Are disabled toilets appropriate for autistics?
Written on 21st Oct 2020 by Alex Lowery
We all know the main purpose of disabled toilets is meant for people in wheelchairs because they may not be able to use regular toilets. They even have a person in a wheelchair as a symbol for a disabled toilet which makes perfect sense. But the question is do you think it can be used for other types of disabilities too?
I remember when I was in my teens I simply refused to accept that I was disabled in any way. If anyone ever suggested I use the disabled toilet I would take it very personally and refuse because I felt like I was being singled out because I was autistic and I didn’t like it. When I was younger my mum used to worry about me going to the men’s toilets by myself so sometimes she would encourage me to use the disabled toilets. Now that I’m older I do understand where she was coming from but I really didn’t at the time.
However, now that I’m older I will actually even use the disabled toilet out of my own choice. It’s quieter, more private and I feel more comfortable using it. I would have done as a teen too but I was just obsessed with my pride and I refused to do anything out of the norm, whereas now I do what makes me comfortable. I also find the disabled toilet to be a great place for stimming. When I’m deep in my own world I do body movements. Sometimes when I have no where else to go, I will use the disabled toilet room to do this stimming because it’s such a private environment that’s just perfect for it. When I was in College, I spent a lot of my breaks in the disabled toilet. Other students would socialise but I wanted the time to myself.
I also feel there are many people on the autistic spectrum with sensory issues that might struggle with regular toilets because they’re so noisy and packed with people. The disabled toilet is quieter and more appropriate for their needs.
In the end, I will say this clearly shows that a disabled toilet can be useful for different types of disabilities and not only physical ones. I have seen some people suggest that the symbol for a disability should be changed to be more inclusive. I’m not sure I agree on this because the wheelchair symbol is really simple and it’s obvious what it means. If they changed it too much, it could become a bit too complex. I vote for leaving the disability symbol as is.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Thank you.
Unless otherwise indicated, all materials on this page are © Alex Lowery Speaks About Autism. Please do not reproduce, modify or use for any purpose without the prior, written consent of the author. If you are interested in using an article on your blog or in your magazine, please contact us.
Alex, thank you, thank you, thank you for writing this blog. You are being extremely helpful. My 18 year old daughter was diagnosed last year with ASD. I have spent nearly her whole life trying to find the correct diagnosis. I’m still not sure ASD is correct, but it is the one that will help her with supports in the future. She is extremely “high-functioning”, and I’ve always said she has an invisible difference, which drives people’s expectations of her when they first meet her. She does not accept her diagnosis at all. I was wondering, what changed your mind about your diagnosis? I’m SO happy that you are speaking out about ASD, so others can learn from your perspective. It is immensely helpful to me. Keep up the great work! Also, kudos to your parents for being so supportive.
Thank you for your kind words. I think what helped me to accept and embrace my autism was looking at it in a more positive way. When I found out the advantages of autism and met with other autistics this also would help me to feel less alone.