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Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Who Speaks For Those Who Cannot?

I obviously don't have my finger on the pulse the way I thought I did. Apparently the 1st November is autistics speaking day. A day dedicated to hearing and appreciating the value of voices and views of those living on the spectrum. I found out about it via this blog, http://autismjabberwocky.blogpsot.com. (See my blog list)

Like the author of autismjabberwocky I hope part of this day is about acknowledging the very many people with autism who cannot communicate effectively.  I think if those with sound communication skills want to make the case for the joys and strengths of their neurological differences then go for it. If they want to argue for inclusivity and challenge misconcepetions then I'm behind them all the way. But I hope they will also be mindful to note that many others on the spectrum do not have that privilege.  Or for that matter share those positive feelings. There's something slightly disconcerting for me in being told to listen when those most severely affected cant' tell us their thoughts. This leaves the possibility that agendas by those who are less severely disabled get primary focus while those who suffer the most remain muted.  I'm not saying this is happening, though perhaps it is, I'm just asking that consideration of this point be held in mind. 'Nothing about us without us', is an admirable goal, but let's stay clear on who 'us' is.

I do appreciate the intent of this day. And the importance of listening to all people on the spectrum who are able to communicate as they share their experiences, both positive and not, every day of the year, not just November 1st.  I hope part of the agenda of autistics speaking day is to find ways to help all people with ASD somehow express themselves. And that when they do we are willing to listen even when they share feelings that do not fit within the neuro-diversity philosophy.

I share a link below to the Autism Jabberwocky blog, where this issue is raised also. With thanks to the author, JM.

http://autismjabberwocky.blogspot.com/2011/11/autistics-speaking-day-listen-to.html

6 comments:

  1. Like you, I hadn't heard of the day until it was largely over (NZ time being what it is).

    I so agree with your sentiments. I agreed with MJ's post too, and saw him battling some rather obnoxious and aggressive comments on Twitter the other day, from people who wanted him to keep his thoughts and concerns to himself.

    Somehow these things keep ending up as attacks on parents and those who care for the more severely affected autistic people. It doesn't have to be that way.

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  2. Yes I saw some of those twitter comments today. I was gobsmacked. I dont see how that attitude helps anyone.

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  3. I appreciate this post. Thanks for writing it. specifically this:

    There's something slightly disconcerting for me in being told to listen when those most severely affected cant' tell us their thoughts. This leaves the possibility that agendas by those who are less severely disabled get primary focus while those who suffer the most remain muted.

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  4. Thanks Dixie, thanks for stopping by once more. I liked the comments you made over at Thinking Person Guide To Autism today.

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  5. Ick. I found out about this way too late. And I totally agree with what you said about those who aren't able to express or communicate in any way their wants, needs, desire, feelings etc.

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