Sometimes, this term is used for an apathetic outlook. But then, for the usual person with special needs (especially autism and Asperger's Syndrome) - this term that he uttered means an optimistic outlook in face of extreme hardship.
As the famous Australian ASD advocate Garry Burge noted, Australia had not passed a Federal Autism Bill. This implies that Australia is behind the curve in really taking into account the well-being of the autistic population. No worries, though - autistic people in the Asia-Pacific region, despite the hardships suffered for a lack of awareness, acceptance for autistic people in general and the lack of support for the autism community, can still do well in life.
The biggest obstacle facing ASDs in Asia-Pacific, particularly in my country (Singapore), is that there is a hierarchy in the autism community that actually inhibits the potentials of the autistic individuals here. Most of the place our trust in a few people who are deemed to be the 'leaders' and 'founders' of a certain autism advocacy/support group. Even though I am also one of the 'leaders', I do not like it, because I feel that the hierarchy is strifling to the development of our community as a whole.
By having a clear structure that only gives certain people privileges to decide totally on things, without regard to both their wants and needs, decisions will be subjected to the whims of a few people's individual interests. This is by itself unequal in nature, and is not good for the sustainability of any group, in general.
By not having an in-group focus, and emphasizing too much on individual interests without regard to the wider scope in terms of a community, that autism group will also have no real loyal members to the 'cause', and when the group falls, no one will bother except the 'leaders' themselves.
The tussling and jostling for influence in the group has also destroyed friendship, amongst existing members in the group.
All three are less happy, less comforting and more tiring for most of us, and they had stood in the way for me and my mates to build an inclusive community for ASDs and beyond. In this manner, even after 2 years, I feel that we had not gone anywhere. Worse of all, perhaps it is necessary but shameful to the original friends who established the autism group, it took three NTs to bring our group back on track to a common goal. As an ASD, I can only say I feel disgusted, for my views are only heeded after failure and NT intervention - both which they stood to avoid.
Acutally I find it quite ironic that I even said all these above, because I myself have a low AS score (though I have IQ way higher than average). And yes, I think I just had 'GDD' or something when I was younger, not ASD.
I still think, though, that the autism and special needs community in general will do well. We do not have a lack of talents to help us out. I know at least five university graduates with AS personally in my country, though 3 had immigrated over the past 2 years (because of massive unemployment and noticeable socio-political upheavals that work against our interests, for now). 1 other guy who has AS is currently unemployed, the other is employed in a field he doesn't like.
With dire circumstances, and increasing uncertainties, I recognise the needs for 'self before community' to ensure mere survival. So the time is only right to understand the needs for the autism community, formulating action plans for our needs, and implementing them on a small scale. Further refinements will come when our society is more ready for these autistic people to contribute to our community.
But well, so be it, because at least it shows that with proper thinking, evaluation and judgment, failures like this in future will be reduced.
It pays to be cheerful, agreeable, warm and welcoming person that is confident in the future. Times are indeed hard - but tough times don't last. Tough people last. The best way to build hardiness is to be flexible, open and happy - so that we can accept positive ideas and things that are built in us, to resist unhappy things in life.
As the famous Australian ASD advocate Garry Burge noted, Australia had not passed a Federal Autism Bill. This implies that Australia is behind the curve in really taking into account the well-being of the autistic population. No worries, though - autistic people in the Asia-Pacific region, despite the hardships suffered for a lack of awareness, acceptance for autistic people in general and the lack of support for the autism community, can still do well in life.
The biggest obstacle facing ASDs in Asia-Pacific, particularly in my country (Singapore), is that there is a hierarchy in the autism community that actually inhibits the potentials of the autistic individuals here. Most of the place our trust in a few people who are deemed to be the 'leaders' and 'founders' of a certain autism advocacy/support group. Even though I am also one of the 'leaders', I do not like it, because I feel that the hierarchy is strifling to the development of our community as a whole.
By having a clear structure that only gives certain people privileges to decide totally on things, without regard to both their wants and needs, decisions will be subjected to the whims of a few people's individual interests. This is by itself unequal in nature, and is not good for the sustainability of any group, in general.
By not having an in-group focus, and emphasizing too much on individual interests without regard to the wider scope in terms of a community, that autism group will also have no real loyal members to the 'cause', and when the group falls, no one will bother except the 'leaders' themselves.
The tussling and jostling for influence in the group has also destroyed friendship, amongst existing members in the group.
All three are less happy, less comforting and more tiring for most of us, and they had stood in the way for me and my mates to build an inclusive community for ASDs and beyond. In this manner, even after 2 years, I feel that we had not gone anywhere. Worse of all, perhaps it is necessary but shameful to the original friends who established the autism group, it took three NTs to bring our group back on track to a common goal. As an ASD, I can only say I feel disgusted, for my views are only heeded after failure and NT intervention - both which they stood to avoid.
Acutally I find it quite ironic that I even said all these above, because I myself have a low AS score (though I have IQ way higher than average). And yes, I think I just had 'GDD' or something when I was younger, not ASD.
I still think, though, that the autism and special needs community in general will do well. We do not have a lack of talents to help us out. I know at least five university graduates with AS personally in my country, though 3 had immigrated over the past 2 years (because of massive unemployment and noticeable socio-political upheavals that work against our interests, for now). 1 other guy who has AS is currently unemployed, the other is employed in a field he doesn't like.
With dire circumstances, and increasing uncertainties, I recognise the needs for 'self before community' to ensure mere survival. So the time is only right to understand the needs for the autism community, formulating action plans for our needs, and implementing them on a small scale. Further refinements will come when our society is more ready for these autistic people to contribute to our community.
But well, so be it, because at least it shows that with proper thinking, evaluation and judgment, failures like this in future will be reduced.
It pays to be cheerful, agreeable, warm and welcoming person that is confident in the future. Times are indeed hard - but tough times don't last. Tough people last. The best way to build hardiness is to be flexible, open and happy - so that we can accept positive ideas and things that are built in us, to resist unhappy things in life.
