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."
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
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).
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
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Autism is a DISORDER, NOT a "culture" or "shared language!"
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."
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."
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
English 0990: Argument Essay
I have an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis; therefore, I am an autistic person. “Autism is a neurological and biological disorder that affects movement, anxiety and stress management, communication, sensory, behavioural, occupational, and social skills. Autistic people have a different perspective and perception of the world. Non-autistic research scientists are studying how the brain of people on the autism spectrum differs from typical people. It is indeed an excellent idea, but the Obama administration needs to provide various resources for autistic individuals who already exist. In addition, too much genetic research can lead to pre-natal testing and abortion. Concerned medical professionals, educators, and parents of people on the autism spectrum want to improve their loved one(s) quality of life. Nonetheless, better options should exist. Parents are usually pro cure, and autistic people are usually anti cure.
Scott Michael Robertson, a scientist who happens to be autistic, is trying to refocus the autism spectrum research agenda. I am neither pro nor anti cure. Scott and non-autistic scientists should focus the scientific agenda on educating, accommodating, supporting, and treating the various issues that are present with the autism disorders.
The research agenda should focus on educating autistic people. For example, people on the autism spectrum should be taught skills to interact with people who do not have a neurological disability. One way of teaching autistic people skills to interact and function with others is to use the discrete-trial method of Applied Behavior Analysis.
The research agenda should focus on accommodating people on the autism spectrum. Accommodations are modifications in daily living, employment, and in other aspects of life to assist an individual on the autism spectrum to fully participate in society and improve quality of life. Accommodations should be a right, not a privilege. We must find ways to improve the quality of life for children and adults on the autism spectrum through research and funding into adaptive augmentative communication such as devices and laptops. Many individuals on the autism spectrum are efficient, reliable, and trustworthy employees. We need to find practical ways to accommodate autistic people to increase their productivity. For example, Joel Smith has a diagnosis of Autistic Disorder. He uses an alternative augmentative communication device or his speech synthesizer to communicate when he has difficulty with speech. Other examples of accommodations include but are not limited to: flexible working hours, use of e-mail, sign language interpreters, Braille, telecommuting, headphones with or without a compact disc player, assistance with filling out papers, part-time hours, name tags at meetings, and strict anti-harassment regulations.
The research agenda should focus on supporting people on the autism spectrum. The autism spectrum is diverse with people of varying levels of ability. If you have met one autistic person, then you have met one autistic person. The autism spectrum is a neurological, biological, and life-long disability with medical manifestations. While all individuals display a variety of traits and behaviours, they may have common characteristics in the areas of: communication, socialization, repetitive behavior, hypo and hypersensitive senses, and deeply focused and passionate interests.
For example, services such as: discrete-trial methodology of Applied Behavior Analysis, positive behavioral supports, speech, occupational, physical, music, other therapies, vocational and adult life skill programs, and other services are not being funded by the Obama administration.
The research agenda should focus on treating the various medical illnesses, conditions, and mental health (co-morbid) disorders that many people with autism have. Many individuals on the autism spectrum have gastrointestinal problems and co-morbid disorders that require either mainstream or biomedical treatments, or both. For example, some individuals are placed on a specific diet such as gluten and casein free. Other autistic people take natural supplements for anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, personality disorders, and other disorders. Jake Crosby, an adult with autism, has done Methyl B-12 injections, and he reported benefiting greatly from them.
Biomedical treatments such as chelation in any form and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy are neither proven effective nor safe for treating autism spectrum disorders, co-morbid disorders, or gastrointestinal issues.
Scott Michael Robertson, a scientist who happens to be autistic, is trying to refocus the autism spectrum research agenda. I am neither pro nor anti cure. Scott and non-autistic scientists should focus the scientific agenda on educating, accommodating, supporting, and treating the various issues that are present with the autism disorders.
The research agenda should focus on educating autistic people. For example, people on the autism spectrum should be taught skills to interact with people who do not have a neurological disability. One way of teaching autistic people skills to interact and function with others is to use the discrete-trial method of Applied Behavior Analysis.
The research agenda should focus on accommodating people on the autism spectrum. Accommodations are modifications in daily living, employment, and in other aspects of life to assist an individual on the autism spectrum to fully participate in society and improve quality of life. Accommodations should be a right, not a privilege. We must find ways to improve the quality of life for children and adults on the autism spectrum through research and funding into adaptive augmentative communication such as devices and laptops. Many individuals on the autism spectrum are efficient, reliable, and trustworthy employees. We need to find practical ways to accommodate autistic people to increase their productivity. For example, Joel Smith has a diagnosis of Autistic Disorder. He uses an alternative augmentative communication device or his speech synthesizer to communicate when he has difficulty with speech. Other examples of accommodations include but are not limited to: flexible working hours, use of e-mail, sign language interpreters, Braille, telecommuting, headphones with or without a compact disc player, assistance with filling out papers, part-time hours, name tags at meetings, and strict anti-harassment regulations.
The research agenda should focus on supporting people on the autism spectrum. The autism spectrum is diverse with people of varying levels of ability. If you have met one autistic person, then you have met one autistic person. The autism spectrum is a neurological, biological, and life-long disability with medical manifestations. While all individuals display a variety of traits and behaviours, they may have common characteristics in the areas of: communication, socialization, repetitive behavior, hypo and hypersensitive senses, and deeply focused and passionate interests.
For example, services such as: discrete-trial methodology of Applied Behavior Analysis, positive behavioral supports, speech, occupational, physical, music, other therapies, vocational and adult life skill programs, and other services are not being funded by the Obama administration.
The research agenda should focus on treating the various medical illnesses, conditions, and mental health (co-morbid) disorders that many people with autism have. Many individuals on the autism spectrum have gastrointestinal problems and co-morbid disorders that require either mainstream or biomedical treatments, or both. For example, some individuals are placed on a specific diet such as gluten and casein free. Other autistic people take natural supplements for anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, personality disorders, and other disorders. Jake Crosby, an adult with autism, has done Methyl B-12 injections, and he reported benefiting greatly from them.
Biomedical treatments such as chelation in any form and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy are neither proven effective nor safe for treating autism spectrum disorders, co-morbid disorders, or gastrointestinal issues.
The TRUTH about two adults who are Autistic
Katie, 21, and her best friend Ari Ne’eman, 21, were both misdiagnosed with ADD/HD. Katie was diagnosed with PDD-NOS in 5th grade. She was re-diagnosed with Asperger’s Disorder (AS) is high school.
Now, they are both on the Autism Spectrum (Asperger’s). They work VERY hard to manage their Autistic challenges and related conditions (if applicable). Because they work hard to fit in with neurologically typical people, they are non-distinguishable from their peers in community employment, educational, and public settings. Nonetheless, they are STILL Autistic.
When “medical professionals” like Jenny McCarthy sell the promise of “cures” and “recovery”, they are not only lying to themselves, but also to the many parents of people on the Autism Spectrum and Autistic adults who believe quackery.
Ari and I have been through all that is offered by the best and the worst of our Autism Spectrum disability.
We are now viewing the worst SCAM ever. I pray that Ari, the Autistic community, and I will NOT have to view Autism "advocacy" (fraud) for much longer.
The Phony Autism Spectrum "wars" and other information
I'm trying to understand why people spend so much time, effort, and energy attacking my friend, Ari Ne'eman. Ari Ne’eman is a successful, intelligent, articulate, hard-working young adult who is Autistic. He has an Asperger's disorder diagnosis - NO functioning labels attached. Ari and I disagree on specific aspects of treatments, education, and intervention for individuals on the Autism Spectrum to improve his or her quality of life, other issues such as the research agenda, to cure or not cure, and other autism related issues. However, Ari's desire to create positive change that will support, educate, and accommodate individuals with Autism Spectrum disorders is genuine and well intentioned.
However, his detractors are making his agenda VERY difficult and STRESSFUL. They have created a very hostile environment in forums, chat rooms, list serves, and other online public places. These detractors use abusive language, threats including death, profanity, and other creative, disrespectful means to get their point across. Does the Autism Spectrum (Autistic) community need this? The obvious answer is “No.” However, some individuals specifically target certain individuals they presume as “dangerous.”
I am a strong supporter of respectful language. Terminology or phrases such as: disease, brain damage or dead, train wreck, dysfunctional, broken, not fully human or there, emotionless, vegetable, and other similar descriptions are not only offensive but also NOT accurate words to describe people with Autism Spectrum disorders. Autism forums, chat rooms, and similar places online are created for parents of children and adults with various Autism disorder diagnoses for support, suggestions, and similar reasons. Autism online places have been created for everyone - parents, adults on the Autism Spectrum, educators, friends, scientists, medical professionals, and other people in the Autism or Autistic community.
I do NOT have the right to speak on behalf of other people with Autism Spectrum Disorders. For example, I cannot tell Harold Doherty, a parent of an adolescent with an Autistic Disorder diagnosis, assessed with profound developmental delays, to stop supporting research for a cure. People who converse online in forums, chat rooms, et cetera are NOT qualified to diagnose anyone on the Autism Spectrum. Without certification in an educational background such as: Psychology, special education, or other related field, people are NOT qualified to even suspect neurological disabilities.
All people with Autism Spectrum disorder diagnoses are Autistic. That is NOT debatable. For example, Scott Robertson, John Elder-Robison, and Katie Miller have Asperger’s Disorder diagnoses (NO functioning labels attached). They are Autistic. Dora Raymaker, Michelle Dawson, Amanda Baggs, and Alex Bain have Autistic Disorder diagnoses (NO functioning labels attached). They are Autistic.
I have an Asperger’s Disorder diagnosis (NO functioning labels attached). I am Autistic. However, I do not smear feces. I have been mildly self-injurious before. I am not aggressive. I can read, write (with MAJOR exceptions), and type. I CANNOT write a lot neatly due to motor control, low muscle tone, and grip issues. In a literal sense, I am able to speak. I will not describe my challenges with speech production - mild Apraxia, stuttering, and related issues here. I will not detail my significant speech delays and difficulties during childhood here.
As adult Autistic, I can only speak for MYSELF. If a cure will be found in my lifetime, I would NOT take it. I (emphasize Katie) do not want to be cured. I have learned to accept and embrace (still working on) my Autism Disorder. I do not have a strong emotional viewpoint on being Autistic. I neither hate nor love my Autism. I do NOT celebrate the disabling traits of my Autism Spectrum diagnosis. I celebrate my talents, abilities, and strengths. I celebrate my hyperlexia that includes ability to read extremely rapidly, above grade level, and decipher most vocabulary from contextual clues. In addition, I celebrate my positive traits related to my personality, Autism Spectrum diagnosis, and other positive traits.
However, his detractors are making his agenda VERY difficult and STRESSFUL. They have created a very hostile environment in forums, chat rooms, list serves, and other online public places. These detractors use abusive language, threats including death, profanity, and other creative, disrespectful means to get their point across. Does the Autism Spectrum (Autistic) community need this? The obvious answer is “No.” However, some individuals specifically target certain individuals they presume as “dangerous.”
I am a strong supporter of respectful language. Terminology or phrases such as: disease, brain damage or dead, train wreck, dysfunctional, broken, not fully human or there, emotionless, vegetable, and other similar descriptions are not only offensive but also NOT accurate words to describe people with Autism Spectrum disorders. Autism forums, chat rooms, and similar places online are created for parents of children and adults with various Autism disorder diagnoses for support, suggestions, and similar reasons. Autism online places have been created for everyone - parents, adults on the Autism Spectrum, educators, friends, scientists, medical professionals, and other people in the Autism or Autistic community.
I do NOT have the right to speak on behalf of other people with Autism Spectrum Disorders. For example, I cannot tell Harold Doherty, a parent of an adolescent with an Autistic Disorder diagnosis, assessed with profound developmental delays, to stop supporting research for a cure. People who converse online in forums, chat rooms, et cetera are NOT qualified to diagnose anyone on the Autism Spectrum. Without certification in an educational background such as: Psychology, special education, or other related field, people are NOT qualified to even suspect neurological disabilities.
All people with Autism Spectrum disorder diagnoses are Autistic. That is NOT debatable. For example, Scott Robertson, John Elder-Robison, and Katie Miller have Asperger’s Disorder diagnoses (NO functioning labels attached). They are Autistic. Dora Raymaker, Michelle Dawson, Amanda Baggs, and Alex Bain have Autistic Disorder diagnoses (NO functioning labels attached). They are Autistic.
I have an Asperger’s Disorder diagnosis (NO functioning labels attached). I am Autistic. However, I do not smear feces. I have been mildly self-injurious before. I am not aggressive. I can read, write (with MAJOR exceptions), and type. I CANNOT write a lot neatly due to motor control, low muscle tone, and grip issues. In a literal sense, I am able to speak. I will not describe my challenges with speech production - mild Apraxia, stuttering, and related issues here. I will not detail my significant speech delays and difficulties during childhood here.
As adult Autistic, I can only speak for MYSELF. If a cure will be found in my lifetime, I would NOT take it. I (emphasize Katie) do not want to be cured. I have learned to accept and embrace (still working on) my Autism Disorder. I do not have a strong emotional viewpoint on being Autistic. I neither hate nor love my Autism. I do NOT celebrate the disabling traits of my Autism Spectrum diagnosis. I celebrate my talents, abilities, and strengths. I celebrate my hyperlexia that includes ability to read extremely rapidly, above grade level, and decipher most vocabulary from contextual clues. In addition, I celebrate my positive traits related to my personality, Autism Spectrum diagnosis, and other positive traits.
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