I was banned from the "Neurodiversity Ning"

Kevin Leitch, parent of a daughter with Autistic Disorder created the "Neurodiversity Ning." Camille Clark, Autistic adult and parent of two Autistic adults, is one of the moderators of the "Neurodiversity Ning." Anne Bevington, parent of adult Autistic son, reposted material from Autism Speaks Social Network Ning on to "Neurodiversity Ning." I was banned for having suspicions of Amanda Bagg's Autistic Disorder diagnosis. Kassiane Sibbley, adult with Rhett Syndrome and PDD-NOS, posted replies full of profanity and personal attacks.

www.neurodiversity.ning.com

"You have been banned from Neurodiversity

Sorry, AutisticAdvocacy (all), you can not access Neurodiversity as you have been banned. If you think you've been banned in error, you can contact the administrator."

"I'm sorry, I don't know who any of you are; but I have known Katie ever since we were little. She is a sweet girl who was not trying to harm anyone. She may have said something that you disagree with, but it is inapropriate that you should act like children. By behaving rudely to Katie, and calling her names, you are acting like children in high school who are bullying someone."

~ Anna, Katie's 16-year-old neurologically typical and only friend

The "Neurodiversity Ning is very biased and members join by invitation only. Members of the "Neurodiversity Ning" exclude everyone whom does not share in their beliefs.

"Neurodiversity Ning" sign in:

"The Neurodiversity Network is for those who are neurologically 'different' - autistic, bipolar, schizophrenic, tourettes, OCD etc etc."

Interesting... Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Tourette Syndrome, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder are part of "different wiring."

Autism is NOT dangerous!

My Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) of high-functioning autism or Asperger's (choose the word) and co-morbid disorders present with very devastating challenges due to faulty ("different") wiring, but my mind is NOT dangerous. I have emotions, but I cannot express myself well verbally due to mild to profound anxiety, speech problems (stuttering and others), and expressive language delay. My expressive language delay is associated with my ASD diagnosis.

I do NOT partake in dangerous and unethical activities. I do NOT murder. I do NOT steal. I do NOT cheat on people or tests. I am NOT aggressive. I have been EXTREMELY close to self-injury, but thanks to enough SELF CONTROL - I did NOT.

Because of my ASD, NOT "natural variation", I may or may not be able to drive. I have learned how to use public transportation. I am very safety aware. I look left and right before crossing the street. I do not do drugs or smoke.

Due to my ASD, I have unintentionally offended people. I have improved in social skills.

How is my mind unsafe? I have lots of devastating challenges and delays, but I will be a person with high-functioning autism (even AFTER treatment and with coping strategies, education, tools, etc.).


FACTS:

1. I high-functioning autism (also known as Asperger's).

2. Autism is NOT a "natural variation", culture, or lifestyle."

3. Autistic disabilities are a life-long condition, thus Autism is a WAY (part) of LIFE.

4. ASD is an epidemic. ASD is a medical disorder. Autism, which includes Asperger's, PDD-NOS, and Autistic Disorder are neurological, biological disorders that  cause children and adults to have medical problems.

5. Children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders need treatment, support, accommodations, services, and someday, possibly a cure (for those who desire one).

*Gasp!* Where are all the ADULTS with Autism? *Gasp!*

"The real proof of that claim would be to show us the 30, 50, and 70 year olds with autism. I don't mean Asperger's. I mean adults who are like the children of countless friends of mine across the U.S. Adults who don't talk. Adults who bang holes in walls and who wear diapers. Ones who flap their hands all day and spin in circles for hours. Ones who scream and have terrible diarrhea and constipation." ~ Anne Dachel

Yes, please show THEM. That's right - they do NOT exist.

Katie: The REAL PROOF would be to show us the 30, 50, and 70 year olds with Autism. I MEAN Asperger's. SAME thing. I mean adults who make EVERY EFFORT POSSIBLE TO FIT IN WITH NON-AUTISTIC PEOPLE! Adults who attend college. Adults who are employed (with or without assistance) and have friends and a partner. Ones who are married and appear in the media. Ones who run organizations and advocate for services, supports, accommodations, early intervention, better and improved treatments, and similar things.

Where are they? EVERYWHERE!!!

*Drum Roll* ... ... ...

Ari Ne'eman - President of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, college student, employee, Autistic advocate and activist

Scott Michael Robertson - Vice President of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, scientist, teacher's assistant, college student, Autistic advocate

Dora Raymaker - Board member of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, artist, employee, Autistic advocate

Michelle Dawson - Autism researcher, employee, Autistic self-advocate

Still unsatisfied...

Temple Grandin - college professor, animal scientist, Autistic advocate

Katie Miller - artist, employee, college student, Autistic advocate

Stephen Shore - I.A.C.C. Board member, Autistic advocate, employee

Jacob Pratt - Board director of Autism Spectrum Differences Institute of New England (in M.A.), employee, college student, Autistic advocate

Alexander Plank - creator of wrongplanet.net, college student, Autistic advocate

And you are STILL looking - *shocked beyond belief*

Donna Williams - artist, employee, writer, married, Autistic advocate

Joel Smith - employee, married, Autistic advocate

John Elder-Robison - self-employed, married, author, Autistic advocate, parent

What? You want more? Okay then - *last round*

Elesia Ashkenazy - co-director of PDX ASAN, parent, Autistic advocate, employee

Stephanie Lynn Keil - Autistic self-advocate, college student, artist, musician

Ryan McReynolds - Autistic, Singer, Musician, Songwriter, Actor, Politician, Genealogical Researcher, Engaged