Re: labels you're so...w r o n g....! !

[Guest guest]

Everyday THOUSANDS of our kids walk into different classrooms or programmes where horribly incorrect assumptions are made regarding their prowess and capabilities. Everyday their parents are overstressed because they have to constantly wage battles with administrators, teachers and the like to get proper and adequate services for their kids. Everyday millions of so called normal people assume that they're normal because everything has been set up to function as they do. Products are manufactured, paradigms of services are developed and inculcated to conform to the physical capabilities of how the majority of the human species function. Evereyday, many of those parents have to financially struggle to provide just the basic needs for their kids When a human being has dyswired/dysfunctional neurology and therefore has trouble conforming and performing according to the normal standards, they are

viewed as being "handicapped, different, disabled, dysfunctional etc...." They have to pay more for every requirement of their needs. examples are, special chairs, furniture, eating utensils, adaptations to motorcars etc....... "Normal" people have come to believe that they have the licence to designate and determine how these "abnormal" people should live. They have devised programmes, material goods methods of treatment focussed mainly on the one idea, that WE MUST MAKE THESE PEOPLE FUNCTION AND THINK LIKE US. So in order to do so, they make assumptions about those people based upon how they see them. example.... My 13 year daughter, ( Hg/vaccine poisoned, lost verbal speech and has Autism) was denied inclusion for her entire elementary school experience. She was allowed "to visit" the mainstream classrooms "if she behaved herself appropriately" (she is actually better

behaved than NT kids, a couple of years ago she sat with me during the entire 3 hour Kol Nidre service at shul while all the NT kids were running around noisy etc.....) My wife and I believed from the outset that she is smart and intelligent. At her many IEP's we had to endure the b/s from her teachers about what she couldn't do, didn't know, couldn't possibly learn etc......... We persisted in our beliefs, and finally during her 4th grade year we tried Facilitated communication with her, which she took to like a charm, so we had our expressive communication breakthrough ! When she transitioned to middle school we insisted she be fully included, which she was and is. Naturally the necessary supports are in place to help her communicate. The results, doing EXACTLY same core curriculum as her peers only accommodations no modifications :- End of sixth grade A in English

and B's in Science, Math, Social studies, End of 7th grade, 2 A's English and Math, 2 B's Science and Social Studies She also runs track and cross country ! When asked how she felt about being denied FAPE during elementary school she replied........ " I FELT REAL NOTHINGNESS, JAST SAT AND WATCHED GREAT YESTERDAYS ROLL BY " an indictment if ever their was one She is NOT unique. There are thousands like her, whose intelligence and capabilities are CRUELLY QUESTIONED every day. This questioning is a DIRECT FUNCTION of the LABELS ascribed to them. We use the prefix " DIS " to describe things in a NEGATIVE CONTEXT. words like dishonest, disreputable, disingenuous, disgusting, dispicable, dissassociate, and then we refer to humanbeings with emotions and feelings and brains which are intelligent as...........disabled,

dysfunctional etc....... and you think that this relegation into the negative realm doesn't subliminally condition mainstream into viewing and regarding them in a negative light ? If you don't you're dillusional, shortsighted and to a degree cruel, because, in some cases, you haven't really thought things through and are therefore ignorant to some degree. Discrimination is without doubt the most nefarious, pernicious and internecine phenomenon on this planet. Sadly, the biggest irony we live with is that those messing up our world are in the NUMERICAL MINORITY. They just have through circumstance and good fortune inveigled themselves into the advantageous positions of authority and decision making power. Yet they impose the most wicked policies upon our numerical minority, our children with autism and those other humanbeings who have other conditions requiring out of mainstream kilter

suport Discrimination occurs because of blind, ignorant, misinformed assumptions made about others who due to their individuality, think and act outside the NT world. But hey, everyone of us is different, unique. A person who we determine is disabled, only needs support usually physical to do that which mainstream has decreed must be done in a certain manner, only because the numerical majority are physically capable of doing it that way. The STUDIES called for, have been done, are being done everyday...........the battles we constantly face are testimony to this. Observation and experience by the tens of thousands of parents who daily have to navigate this swamp of iniquity are the studies. The "evidence of harm" is the denial of services, access to the same opportunities as their neurotypical peers and constant mistreatment our intelligent, intellectually capable kids

endure daily. This autism thing, spectrum is huge. There are many pieces to its puzzle. The Hg Vaccine thing is just one of them, but in reality, it isn't the main issue because, once the kid has autism, it has to be dealt with. eliminating the Hg/vaccine cause is important, but only because we need to stop the growth in numbers. The kids who have autism must be helped, and if anyone thinks for one second that our ooponents (who are the mainstream minority powerguys I referred to earlier) haven't been,aren't being conditioned by the negative labels ascribed to our kids .well.......I could enunciate a diatribe of epithets........ Their negotiating posture is a direct function of their long time subliminal conditioning stemming from assumptive labelling Daily our kids have to navigate through a neurological minefield. Imagine the tennis serve. you toss the ball up, draw your racket back to follow

through and strike the ball, but as you're doing so,...the following is what you're experiencing, but those observing you have no knowledge thereof....a dog is yapping and snapping at your heels, your opponents mother, is standing 2 feet behind you yelling, a 747 jumbo jet is gunning its engines into life 20 feet away, a branch of a rose bush is grazing your leg.....do you think that your service will be successful ? And then ask, do any of these things have to do with your intelligence, do they impede your KNOWING exactly what you wanted to do ? And then ask, if an observer watching you, would assume that you can't do the simple thing of tossing a ball in the air and striking it. Then ask would he label you as being a bad tennis player ? We have to look at the whole picture. While this list primarily focusses upon the Hg vaccine issues, posters to it, still need to

embrace the necessity of not forgetting the whole. The elimination of the Hg/vacine thing won't directly help our kids who already have autism. Our efforts are really in the final analysis a benevolent act towards our fellow man. Take care, best have a great weekend, n. PS Lenny, you're free to continue believing whatever you will, but if you are ever in the presence of my daughter and refer to her or any one else in her aearshot as an Autistic, I will challenge you. as you stated in an earlier post, referring to rudeness, "not in my livingroom" not in mine either schaferatsprynet <schafer@...> wrote: >> > //based on many observations of how our kids are treated because ofstereotypical philosophy/ies translating into negative treatment ofour kids//> > n you are indeed 100% on target. Many disability advocacygroups have outlined the detrimental effects of using generalizationsemantics and espouse the more dignified description of 'theindividual has autism' vs. 'he's autistic'. Outlining assertions based on vague "obervations" are not the same asevidence. Like I said, let's see real evidence of harm. Produce somestudies, or better yet, produce some

victims. I have yet to seeeither in support of this. Assertion, no matter how politicallycorrect sounding it is, is no basis for browbeating people intochanging their proper usage and style of language. Autistics haveenough real problems, they don't need contrived ones piled on top bypeople trying to affect a moral high ground for political advantage.Lenny

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[Guest guest]

n,

As a matter of courtesy, I try to refer to individuals how they

indicate they prefer to be addressed. I think you dropped your gaunlet.

Lenny

> n.

>

> PS Lenny, you're free to continue believing whatever you will, but

if you are ever in the presence of my daughter and refer to her or any

one else in her aearshot as an Autistic, I will challenge you. as you

stated in an earlier post, referring to rudeness, " not in my

livingroom " not in mine either

>

[Guest guest]

One of my son's OTs asked me one day if it was wrong of her to say

someone IS autistic. She asked if she should say that someone HAS

autism. I told her it didn't matter to me. People who worry about

that have too much free time on their hands. Worrying about that

won't help my child. Most people are not listening to you any way and

they think you said your child is artistic, and then they tell you how

wonderful that is. Over the years, many times I have said that I

think that I am Aspie. Reading about autism for my AUTISTIC (metal

poisoned) son I have realized things about myself. I may have been

one of those Aspie kids who fell through the cracks. I have a friend

at work who tells me I have to be Aspie. I like it much better when

she tells me that than when she tells me I am weird or freaky. lol.

I have friends at work who told me they are bipolar. There are some

labels that are rude or at least don't give the best image of a

person, but in my book I don't think ASD labels are negative. At this

point they are positive because it helps my child get the services he

needs. This was a fun conversation, but I have more important things

to do that will actually benefit my son, like giving him his next dose

of DMSA.

Sincerely,

April

-

-- In EOHarm , n Wendrow <reedicalousisay@...> wrote:

>

> Sorry but you threw it down. I will protect and defend my daughter

from ANYONE or ANYTHING that threatens to abuse her. And furthermore,

when it comes to courtesy, you're at the back of the queue in my book.

You hurl molotov cocktails into my room and run away. I know your ilk

too well. There were plenty like you in boardingschool, who stirred up

trouble then ran for cover. You have threatened me and then not had

the decency to respond when I've given a respectful reply.

>

> I prefer to look for the good in people, but you have made it very

difficult for me to do in your case

> n

>

> schaferatsprynet <schafer@...> wrote:

> n,

> As a matter of courtesy, I try to refer to individuals how they

> indicate they prefer to be addressed. I think you dropped your gaunlet.

>

> Lenny

>

> > n.

> >

> > PS Lenny, you're free to continue believing whatever you will, but

> if you are ever in the presence of my daughter and refer to her or any

> one else in her aearshot as an Autistic, I will challenge you. as you

> stated in an earlier post, referring to rudeness, " not in my

> livingroom " not in mine either

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Stay in the know. Pulse on the new .com. Check it out.

>

[Guest guest]

" if you are ever in the presence of my daughter and refer to her or

any one else in her aearshot as an Autistic, I will challenge you. "

>

There are some autistics (of prior generation especially) who don't

consider autism something to be cured, but to be overcome (that is to

say, it is not a " disease " , nor is it simply being poisoned, but it is

a neurological affliction caused only by genetics, and runs in their

families, and can according to them, only be overcome by harsh

training and discipline). These are a small percentage of people who

have had autism in their family for generations. This is not the same

class as the recent epidemic of this past decade. These types would

probably prefer to be caused autistic, and not say they " have " autism,

as if it were a disease. I've heard one autistic man express that he

felt insulted for anyone to think that it was anything but genetic.

Then there are some younger generation autistics who would prefer that

people don't say they are autistic, but that they have autism. I'm

not sure the reasoning behind it, maybe being autistic is less

definitive, or considered something more permanent? I want to be

sensitive but I don't understand the reasoning. I do need to

understand it and don't want to offend anyone, so please explain it

and forgive my ignorance on the matter.

Thanks,

Mark

[Guest guest]

If it is offensive to you or/and your daughter, you will have my respect and I will not offend you. I just hope that when you challenge people who truly don't know, that you will be respectful and kindly explain your feelings. A lot of times people, not just in the Autism community, tend to get defensive and go off and I feel like that doesn't help our cause at all.

v/r

Vivian

Re: labels you're so...w r o n g....! !

"if you are ever in the presence of my daughter and refer to her orany one else in her aearshot as an Autistic, I will challenge you. ">There are some autistics (of prior generation especially) who don'tconsider autism something to be cured, but to be overcome (that is tosay, it is not a "disease", nor is it simply being poisoned, but it isa neurological affliction caused only by genetics, and runs in theirfamilies, and can according to them, only be overcome by harshtraining and discipline). These are a small percentage of people whohave had autism in their family for generations. This is not the sameclass as the recent epidemic of this past decade. These types wouldprobably prefer to be caused autistic, and not say they "have" autism,as if it were a disease. I've heard one autistic man express that hefelt insulted for anyone to think that it was anything but genetic.Then there are some younger generation autistics who would prefer thatpeople don't say they are autistic, but that they have autism. I'mnot sure the reasoning behind it, maybe being autistic is lessdefinitive, or considered something more permanent? I want to besensitive but I don't understand the reasoning. I do need tounderstand it and don't want to offend anyone, so please explain itand forgive my ignorance on the matter.Thanks,Mark

[Guest guest]

No I ne3ver do, I pull them aside and speak in a low tone explaining that "the autistic" they're labelling is smart, understands and is hurt by the label. I refer them to a website or literature etc.and ask that they give it some consideration in future. If they're aware of it and are spitefully mean about it, then that's a different matter and will be handled as diplomatically as possible. Take care nVivian Duckett <impdegas@...> wrote: If it is offensive to

you or/and your daughter, you will have my respect and I will not offend you. I just hope that when you challenge people who truly don't know, that you will be respectful and kindly explain your feelings. A lot of times people, not just in the Autism community, tend to get defensive and go off and I feel like that doesn't help our cause at all. v/r Vivian Re: labels you're so...w r o n g....! ! "if you are ever in the presence of my daughter and refer to her orany one else in her aearshot as an Autistic, I will challenge you. ">There are some autistics (of prior generation especially) who don'tconsider autism something to be cured, but to be overcome (that is tosay, it is not a "disease", nor is it simply being poisoned, but it isa neurological affliction caused only by genetics, and runs in theirfamilies, and can according to them, only be overcome by harshtraining and discipline). These are a small percentage of people whohave had autism in their family for generations. This is not the sameclass as the recent epidemic of this past decade. These types

wouldprobably prefer to be caused autistic, and not say they "have" autism,as if it were a disease. I've heard one autistic man express that hefelt insulted for anyone to think that it was anything but genetic.Then there are some younger generation autistics who would prefer thatpeople don't say they are autistic, but that they have autism. I'mnot sure the reasoning behind it, maybe being autistic is lessdefinitive, or considered something more permanent? I want to besensitive but I don't understand the reasoning. I do need tounderstand it and don't want to offend anyone, so please explain itand forgive my ignorance on the matter.Thanks,Mark

Stay in the know. Pulse on the new .com. Check it out.

[Guest guest]

i am not necessarily offended by the term " autistic "

it just is not what i say in talking about my son's

disorder. my wife does not care one way or the other i

just feel it is appropriate to say a child has autism.

like i said before autism is not who the child is,it

is what the child has. by saying it in that way

hopefully people can focus in on what great qualities

Gage has instead of him having a disorder. it is hard

i know anyway for people to not focus on his quirks

but just the same i think people (especially parents)

should not use the term " autistic " . yes,we do have to

have a " label " to get help in the school system but i

don't want it to follow him after that point if it can

be helped.

i read on a post where some " autistic " adults prefered

it that way.and that is their choice and fine for

them.if they are able to distinguish between the two

they are way ahead of what my son probably ever will

be. so for the children (and adults) who can't

distinguish i prefer to say when asked what is wrong

with Gage just simply (oh,he has autism).

gagesdad

--- n Wendrow <reedicalousisay@...> wrote:

> Spot on lady 1, 2 ,3 ,4 what the $%#^^ & are

> labels for ?

> Take care

> n

>

> McDonough <kevntimmcd@...> wrote:

> That is absolutely horrible. Unfortunately

> that is the stereotype

> that is so prevelent, so wrong....and a perfect

> example of why we

> need to stop using labels.

>

> Yes it is worse than calling someone autistic, but I

> still would

> never use the term autistic. It is a very narrow

> description of who

> one is.

>

>

> > > > >

> > > > > This isn't an issue of political

> correctness. it is one of

> > > > discrimination because, words have power.. " the

> pen is mightier

> > > than

> > > > the sword " Words have created a mindset,

> which has evolved

> > into

> > > > how your children are viewed and treated. You

> are interested

> in

> > > > getting services for your kids. Changing how

> they're perceived

> > > will

> > > > reult in just that.

> > > > >

> > > > > As my wife said, " why do we put on a suit to

> attend a job

> > > > interview ?

> > > > >

> > > > > This issue of LABELS and LABELLING is the

> MOST SERIOUS and

> > > > IMPORTANT issue when it comes to people who

> have to function

> > > outside

> > > > of the typically created normal paradigms. I

> disagree with you

> > > > strongly and vehemently. I have received

> personal posts fully

> > > > supporting my position inthis regard. Not one

> has disagreed

> > with

> > > me.

> > > > >

> > > > > The vaccine/Hg issue is a small piece in the

> autism

> puzzle.

> > > how

> > > > people who have AUTISM are VIEWED and TREATED

> is far MORE

> > > > IMPORTANT because they are affected for the

> rest of their

> > > lives.

> > > > The small segment of people with autism who

> have no problem

> > being

> > > > labelled Autistic are entitled to their

> positions, however

> they

> > > are

> > > > all or mostly adults and grew up within a

> different climate.

> > This

> > > > exponential increase in numbers is amongst

> innocent

> > > > underintellectually developed kids, who

> haven't formulated

> their

> > > > oppinions. Societies change with progress.

> terms like

> > handicapped

> > > > dysfunctional are being recognized as

> offensive. They are

> being

> > > > phased out or dropped on a daily basis.

> > > > >

> > > > > Think how hurtful it must be for those

> verbally silenced

> by

> > > > Autism to have to listen to themselves being

> referred to in

> > > negative

> > > > ways, and, not being able to immediately reply

> or

=== message truncated ===

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I didn't say that - I was quoting somebody else (notice the quote

marks, go back and look at the thread). I wrote the part below the

quote. I guess the part I wrote below wasn't read. Well I guess

nothing I can do if I can't get someone to explain what I don't

understand, and nobody cares to understand me either. I think that

some folks around here could probably use some folate though. It did

wonders for my son's depression, and now I'm on it. Roop-tee-dooooo.

Mark

> >

>

> There are some autistics (of prior generation especially) who don't

> consider autism something to be cured, but to be overcome (that is to

> say, it is not a " disease " , nor is it simply being poisoned, but it is

> a neurological affliction caused only by genetics, and runs in their

> families, and can according to them, only be overcome by harsh

> training and discipline). These are a small percentage of people who

> have had autism in their family for generations. This is not the same

> class as the recent epidemic of this past decade. These types would

> probably prefer to be caused autistic, and not say they " have " autism,

> as if it were a disease. I've heard one autistic man express that he

> felt insulted for anyone to think that it was anything but genetic.

>

> Then there are some younger generation autistics who would prefer that

> people don't say they are autistic, but that they have autism. I'm

> not sure the reasoning behind it, maybe being autistic is less

> definitive, or considered something more permanent? I want to be

> sensitive but I don't understand the reasoning. I do need to

> understand it and don't want to offend anyone, so please explain it

> and forgive my ignorance on the matter.

>

> Thanks,

> Mark

>

[Guest guest]

Re: labels you're so...w r o n g....! !

I didn't say that - I was quoting somebody else (notice the quotemarks, go back and look at the thread). I wrote the part below thequote. I guess the part I wrote below wasn't read. Well I guessnothing I can do if I can't get someone to explain what I don'tunderstand, and nobody cares to understand me either. I think thatsome folks around here could probably use some folate though. It didwonders for my son's depression, and now I'm on it. Roop-tee-dooooo.Mark> >> > There are some autistics (of prior generation especially) who don't> consider autism something to be cured, but to be overcome (that is to> say, it is not a "disease", nor is it simply being poisoned, but it is> a neurological affliction caused only by genetics, and runs in their> families, and can according to them, only be overcome by harsh> training and discipline). These are a small percentage of people who> have had autism in their family for generations. This is not the same> class as the recent epidemic of this past decade. These types would> probably prefer to be caused autistic, and not say they "have" autism,> as if it were a disease. I've heard one autistic man express that he> felt insulted for anyone to think that it was anything but genetic.> > Then there are some younger generation autistics who would prefer that> people don't say they are autistic, but that they have autism. I'm> not sure the reasoning behind it, maybe being autistic is less> definitive, or considered something more permanent? I want to be> sensitive but I don't understand the reasoning. I do need to> understand it and don't want to offend anyone, so please explain it> and forgive my ignorance on the matter.> > Thanks,> Mark>