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Deadboy365
Tufted Titmouse
Joined: May 06, 2008
Age: 23
Posts: 46
Location: United Kingdom
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 Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 1:10 pm Post subject: |
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| DeaconBlues wrote: | | You know, they could have also spoken with Amanda Baggs, who is quite clearly not the sort of "higher-functioning" person the writer so blithely dismisses - but who also does not seem interested in a "cure" for her condition. The article was indeed slanted, just not as badly as we're used to. (Check how many curebie parents they either interviewed or discussed - balanced against the viewpoint of Alex, as the sole representative of the Neurodiversity groups. And the phrasing the reporter used to dismiss his statement.) |
I actually agree with the last part coz when I read the report they did dismiss it very cunningly but that was the second time I read it:
| Quote: | | Plank has a point, but he also is a functioning member of society. A film and video major at George Mason University in Virginia, Plank speaks on neurodiversity at conferences. He has a girlfriend and friends. His interests include computers, writing and acting. |
and also... what's with the "but" in the beginning of that paragraph? I conclude that it has made no reference to Alex's statement:
| Quote: | | "Even by improving our ability to cope in the world, we will always identify as autistic," said Alexander Plank, founder of WrongPlanet.net, a Web site for the autistic community, in whom Asperger's has been diagnosed. "Autism is not something that comes in and takes away a person but is an inherent wiring of the brain that is part of an individual's genetics." |
so I don't really see how they can just write that when clearly they didn't listen to what he had to say? does... anyone agree? |
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DW_a_mom
Phoenix
Joined: Feb 23, 2008
Posts: 3198
Location: Northern California
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| Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 12:06 am Post subject: |
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Deadboy, I saw that, too, but I kind of let it slide in my mind because it was so much milder than what I'm used to seeing. I've considered adding a response about how Alex HAD more issues, but because his parents took the time to tune into him (I would assume) and address his needs (another assumption) as v. trying to "cure" him, he was able to advance beyond them. It's this strange double edged sword I'm seeing with some parents: what you have to say is only valid if (a) your child (or you) cannot function at all or (b) you are selling magic. That Alex is these things because he worked within the framework of who he is seems to be a concept people cannot absorb.
As for Amanda Baggs, many parent groups consider her a fraud, so she isn't a good one to quote with the curabie crowd.
I've exchanged some emails with the columnist and I think she is receptive. You just have to understand that she is going to be influenced by what she is used to hearing, and work from there.
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matsuiny2004
Phoenix
Joined: Mar 23, 2008
Posts: 1634
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| Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 12:24 am Post subject: Re: I'm in Chicago Tribune article about Neurodiversity vs. |
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| alex wrote: | http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-autism_treatment_thinkmay11,0,2646107.story
"The fledgling neurodiversity movement argues that autism is not a disorder—it's a unique way of thinking and viewing the world, and one that should be embraced, not "cured." To them, recovery sounds as if someone wants to mess with their brain wiring, rather than the side effects.
"Even by improving our ability to cope in the world, we will always identify as autistic," said Alexander Plank, founder of WrongPlanet.net, a Web site for the autistic community, in whom Asperger's has been diagnosed. "Autism is not something that comes in and takes away a person but is an inherent wiring of the brain that is part of an individual's genetics."
Plank has a point, but he also is a functioning member of society. A film and video major at George Mason University in Virginia, Plank speaks on neurodiversity at conferences. He has a girlfriend and friends. His interests include computers, writing and acting."
There's some stuff about parents finding a cure as well... |
very impressive  . I am also glad that there is somewhat balanced journalism it is rare to see such a thing these days  |
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Deadboy365
Tufted Titmouse
Joined: May 06, 2008
Age: 23
Posts: 46
Location: United Kingdom
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| Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 7:54 pm Post subject: |
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| DW_a_mom wrote: | Deadboy, I saw that, too, but I kind of let it slide in my mind because it was so much milder than what I'm used to seeing. I've considered adding a response about how Alex HAD more issues, but because his parents took the time to tune into him (I would assume) and address his needs (another assumption) as v. trying to "cure" him, he was able to advance beyond them. It's this strange double edged sword I'm seeing with some parents: what you have to say is only valid if (a) your child (or you) cannot function at all or (b) you are selling magic. That Alex is these things because he worked within the framework of who he is seems to be a concept people cannot absorb.
As for Amanda Baggs, many parent groups consider her a fraud, so she isn't a good one to quote with the curabie crowd.
I've exchanged some emails with the columnist and I think she is receptive. You just have to understand that she is going to be influenced by what she is used to hearing, and work from there. |
yeah, but still... they didn't actually listen to what he had to say...
but... as for the "cure"? 
there is no cure...
Autism/Aspergers isn't an epidemic... when is the world going to see through that sort of delusion and accept us for who we are?
oh and also... I do not in any way speak for the people who are more disabled than I am coz... that'd be wrong to assume they like who they are... 
so... I speak for those who are less noticed as "autistic" - I hate using that word coz it makes me feel like I have just labelled myself even tho I am against labelling ppl... - well I only speak for those who believe what I believe...
I also agree with what u said about others not willing to absorb the fact that he (and others like him) worked within (or around) his own framework of who he is... I say this coz... I am still trying to get my head around the basic stuff of social skills - but I don't need help with that coz I have NT friends who obviously know about my Autism...
Last edited by Deadboy365 on Fri May 16, 2008 11:07 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Ragtime
Legal Eagle Eye
Joined: Nov 03, 2006
Age: 30
Posts: 8764
Location: Dallas, Texas
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| Posted: Fri May 16, 2008 9:35 am Post subject: |
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Isn't a "cure" for autism basically a lobotomy? That's pretty drastic.
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Inventor
Phoenix
Joined: Feb 16, 2007
Posts: 3540
Location: New Orleans
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| Posted: Fri May 16, 2008 1:43 pm Post subject: |
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While I am against the mindset of some "Cure" factions, treatment is a needed reality.
Most people with a child ask, What can be done?
There is no cure, there are treatments that work, many that can be done by parents, keeping up communication, maybe no response today, but someday. Children learn by hearing, so keep talking, and an answer will come.
The cure faction has expressed their views, Alex is a counterpoint to that, not all Autism is a hopeless situation as some will tell you. He is an example of the range of the spectrum.
He has everything a young man of his age should have, and Yellow Ice Cream Sneakers.
He also privately launched the largest and fastest growing discussion of Autism in existance.
The monolithic veiw that has dominated debate is being torn apart, quite cleverly.
The word Autism has all the impact of Cancer. As more treatments arise, many cancers are very treatable. Now people say, What Kind?
Alex Plank is a functioning human of some merit, and Autism?
So do parents give their money to a fear mongering fund raising machine that talks of a far future without Autism, exterminated.
Or visit Wrong Planet for free and talk with other parents, and have thousands of fun and witty Autistics to chat with?
The article was to broaden public knowledge and opinion, News, to inform.
Wrong Planet, The Other Autism! |
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