Ari Ne'eman facts for kids

Ari Daniel Ne'eman, born on December 10, 1987, is an American activist and researcher. He works to protect the rights of people with disabilities. In 2006, he helped start the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. This group is run by and for autistic people.

In 2009, President Barack Obama chose Ne'eman to join the National Council on Disability. This council advises the U.S. government on disability issues. The United States Senate approved his appointment in 2010. He became the first autistic person to lead a committee on the council. Ne'eman left the council in 2015 after serving two terms. He now works as a consultant for the American Civil Liberties Union. He is also a professor at Harvard University.

Early Life and School

Ari Ne'eman grew up in East Brunswick, New Jersey. His parents were from America and Israel. He showed signs of autism from a young age. He became interested in how public policies affect people. He sometimes does things like pacing or flapping his hands. These are called stimming, which can help autistic people manage feelings. He also has trouble with certain sounds and textures. This is known as sensory processing issues.

When he was young, Ari was good with words but often felt alone. Like many autistic children, he faced bullying. As a teenager, he struggled with anxiety. He had to leave his Jewish day school around fifth grade. For a while in high school, he went to a special education school. He felt this school focused too much on making disabled students "normal." He thought it did not challenge them enough academically. He believed that society was "writing off" students with disabilities. Ari used his skills to return to a regular school.

This experience greatly shaped his views. He said that many students might start to believe they are not as good as others. This can limit what they think they can achieve.

After high school, he started the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. He then went to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He studied Political Science there.

Advocacy Work

Starting the Autistic Self Advocacy Network

After finishing high school, Ari Ne'eman started the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN). This is a group led by and for autistic adults and young people. In 2006, the Governor of New Jersey asked him to join a special education committee. This committee worked on improving education for students with disabilities. Ari wrote a report that disagreed with some of the committee's ideas. He was worried about the use of harsh methods like aversives (things that cause pain), restraint (holding someone back), and seclusion (isolating someone). He and other members wanted to ban these methods or only allow them in emergencies.

As ASAN's President, Ne'eman continued to fight against these practices. He also spoke out about how autism research should focus on supporting autistic people. He believed research should not just look for a "cure." He also criticized some groups for how they talked about autism.

Under his leadership, ASAN worked on public policy and changing how society views autism. They worked to help autistic adults find jobs. They also pushed for better inclusion in schools for autistic youth. ASAN also worked to strengthen laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities.

In 2016, Ari Ne'eman stepped down as ASAN's president. He then became a consultant for the American Civil Liberties Union. He is also writing a book about the history of disability in the United States.

Other Advocacy Efforts

Ari Ne'eman believes that society should focus on helping autistic people live full lives. He thinks we should not just look for a "cure" for autism. He also worries that genetic tests for autism could lead to ethical problems. He asks scientists to think carefully about the moral side of their studies.

He also believes that social skills should not be the main thing employers look for when hiring.

In 2010, President Barack Obama chose Ne'eman for the National Council on Disability. Some people disagreed with his view that autism should not be "cured." This may have caused a delay in his approval. However, he was eventually confirmed.

Besides the NCD, Ne'eman served on other important committees. He was on the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. He also helped lead the New Jersey Adults with Autism Task Force.

Ari Ne'eman also led a campaign in Washington State. He worked to remove a bus advertisement that talked about "wiping out" autism.

In 2014, he received the $100,000 Ruderman prize for his work.

He has also advised several political candidates on disability policy. He helped develop plans for candidates like Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, and Elizabeth Warren.

ASAN initially had mixed feelings about a law called Kevin and Avonte's Law. This law aimed to help prevent autistic children from wandering. ASAN opposed it when it included parts that could allow tracking devices to be used for other reasons. A revised version of the law later passed without those parts.

In 2020, Ne'eman supported the FDA's ban on electric shock devices at a specific center.

During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Ne'eman spoke up for the rights of people with disabilities. He argued that they should get access to important services and medical care. He said that medical resources should not be denied based on disability.

In 2014, Ne'eman helped start MySupport. This is a website that helps people with disabilities find and hire support workers. Another company bought MySupport in 2020.

Views on Autism

Some media sources have said that Ari Ne'eman sees autism only as a difference, not a disability. But Ne'eman has clarified his view. He believes autism is both a neurological difference and a disability. He does not see it as a disease that needs to be cured. He is against how autism is sometimes shown in the media. He sees autism self-advocacy as a civil rights issue.

Some people who want a cure for autism have criticized Ne'eman. They believe he does not understand the struggles faced by some autistic people and their families.

Personal Life

Ari Ne'eman married Rabbi Ruti Regan in July 2017. She is also a disability rights advocate.

See also

• Autism rights movement
• Neurodiversity