December 1, 2020

Passive inclusion is when I walk in a room and nobody kicks me out.

Active inclusion is when I walk in a room and people make space for me, physically open their circle to include me, welcome me by name, and catch me up on the current topic of conversation so that I have enough context to participate.

The difference is night and day. Teach your kids – teenagers in particular – how to be active includers.

P.S. I write from my personal experience as an autistic. What I share is not a substitute for advice from an autistic medical professional. Also, some of my opinions have changed since I first wrote them.