// SHIFT //
At first glance, an LED strip appears cheap, tacky, harsh.
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Likewise, an autistic individual can seem awkward, blunt, harsh
The scattered points of light need smoothing and masking behind diffusers, and the autistic person commonly learns to mask in an effort to fit in. Diffusers typically reduce the light received by 70%, and autistic masking can result in a similar reduction in efficiency and spark.
Technological developments have sought to reduce this “dotty” effect of LED strips, while autism research has primarily focused on identifying the cognitive and neurological differences that contribute to the autist’s social impairments.
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These efforts assume that the problem lies within the subject.
However, recent research shows that negative first impressions are made of autistic individuals in seconds, are long-lasting, and that these thin slice judgements by non-autistic people are associated with less willingness to interact with their autistic peers.
A change of lens, a shift in perspective, can be all that is required to identify the strength tied to every perceived weakness, recognise the brilliance that exists within every unique vantage point, and seek a world where differences are not merely accepted but cherished as integral elements in the vibrant mosaic of human experience.
STATEMENT OF SUSTAINABILITY
No product that relies upon or serves to maintain a system of exclusion and exploitation based on the location or traits of individuals or groups can be considered sustainable.
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// SHIFT // is a luxury of artistic expression.