AutismSpeaks and WrongPlanet Reconciliation

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Hello everybody,

Since the (minor) cooperation between WrongPlanet and AutismSpeaks is going on, I propose the idea of going to their site (link) and show autism on it's positive sides by posting and discussing the subjects. Even though the differing views between people, to keep the dialog running opens up the possibility for future advances in the public recognition of autism and it's strenghts.

What i've read on their forum their are a lot of concerned people (of which are mainly registered as a woman +/- 10:1 ratio female:male) although I get the idea alot active there on there might have a tunnelvision (mainly the negative sides and severely disabled autistic people or autistic-like behaviour) on what's autism as a whole is about although I think most mean well although act, In my view, counterproductive.

The way of diplomacy by means of a charm offensive might work better then fighting AutismSpeaks and getting in a stalemate. By showing other sides of autism on their forum I hope that the view can be altered for the organisation as a whole.
If all means of reaching out for a dialog fail, then I guess AutismSpeaks lets no choice be present and thereby validates conflict as a means of determining the view on autism.

I've already made an account there already under the same screenname as I use here (same avatar too), I spoke to a few people. Not all active on the forum are anti-autism.

I hope you people will join me for this action of well-intent.

Cheerfully,
Wallourdes

I would be willing to offer education about my level of autism to people. I have no problem with speaking to Autism speaks but only if they'll listen. Otherwise it would be a pointless exercise.

I like the idea.

This isn't a bad idea at all, as long as WP members who visit Autism Speaks forums go in with a diplomatic mindset and are prepared to encounter people there who may disagree strongly with their views. If arguments turn ugly, it won't do anything to help members of their site become more open-minded.

For what it's worth, just as a side note, there has been some cooperation between Alex and Autism Speaks recently, but that's not quite the same as cooperation between WrongPlanet's membership at large and Autism Speaks.

I think it is an excellent idea. If we can change even one person's mind over there, that's a victory. If they really want to understand autism, how do they expect to do that without including us? And, if we seek them out to speak with them, and they turn their backs on us, how can they do that without exposing an inherent bigotry? (I don't say what anyone will do, only what the obvious interpretation would be of certain actions.)

Yes, there will be those who won't listen; there always are. Once we discover who they are, we would be foolish to waste our time arguing too much with them - although, in public discourse, it may still be worthwhile to counter their arguments - but change is gradual anyway. Whatever we can do, we should do.

I don't know. You can't even read what's in the forum unless you're a registered member.

Well registering is easy, I filled in that almost all my social enviroment including myself has autism and they accepted my registration. You could make a seperate hotmail account if you want to keep them from you're other accounts.

I don't think WP and Autism Speaks share the same role and goals.

Of course they don't. But if we can convince a few of their supporters they are pursuing the wrong goals, that would be a good thing.

Yes but that's a declaration of war, not a reconciliation.

Have to say, having had a look at the signup requirements, not a chance I'd register on their forum.

I think the idea in principle is a good one, the problem is that the language used by both communities is rather provocative and can easily lead to the kind of topics we see here about Autism Speaks, managing discussion so that did not happen would be a very difficult thing to accomplish.

I said I liked the idea, not necessarily that I agreed with the phrasing.

I have been told it is better to do one thing well (or at least as well as one can) than to do two things badly, so I will just remain right here.

I'll break out the Bat'leths.

Just be careful. There are so many sensitive, sensible people here, and at any other site it would be welcomed but this one I don't know. They can be really sharp and catty and don't care if they hurt you. So wear your thickest skin. It is a nice, friendly idea. But I would hate if someone gets hurt.

I think this is a great idea for Wallourdes and a few others who have unusually good online social skills. For most of us, it's not. I think you will find on the Autism Speaks boards a shocking lack of compassion for the communication deficits of people with Aspergers autism. I have seen people insulted and mocked, and then attacked for responding in a "hypersensitive" way. You will also find some very aggressive people there who will insist that aspies don't really have autism, and how dare you suggest that anyone other than parents who feel exactly like they do could possible know anything.

It's actually pretty fascinating to observe as an example of what it's like when people who are desperate denial about their own autism act when they to communicate. As you would expect in a forum dominated by parents of kids on the spectrum, you see a lot of theory of mind issues and rigid thinking. And no willingness to acknowledge their won communicative and cognitive limitations. It's a hoot.

If you can really come across as NT on a discussion board, (some of us can, most can't) and can react calmly when people insist that they know everything about autism and you know nothing (and everything they "know" is wrong), you might be able to take on this mission. Otherwise, don't bother trying to speak softly to Autism Speaks.