathy.
Intersectionality is Critical: Advocacy must consider the unique challenges faced by individuals at the intersections of race, gender, culture, and neurodivergence.
Systemic Change is Needed: From classrooms to boardrooms, creating an inclusive society requires intentional effort and widespread reform.
Why This Panel Matters
DragonCon 2024’s “Still Not Quite Part of Your World” was more than a panel—it was a call to action. Dr. Jessica Hogan, Rainn Stone, Dr. Stacy Greeter, and Dr. Alicia Cho delivered an engaging, thought-provoking discussion that left attendees with a deeper understanding of autism and a renewed commitment to advocacy.
As Ursula’s stigmatizing narrative unraveled on the screen, the panel demonstrated the power of informed voices to reshape perceptions and build a better, more inclusive world. Whether you're part of the neurodivergent community or an ally eager to learn, this session offered valuable insights to inspire meaningful change.
Be sure to watch the full session here and join us in advocating for a world where everyone can be fully, authentically themselves.
Do you live on Wahpekute land (colonized as MN), or Chumash land (colonized as Los Angeles, CA), and want an Autism assessment, an ADHD assessment, neurodiversity affirming individual therapy, neurodiversity affirming group therapy or neurodiversity friendly DBT individual therapy? We got you covered! Reach out to learn more, we offer free consultations for therapy and assessments!
We live and work on the unseated territories of the Wahpekute and Chumash land, we pay respects to their elders past and present. We encourage folks to explore the ancestral lands they live and work on, and to learn about the Native communities that live there, the treaties that have been broken. If folks feel called, we encourage them to consider taking actions to support Native communities, reparations, and land back movements (see other resources below).
