What can be done to change the Anti-Autistic attitude around here?

Question

I accidentally came across this thread on this very board:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20061130173426AARLVhg

... I was absolutely sickened by it.
The fact that not only was that person allowed to post about Autism in the "disease" board, asking for a "cure" for it and talking about it like it was some sort of malady or fault..... but then the responses they got likewise spoke with exactly the same revoltingly prejudiced attitude.

As an Aspergian myself, and a representitive of the Autistic community... I request that something be done to change this kind of attitude. We are not disabled, diseased or otherwise malformed. In many ways, Autistic people are in fact superior to neurotypicals, and have capabilities the average person could never dream of. No self-respecting Autistic person would ever want to be cured of that which sets them apart from the rabble.

Autism is not a "disease" to be "cured"!
Autism is an improvement to be encouraged!

ginevra :~ ... I'm aware getting angry is hardly a way to get things done, but neurotypicals can be such unreasonable animals when it comes to their own delusions of perfection.
The key problem with simply trying to "educate" people is that they've had that response from so many different minorities by now that they've become effectively desensitised to it, give a rote nod of the head and then ignore it all.
The only way to really drill it into their heads would be the same route that the homosexual community took: mass protest (i.e. shoving it in the public's faces without giving them a chance to ignore it), and for the record, that is a very un-autistic course of action to take. Awkward... no?
What we really need is some of us willing to step outside our comfort zone and demonstrate en masse to the public just how able we really are.

Answer 1

So THAT is what brings a few of you humans up to our badger level. Makes much more sense now.
Many concerned parents here now.
Many agreements.
Many identical suggestions that people need to be educated.
Yep. A lot of humans need to be educated about a great many things... but it probably won't happen in your lifetime.

Just keep fighting the solo fight and hope it makes a difference.

Answer 2

I am the parent of a high functioning autistic parent. The problem I see the most is when I tell people my son is autistic, I get "so he is like 'Rain Man'?" No, he is not like Rain Man or anyone else.

The way you combat the perception of anything is through education. Example. I am 6'0 tall. People automatically assume when I am this tall that I was a star basketball or volleyball player when in actuality, I am quite unskilled in those sports. Rather than get upset at the frequent question, I ask them what makes them believe this way? Exactly the same thing with people with ASD. What makes someone believe that someone on the spectrum is like "Rain Man"?

It is so great that the OP can embrace her differences, but remember, if you are only average and only average, then there are 50% of the population that do not equal your intelligence.

As you are a representative of the autistic community, then your first pledge would be to educate as many people when their ignorance shines through rather than force the issue onto them. You do not walk around with a large sign around your neck that proclaims "I am an ASD person". Many people do not think there is anything wrong with my son. Hyper, sure. A tad active? Understatement of the year. He speaks, he is affectionate, he is communicative. He isnt like the kids you see on Oprah or Larry King or any other talk show. But he does have his criteria and educating people who are unfamiliar with the issues is the best way to combat ignorance.

Answer 3

Finally... someone speaking sense on here about autism.
I appreciate you and think that you are 100% correct with what you are saying.

I absolutely HATE DAN and think parents who support them are SADO's and their damn walks to "cure" autism should never go ahead as the money goes towards something we don't want. The money should go towards social skills clubs for autistics and facilities but they want to press ahead with finding a cure instead. IT'S STUPID!!!
Also I hate the fact that people think autism is a disease, it's nothing of the kind lol. Autism is a condition, not a disability, not a handicap... A CONDITION.

Also with that question you linked, i think it is absolutely sad that people say "unfortunately there is no cure" because it is soooooooooo sad and also the fact that parents will endanger their kids life just to "cure" them is sad... Mercury has nothing to do with autism and autism has nothing to do with the MMR and the fact that there is a link is stupid. Chelation doesn't work and it can "kill" your children doing it because the chemicals used to get rid of "metals" are TOXIC.

We aspies need to stick together to put a stop to all of these sickening things as the trend is spreading to other places including in the UK.

And people who think mercury causes autism are wrong. Autism is a personality and without it we'd be no-one.
SO STICK TOGETHER!!!!

Answer 4

Autism is a "difference" to be properly accepted.

I would not want to trade my social connections for the neurological superiority of autism. I would not expect an autistic person to want to trade his neurological superiority for a few measly social abilities.

I grew up with an autistic boy. He didn't seem to notice what he was "missing", but his parents sure did. What parents often strive for in their children is balance, which a fully autistic person will never have.

The point is, autism is not a choice, and thus cannot be encouraged or discouraged. Instead, people should be informed and understanding. If they seek a cure, then perhaps it is for an extreme case. If they do not seek a cure, hopefully it is because they are accepting people.

You must not judge those who seek to fix what they do not understand. They simply require education. You are in a perfect position to educate. Why not educate instead of getting angry?

Answer 5

That is a very good point. I'm glad you brought it up! I worked in a group home for 6 years, and all that the people that lived there wanted was to be apart of the community and be accepted for who they were! I seen over and over again, how these people were being labeled by Medical professionals and Mental health professionals! Some people could not talk so I felt it my responsiblity to let these people know(The Medical Professionals) that, they just want to feel like any other person. Look we're all in this world together and I think that everyone should be treated equally. I think that I learned so much from working with these people. They had so much to teach me! What you have said is very important for people to understand!

Answer 6

Concentrate your fight where you can do the most good.

Get yourself over to your state Autism Society and get on their legislative committee. In Maine we are working on legislation that tries to knock down these mis-perceptions and bring real improvement to peoples' lives. We are changing the language of existing statutes to be more respectful and accurate.

Rather than try to stop them from saying these things, hear them and then take that information to work with you. Surround yourself with individuals who feel the same way as you, so that there is some balance in your life.

Good luck! I know you will be a capable advocate for your cause!
.

Answer 7

I want to thank you, My 4 year old daughter has autism and I cannot say I understand how you feel but, I can say that I want to learn how my daughter thinks so that I know how to teach her and let her know I love her. You being a Aspergian gives me hope that I will be able to teach my daughter everything she will need to be successful in life, and I agree that we should not think of it as a malady or fault, I think of her as a wonderful bundle of joy that is teaching me new ways of looking at life and the way things are done.

Answer 8

I'm autistic, but I think it's a mental illness that can be cured. I'm 63 and I am way improved since I was a kid. What do you think of that? Don't you think it's a bit self-serving to see autism as a form of coolness? Be honest. Don't you wish you could love and make yourself loveable and socialize as easily as an NT.