Are you familiar with the Judge Rotenberg Center?
I wasn't familiar with it, so I did a quick search and... I was feeling quite ok because I just came back from my run - I go running these days. There's a nice park with lots of paths and trees nearby, and I found it's quite nice to go there as day breaks, since it's practically deserted around that time and I don't have to worry about coming across too many people. I'm rather happy finding out about it and building it in as a habit because it's a good way for me to get out, enjoy the surroundings and get some sun and fresh air, something that usually causes quite some anxiety. Anyway, so I was feeling sort of in peace and harmony with things, far away from the world of headbanging, meltdowns and self-harm, and then this...
Aversive therapy, conditioning through electro shocks, yes, it is proven to work, not as a cure, but as a means of keeping animals under control. I wonder if they get their advanced equipment from
ebay. If that's the cure, hell, as long as we're thinking primitive solutions, just get everyone a free lobotomy.
And then as a reward they get to go to the zoo. Are you kidding me, the ****ing zoo. The irony alone. I've been to the zoo last summer, it's a dreadful place. It's full of noisy people and all the animals are caged and look tame and depressed. There was one seal who just swam the same loop over and over again and an alligator who had to endure a fake thunderstorm every 15 minutes as an attempt to mimic it's natural habitat. I still feel a little dirty going there.
Anyway, the view seems to be that autism causes a lot of problems in the world, which just doesn't sit right to me.
People with autism experience problems in this world would already be a much better viewpoint to start from. And yes, it's a two way street. My friend's brother is on the low end of the spectrum (I hate to use that expression), and it sure was and still is difficult for all of them to find ways to deal with that. It doesn't mean he has to be electroshocked into obedience.
Maybe take some cues from those of us who are high functioning or who do communicate. Say for instance the issues of meltdowns, self-harm in the likes of hitting oneself or banging your head against the table, what seems to be more of an issue for the guys and gals at the Judge Rotenberg Center. I had those, I do that. Not in such a way it's that problematic, but when I'd be in such a mood, being dragged from one doctor to the other with maybe a few social workers in between, or being under constant surveillance would definitely not make it any better. I think I actually might shut down completely.
I know it's very different when you're on the low end of the spectrum and there's an actual need to have people around taking care of you every day, but are they ever just alone for a while. Isn't a need to be alone supposed to be one of the traits that sets us apart? Yet that need always seems to be one of the first things taken away.
For me, when I'm breaking down, I need to be alone for a while. And I don't mean getting locked up in a naked room. In my own space, for a couple weeks, depending on the situation, preferably in nature,all though rarely feasible. Some real peace and quiet, no social obligations, time to get back to basics and my own interests, without being disturbed. And then when I've actually had some time to cool down and switch focus, I'd be able take part in things, to whatever ability I can muster. But no pushing! For every push it will take longer, because pushing is aggression, and I just can't tolerate that kind of behavior.
I'm ranting on about things I don't even know that much about, maybe it's time to end this.
