An academic delurks

[Progster]

Hi, I was also diagnosed later in life. I hope you manage to get a private office. I like the idea that you would be a role model for autistics, to let them see what they really can achieve in life, if their needs are met and they are accommodated, though I understand your concerns about identity politics.

 

[Echo]

Where is the different but positive story of neurodiverse psychology?

Exactly, Thinx.
I think there's at least some grass-roots rumbling because I might not have learned I was on this spectrum, otherwise. I believe some of us are here to write our own stories and then take them out into the world, so I DO actually see a value in "coming out" in certain places and circumstances. The misinformation out there is several yards deep (no thanks to Mr. Baron-Cohen...) and now that I'm aware of autistic traits, it's obvious we're everywhere.
And because I also happen to believe that neurodiversity shouldn't be considered a "disorder," because it deviates from the mythical norm, I try to watch which terms I use to describe those of us on the spectrum.

 

[interaural]

@interaural , hello & welcome.
Is "delurking" the internet equivalent of "decloaking?"

Yes! ... though without the invitation to confrontation ...

 

[interaural]

Exactly, Thinx.
I think there's at least some grass-roots rumbling because I might not have learned I was on this spectrum, otherwise. I believe some of us are here to write our own stories and then take them out into the world, so I DO actually see a value in "coming out" in certain places and circumstances. The misinformation out there is several yards deep (no thanks to Mr. Baron-Cohen...) and now that I'm aware of autistic traits, it's obvious we're everywhere.
And because I also happen to believe that neurodiversity shouldn't be considered a "disorder," because it deviates from the mythical norm, I try to watch which terms I use to describe those of us on the spectrum.

Yes, there are positive signs in many places. From my perspective as a researcher in an adjacent field, it seems clear that autism research will open up many interesting new avenues by doing more work which starts from the lived experience of autistic people. PARC is a hopeful development here: autistic researchers starting to set an agenda.

Echo, when you talk about Baron-Cohen and misinformation, do you mean his extreme male brain idea? If so, I agree that now looks simplistic. I feel a bit fonder towards SBC, partly because doing his AQ gave me the first real bit of information that I might be autistic. And SBC seems to be on something of a journey himself towards embracing neurodiversity. This editorial was flagged on Wrong Planet, but it didn't get much discussion there. I'm struck by the parallel between the journey that some of us make towards realising we are autistic, and the journey that SBC seems to be on here.

 

[interaural]

On the topic of coming out, I am also torn. This is particularly pertinent since I am promoting a new book.

Do I keep quiet?

OR

Leverage the ”Temple Grandin of Cats” angle?

My worry is that people will love my Cat System... until they find out Rain Woman did it, and then they will think it is weird.

Such a dilemma.

Yes. Is it possible to have a professional reputation that also includes autism?

 

[55853]

This editorial

I was having problems with that link but used the doi to get to:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jcpp.12703

In case anyone else does too.

 

[WereBear]

Yes. Is it possible to have a professional reputation that also includes autism?

I think it is possible. And if I didn't still have a job and employment concerns, it would be different. And if might make more sense for me to be "out" once I am established, too.

Like most of my friends were very understanding and supportive, because they know me and "autistic" is just why I am quirky, which they already like But if the first thing someone knew when they met me was "autistic" I think it would throw them. And confusing people often leads to hostility.