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Self advocates

DrDanLEdmunds

New Member
It is a popular concept to have organizations which claim to represent autistic persons but in reality do nothing more than complain of the person, seek to alter them, and collectively 'bemoan their plight'. If we are to understand autistics and we truly wish to support, then we must learn something about entering their world and embracing differences. A true autistic support organization would incorporate the self advocates for they are the only ones who can truly share the autistic experience with us.
 
You may find you are preaching to the choir with the idea in the first sentence. :)

I am puzzled why the rest of the paragraph is written from an NT point of view, however. o_O
The phrases "If we are to understand autistics" & "share the autistic experience with us"
seem to be written from an 'outsider' stance.
 
It's good to know that ASAN (Autistic Self Advocacy Network) is an organization run by autistics for autistics. :)

Also, Greenspan's "Floortime" model, also known as DIR, is what is being used with me in therapy. The ASD specialist respectfully enters my world to the best of her ability. I appreciate this respectful way of connecting.

Things are changing for autistics, albeit slowly. The industry is still largely parent-driven rather than consumer(autistic)-driven, but again, that is in process of transforming. Gradually, our perspectives are more being heard and considered, and many agencies are beginning to move toward a lifespan model.

I'm so happy I am alive to witness these positive changes.
 
You may find you are preaching to the choir with the idea in the first sentence. :)

I am puzzled why the rest of the paragraph is written from an NT point of view, however. o_O
The phrases "If we are to understand autistics" & "share the autistic experience with us"
seem to be written from an 'outsider' stance.
I wrote this for those non autistics who need to learn something of the autistic experience. It may not totally fit for those here but thought I would still share it anyway
 
I agree we have a long way to go, but the trend is toward improve,nets for us, I believe.
 

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