Mel Baggs

Amanda Baggs

Mel Baggs
Born	Amanda Melissa Baggs August 15, 1980 Mountain View, California, United States
Died	April 11, 2020 Burlington, Vermont, United States
Nationality	American
Occupation	Blogger, Autism rights activist
Known for	Autism rights movement, Neurodiversity

Mel Baggs (born Amanda Melissa Baggs; August 15, 1980 – April 11, 2020) was an American blogger and autism rights activist. Baggs was known for their work in the autism rights movement and for advocating for the concept of neurodiversity.

Early Life

Mel Baggs was born in Mountain View, California. They were diagnosed with autism at a young age and later identified as non-binary and used they/them pronouns.

Activism

Baggs was a prominent figure in the autism rights movement. They were known for their blog, "Ballastexistenz," where they wrote extensively about their experiences as an autistic person and advocated for the rights of autistic individuals. Baggs was also a vocal proponent of the neurodiversity movement, which posits that neurological differences should be recognized and respected as a social category on par with gender, ethnicity, or disability status.

In My Language

In 2007, Baggs gained widespread attention with their video "In My Language," which was posted on YouTube. The video, which features Baggs interacting with their environment in ways that are meaningful to them, challenges common perceptions of autism and communication. The video was widely shared and discussed, bringing greater visibility to the neurodiversity movement.

Legacy

Mel Baggs' work has had a lasting impact on the autism rights movement and the broader conversation about neurodiversity. Their advocacy has inspired many and has contributed to a greater understanding and acceptance of autistic individuals.

Death

Mel Baggs passed away on April 11, 2020, in Burlington, Vermont.

See also

• Autism rights movement
• Neurodiversity
• Autism spectrum
• Disability rights movement

External links

• [Link to Mel Baggs' blog]