Autism is a NOT a "culture." Autism Spectrum disorders are a SERIOUS neurological, biological disability that PRESENT SERIOUIS CHALLENGES in communication, socialization, understanding, perception, perspective, and other similar areas. Autistic individuals may have one or more learning disabilities. Other Autistic people have a cognitive disability ("Mental Retardation") in one or more basic skills (i.e. arithmetic, reading, writing, spelling, et cetera.
Disability is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disability
"Autism is a brain development disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before a child is three years old. Autism affects many parts of the brain; how this occurs is not understood. The autism spectrum disorders (ASD) also include the related conditions Asperger syndrome and PDD-NOS, which have fewer signs and symptoms."
Yes, but compared to most people with ASD you are not really that impaired (and I'm not talking about myself).
ReplyDeleteYes, it is "okay" to be autistic, but I would rather have a better life.
Really. I would.
Hi Katie. I think it is possible for autism to be both a disability and a culture, in much the same way as Deaf culture.
ReplyDeleteThat pic of Ari with Bev's parrot is one of my favorites. :)
Although autism in itself is not a culture, many autistics share culture with each other through online forums, regional meetings, and international gatherings such as Autreat and Autscape. Therefore, it is possible to talk about the "Autistic Culture".
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