Beyond the Label: What if Autism isn't a 'Disorder,' but a Different Way of Thinking?
Note: This article was not written by an Indigenous author. We encourage you go directly to Indigenous sources whenever possible. Please explore the video and links at the end of this blog.
As a parent, you've likely navigated a world of diagnoses, labels, and clinical language. The term "autism spectrum disorder" is standard in Western medicine, often framing a child's unique way of being through a lens of "deficits" and challenges. But what if there was another way to see it? A perspective that honors and celebrates neurodiversity as a gift rather than a challenge?
In Indigenous cultures across Canada, there are powerful worldviews that offer just that. As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honor the survivors of residential schools and reflect on the ongoing injustices, it's a profound opportunity to learn from and amplify the wisdom of Indigenous peoples.
From Feeling 'Broken' to Finding a Gift: The Story of Pîtoteyihtam
The Cree language offers a profound alternative to the Western medical lexicon. The word pîtoteyihtam translates to "he/she thinks differently." For Julianna Maggrah, a Cree woman who was diagnosed with autism as an adult, discovering this word was a transformative experience.
For decades, Julianna felt broken and spent her life trying to conform to a world that didn't make sense to her. But when she learned about pîtoteyihtam and the teachings of scholars like Grant Bruno and Aimée-Mihkokwaniy McGillis, she was able to reframe her life's journey. She realized she wasn’t "broken"—she simply thought differently, and this difference was a gift. This perspective challenges the very foundation of Western approaches that often aim to "fix" or "eliminate" autistic behaviors rather than affirming the person's core identity.
A Holistic Approach to Well-being
Indigenous ways of knowing offer a holistic framework that extends far beyond clinical interventions. For Julianna, her diagnosis validated a special connection with animals and nature, a grounding force she had felt her entire life. This view understands a person's relationship to the land, their community, and their ancestors as an integral part of their well-being.
This teaches us that support for autistic children isn’t confined to a therapist's office. It can also be found in culturally safe spaces, on the land, and in community, where a person’s unique connection to the world around them is seen as a source of strength. This approach is not a supplement; it is a vital component of a care model that is affirming, respectful, and holistic.
Why This Matters for Parents
As a parent, your language and perspective have a powerful impact on your child's sense of self. Learning about concepts like pîtoteyihtam and the Indigenous worldview of neurodiversity is a tangible act of reconciliation. It's a way to move beyond simple acknowledgment and to actively support a more inclusive society.
By engaging with and amplifying Indigenous voices, you are not only honoring their wisdom but also empowering your child to embrace their own identity. This is a crucial step toward building a future where every child can truly thrive.
Sources & Further Reading:
Julianna Maggrah's CBC First Person Piece: "Learning about Indigenous views of autism opened the door to accepting myself." https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/fp-indigenous-views-autism-1.7437245
The Work of Dr. Grant Bruno: A Cree scholar and father of autistic children who is a leader in Indigenous-led research and culturally safe approaches to neurodiversity.
https://aidecanada.ca/resources/learn/asd-id-core-knowledge/the-gift-of-being-different?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22123579903&gbraid=0AAAAABYCf4_pb6S5IQGsYKgZ38SjvsNqo&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3OjGBhDYARIsADd-uX5o9YauaaIPjvmxA_P1zchlBMWySJv2wfYY3r3gaflA9UQAhEJNM4IaAhB4EALw_wcB
Webinar - Indigenous Perspectives on Building Inclusive Autism Practices with Grant Bruno via Autism Ontario - https://www.autismontario.com/node/986
3 voices and perspectives from Indigenous caregivers & individuals with intellectual disabilities
The Gift is a short documentary vt Aide Canada that explores the journey of Grant Bruno and his son Anders.